Turkey and Dressing Soup

Save that Turkey Carcass!!

In my opinion the best part of the Thanksgiving dinner are the leftovers! A neighbor and friend, Thayle Wolf, shared this recipe with me years ago! She loved to discuss recipes and I often received a cookbook from her on my birthday. When Thayle moved, she gave me a very large crock mixing bowl. Now that she has passed, I think of her every time I use that bowl, which is often. I miss those talks about food, but her treasured friendship are stored in my memory forever! 

This soup is unique and so tasty. If I don’t want to make it right after we have the turkey, I put the carcass in a large plastic bag and freeze it until I’m ready to brew up a tasty pot!

Turkey and Dressing Soup:
1 turkey carcass
5 chicken bouillon cubes
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
7 pints water
12 oz bulk pork sausage
2-3 cups crumbled cooked stuffing
2-3 cups cubed turkey
2 Tbsp parsley
1 tsp celery seed
Parmesan cheese, grated

In a large stock pot, add turkey carcass, bouillon cubes, bay leaves, and water. Simmer 2 hours. Brown sausage and drain. Remove carcass and bay leaves (I pour broth through a colander, saving the broth) return broth to stove, add remaining ingredients, sausage, turkey, stuffing, parsley, celery seed, salt and pepper to taste. You can add chopped carrots and onions if you wish. Heat and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!