Turkey Divan (freezer meal option)

I do not like leftovers. I just don't. I never have.  The idea of eating the same thing 2 nights in a row is dreadful to me.  So, why then, do I insist upon cooking enough for a small army every night?  Who knows. Usually when there are leftovers we send a text to one of my husbands single friends and he is here packing up.  He even went so far as to buy his own reusable plastic containers a few years ago!  When he isn't around we give it all to my mother in law.  So I'm not a spoiled wasteful girl after all. 

However, since I made the change to become a stay at homer, I'm painfully more aware of the cost of not having leftovers. So instead of eating the same meal, I am really enjoying trying to transform the leftovers.  I especially like to be able to freeze the meal, so I still get away with not having it two nights in a row.  I know, I'm a brat like that.

A few weeks ago there was a great sale on hotel style turkey.  So on day one I roasted it and we had a traditional turkey dinner.  Then, instead of passing off the leftover turkey, Turkey Divan was made and put in the freezer.  I felt so accomplished!

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INGREDIENTS:

o   2 T butter

o   2 T flour

o   1 ¼ C milk

o   1 egg yolk

o   ¼ tsp dry mustard

o   ¼ tsp salt

o   1/8 tsp ground black pepper

o   ½ C shredded cheddar cheese

o   20 oz frozen broccoli, cooked & drained

o   Leftover turkey, roughly chopped (maybe a pound)

o   2 T parmesan cheese

o   ¼ C breadcrumbs 

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt butter. Whisk in flour and let it come to a bubble.  Whisk in milk & egg yolk slowly.  Add mustard, salt and pepper.  Bring just to a boil and then remove from heat.  Stir on cheese.

In a small bowl combine breadcrumbs & parmesan cheese.  Set aside.

Layer a 9x13 casserole with broccoli, turkey, sauce and finally top it with breadcrumb mixture.

At this point you can wrap twice in plastic and cover with foil and pop in the freezer OR you can pop it in a 400 degree oven and bake 15 minutes and serve.

To cook from frozen:  Move to refrigerator in the morning.  Cook in 350 oven for 1 hour covered with foil.  Remove foil and continue to cook 30 more minutes or until bubbling.

**NOTE:  You could also use chicken which is traditionally used in divan. 

                   If you like divan extra creamy, just double the sauce.