Thanksgiving Leftovers: Turkey Croquettes

This is one of the best ways to use up leftover turkey that I've ever found. As a matter of fact, it's so delicious that I don't just limit myself to making these at this time of year. It's a great easy recipe to keep in your repertoire. Poach a single turkey breast (remarkably easy to find in the grocery meat section these days) in some water and you're set.

Note: This makes quite a few croquettes, and is a hard recipe to cut in half. I took the leftover mixture and put it in a small ramekin topped with breadcrumbs. Heated it through and voila...turkey meat loaf of sorts. Quite tasty.

Turkey Croquettes
From Martha Stewart Living.
Makes 20 croquettes.

1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 medium onion, minced
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh savory or thyme
2 cups finely chopped cooked turkey
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup mashed potatoes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups finely ground fresh breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
Cranberry sauce, for serving

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, 1 teaspoons salt, and teaspoon pepper. Cook for 3 minutes. Stir in sage and savory or thyme, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in turkey and cream, and cook until liquid evaporates, about 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl, and let cool for 15 minutes.

Add potatoes, flour, and egg to turkey, and season with salt and pepper.

Drop 2 tablespoons turkey mixture into a shallow bowl of breadcrumbs, turn to coat, and pat into 2-inch disks. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for 10 minutes. (Note: Do NOT skip the chilling step. It helps them from falling apart when you're frying them. I learned this the hard way...)

Heat 1/4 inch oil in a skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, cook croquettes in a single layer until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve immediately with cranberry sauce.