You know the drill. The leftovers from Christmas dinner get separated into various containers, and put in the fridge. The carcass goes into the freezer, or immediately into a large pot of water to make stock. 

The discussion begins about what to make with the leftovers. There’s always the classics: turkey soup, turkey curry, or bubble and squeak. There’s the option of Turkey Falafels (like I did last year). But sometimes, the best thing to do is to put everything between a few slices of bread and enjoy a delicious Christmas sandwich.

And that’s what today is all about. After the Elf Yourself Christmas on Sunday, I took home three meals worth of leftovers. Two of those meals were lunch at school. The third is this. 

But, be warned, you need to have really good fresh-from-the-bakery bread. This sandwich just won’t be as good in your run-of-the-mill sliced white bread. I used sourdough from the local Eric Kayser bakery near my flat.

Of course, you can put all of your leftovers into this sandwich: brussels sprouts, stuffing, ham, turkey, parsnips. You name it. As I’d had my leftover veggies for lunch the past couple of days, I chucked in some beautiful fresh baby spinach for my greens. 

And don’t scrimp on the “moist maker” layer of bread in between – trust me! Those of you who watch friends will know what I’m talking about. And you’ll be screaming “YOU ATE MY SANDWICH?!” if anyone goes near my version of the sandwich.

Ingredients

leftover turkey (white and dark meat), shredded/sliced
two handfuls baby spinach
3 slices sourdough bread (or bread of choice)
2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
50 ml leftover gravy
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
pepper

1. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the vinegar and season with pepper to taste.
2. In a pan, heat the leftover gravy up until it is simmering, then remove from the heat.
3. Spread the cranberry sauce over one piece of bread, and then layer on some spinach.
4. Add turkey (and stuffing if you have any).
5. Place another slice of bread into the gravy, and let it soak for about 10 seconds. Flip over and soak the other side.
6. Place the gravy-soaked bread on top of the first layer of turkey.
7. Now place the rest of the spinach onto the sandwich, and add some more turkey.
8. On the final layer of bread, spread the apple cider mayonnaise, and place on top of the sandwich.
9. Squish down, slice in half, and enjoy.