We all know that one of the best parts of Thanksgiving is eating the leftovers right? At least that’s how my family feels. I host a huge turkey day for upwards of 40 plus people and we still manage to have leftovers…in fact, we purposely make extra for just that reason. It just seems like the original “day of” meal goes by so quickly…no matter how much we try to savor the moment and just take our time enjoying each other and the deliciousness, it’s like hours and hours of preparation and then it takes like 15 minutes to eat the meal! Maybe that’s why we love to have leftovers…. Well, either way, we have a fun idea for something a little different to do with the leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. We are kind of obsessed with our panini maker. I mean, who doesn’t love a hot sandwich smashed together oozing with gooey cheese? If you don’t, I’m so sorry. You are really missing out. The panini maker seriously makes a hot sandwich so much more fun.
Stephanie Heymann Photography
We like to buy a freshly made hearty bread that you can cut into thick slices because it’s going to get smashed down flat. Pre sliced bread is too thin and doesn’t work as well. Plus, with the fresh stuff, you can have fun picking different flavors. This one is an artisan oat and is so yum. Put the cheese down onto the bread so it helps bind the sandwich together.
Stephanie Heymann Photography
Brush olive oil or smear a little softened butter onto the outer side of each slice and get to pressing!
Stephanie Heymann Photography
- 4 slices bread of your choice (we prefer a fresh artisan or hearty Italian bread)
- 6 slices brie cheese
- 4 pieces carved turkey - possibly more depending on the size of the slices
- 2 Tbsp cranberry orange relish (see ingredients below)
- 1 Tbsp good quality olive oil
- 1 pound fresh cranberries
- 1 C freshly squeezed orange juice
- zest of 1 orange
- ½ C pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp Disaronno, brandy or orange liqueur
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- In a small saucepan over medium high heat combine all ingredients except for the orange zest. Bring to a boil and reduce to low, cover and continue to cook for 12-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool, garnish with orange zest.
- Heat panini press or heat a large skillet over medium high heat. While the panini press or skillet is heating assemble the sandwiches.
- Spread orange cranberry relish over 2 pieces of bread. Pile turkey on top and add sliced brie over the turkey, top with the other slice of bread. Brush olive oil on the outsides of each sandwich.
- If using a panini press place the sandwiches in the press and cook 3-5 minutes until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. If using a skillet add sandwiches to the skillet and place something heavy on top like a cast iron skillet or even a brick. Flip after 2-3 minutes to cook the other side. The panini is done when the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Cut in half and enjoy!
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