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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Classic WALDORF SALAD and another Turkey Leftover Idea

When I started pondering this post, an old TV ad went through my head... CERTS, is it a breath mint, is it a candy mint... It's two, two, two mints in one!



Well, this post is a classic Salad Recipe AND a Turkey Leftover Recipe... It's two, two two posts in one!

According to the American Century Cookbook, the first Waldorf Salad was created in New York City in 1893, by Oscar Tschirky, the maître d'hôtel of the Waldorf Astoria. The original recipe consisted only of diced red-skinned apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Chopped walnuts were added later to this now American classic. I added nuts and red grapes...

First, as always, assemble your ingredients, or, Mise en place if you please...



1/2 cup toasted, chopped WALNUTS
1/2 cup thinly sliced CELERY
1/2 cup sliced red seedless GRAPES
1 cored and chopped SWEET APPLE
3 TBSP Mayonnaise (don't you judge me, but I substituted LIGHT MIRACLE WHIP)
1 TBSP Fresh Squeezed LEMON JUICE

And mix!


I want to thank EASYSALADRECIPES.COM where I found this recipe, altered it a bit (light Miracle Whip), and stole their photograph. I really hated doing that, as I am a bit of a stickler for copyright issues. I have dropped the good folks at http://www.easysaladrecipes.com/ and explained my situation, and hopefully they are generous enough to not mind. The reason I had to steal their photo was that I made this for the night of the TURDUCKEN party (sounds like a foodie horror movie). I was making 9 dishes that day, and I simply forgot to take an original photograph of this salad. Mine looked pretty much like the shot above, but had red grapes instead of green.

And the verdict... We spend a lot of time trying to make recipes our own, substituting ingredients and adding new items to make recipes our own... This is a classic, and there is a reason... Perfect in every way. Low in calorie, yet very satisfying. Easy to make, filled with fresh fruits. Healthy and tasty. Again, the Turducken was served to my guests just a few days before they would all celebrate their own Thanksgiving. I wanted to serve something similar, yet different from what they had planned to serve for their guests. This was perfect for that. I loved the taste of this. I ate it several days as a light lunch leftover, and it was wonderful each day. Just cause it is a classic, does not mean we can't forgo our need to alter and improve once in awhile. This needs no altering, nor improving!

And now, as promised... A second recipe perfect for that bit of leftover Turkey...

Just add a bit of the leftover turkey on the top of a bit of the leftover Waldorf Salad

Changes a light snack to a meal! Or, for your Turkey leftovers... If you make this salad, and have some leftover turkey, it's two, two, two meals in one!

23 comments:

  1. That sounds absolutely wonderful! What a delicious way to use up left over turkey or even chicken! Yummy! Thanks for sharing with us today.

    Don't forget to grab your award!!!

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  2. It looks delicious, even though I don't like Miracle whip - I may sub Greek yogurt though? Do you think that would work??

    Yep, totally remember that commercial! Back in the days when we only had 7 channels! :D

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  3. That sounds awesome. Even with Miracle Whip. ;)

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  4. I love Waldorf salad and this one looks particularly good.

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  5. Turkey and blue cheese go well together in a Chef's salad, too!

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  6. Thats lovely...I love Waldorf Salads...and your take on it must taste delicious !..also nice organisation of the mise en place... i never do that...just run around the kitchen opening and closing pantry cupboards, slamming fridge doors.....it does waste time does'nt it!...need to practice this more often...

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  7. This would be great in a wrap, too, with some sprouts! Awesome! I always did have a weakness for Waldorf salad...

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  8. Oh my gosh, I totally forgot about Certs! Do they even make that anymore??

    I haven't had waldorf salad in forever, but I totally love it and adding the turkey is a great idea too!

    I've added you to my blog roll!

    And, I don't know if you knew that me & Biz319 are twins!

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  9. I agree with you that classics are classics for a reason and shouldn't be messed with. However, Miracle Whip is a classic in itself and should be allowed to make an appearance in any salad. Great idea to add the turkey. It would be good in a pita.

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  10. That is it! I am sending my husband to you and don't send him back until he can make at least a week's worth of your AWESOME recipes! OK?? OK!!

    Gin

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  11. such an awesome way to clear up the mess :) And thank you for the book suggestion! But you got me very intrigued with the hygiene thing of the past. Do tell..!!

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  12. I've never had a Waldorf salad. No seriously. I've lived such a sheltered childhood thus far;)

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  13. I remember that commercial too!

    The salad sounds great.... haven't had a Waldorf salad in a long time.

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  14. Now I wish I had more turkey leftover - you have so many great ideas!

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  15. This does look good and I'm wishing my turkey wasn't already gone. I'll have to sub chicken.
    I do remember the certs commercials; I feel realy old now. :)

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  16. Oh I'm loving the turkey leftover ideas. I still have some left!

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  17. Waldorf salad is an old favorite; terrific idea to top with some leftover turkey!

    I had forgotten the old Certs commercial and had to laugh when reminded of it.

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  18. Oh yes, Waldorf Salad is a classic...and I adore it! Sounds delicious :D

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  19. Ohh, yummy! I really need to make that turkey breast cuz all the leftover recipes are making me hungry!

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  20. What a great way to use leftovers. Waldorf salad was always part of mid-western holiday feasts. I'm glad you are giving it second life.

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  21. Great salad! I can't eat Miracle whip so I will try it with the Mayonnaise!

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  22. Oh my….I remember those Certs commercials so well…that’s dating myself, I know . So funny…Love love love Waldorf salad. And love what you did here with the turkey leftovers.

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