It’s that time!

Leftover time!

The holiday dishes have all been put away, but there’s a delicious reminder in the fridge of all that merriment and cheer.

It’s turkey and Chateaubriand and prime rib roast and spiral ham all tucked in their Tupperware beds. Just waiting to be called upon for the Leftover Parade.

There are two ways to go about this.

One: Reheat and serve.

I’m partial to this one because I’m usually exhausted.

-OR-

Two: Repurpose those leftovers into equally dazzling second meals.

My sister-in-law Chef Sandy is a master at this.

Roast turkey becomes turkey soup, turkey stew, turkey enchiladas.

Spiral ham becomes ham omelettes and ham soup.

Chateaubriand? Why, beef sliders, of course!

What are your favorite leftover ideas? Time to whip them up!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Everyone has their own ideas of what makes a great holiday table.

Some cannot veer from the classic turkey, spiral ham and sides combo.

And I understand that. I’m in touch with that.

Sometimes, holiday time is the only time of year you serve those dishes.

But, for some, the holiday table allows you to try something out of the ordinary and special like Chateaubriand or prime rib.

The most important thing is that your holiday table makes YOU happy.

Have you ever served a nice salmon or lobster on your holiday table?

How about lasagna?

Tell me, what are you serving on your holiday table this year?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

What really makes you happy?

For me, it’s good food, good people and gratefulness.

Here’s my RECIPE for a happy life during the holidays (and all year ‘round):

Add equal parts juicy steak and potatoes

Place happy, smiling people around my table

Sprinkle liberally a good dose of humility and thankfulness

That’s it.

It’s simple, really.

If we all focus on the truly wonderful things we have in this life, there’s no room for the negative.

I did mention steak, though, too, right? Make sure there’s steak.

Hungry people tend to be grumpy.

The taste of a perfectly grilled steak with its hearty, yet tender, flavor makes everything right in my world. The happiness recipe definitely calls for steak.

Enjoy the holidays with this recipe, friends! And be sure to share it!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.