Thanksgiving Day Feast on the Cheap

By drodriguez Nov 19, 2008

The idea of cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for a veritable army of family members is bound to be causing some worry during these tough economic times. What if you just can’t afford it this year? Planning a potluck dinner where all of the guests bring an assigned dish, henceforth splitting the grocery bill is a great way to save this year.

But what if you have relatives coming from out of town or your own brood at home is big enough to send you into the red? A recent article from Epicurious.com offers some great tips on how to save on your Thanksgiving dinner this year. If you can follow these tips, you can make a meal for 8 people for well under $100.

One helpful tip is to purchase produce that is in season. Veggies like asparagus and artichokes will be off limits, since they are out of season and likely to be overpriced. Also, buying a bunch of fresh herbs rather than dried and jarred herbs can save you a good deal.

When it comes to the bird, it is best to go with supermarket brand turkey. You can still find a free-range or organic turkey and it will cost loads less than a more prestigious brand.

Another tip offered from Epicurious is to feel free to bend the rules when you are following a recipe. If your recipe calls for three different kinds of herbs, don’t be afraid to just choose one. Substituting water for canned stock in a soup works, as well as using flour and water to thicken gravy rather than making turkey stock.

No matter how much you spend this year on your Thanksgiving dinner, we all know what really matters is the togetherness we’ll share with friends and family. The most memorable moments on holidays usually have little to do with the food on the table but rather the people sitting at it.

For a complete list of Epicurious’s money saving tips or to check out the menu for the under $100 Thanksgiving meal you can visit: http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/thanksgiving/budgetmenu

What do you think of the tips listed above to help you save on your Thanksgiving meal this year?

Do you have anything special you will be doing this Thanksgiving as a way to cut down on costs?

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Comments

by jerilgm | St Louis, MO

Nov 20, 2008

Do people really eat brussel sprouts? I've seen them listed on several Thanksgiving day menus but don't know anyone who eats them. Maybe it's just us midwesterners that avoid brussel sprouts at all costs.

by jamiesmom | Sterlington, LA

Nov 19, 2008

I read the article but really, who in their right mind would spend $50 on a pecan pie? I don't see spending $15 on ingredients instead of $50 on a premade as a money saving tip. Wal-mart sells premade pecan pies for ~$5 every day... And $2 a lb for a turkey seems steep too. I bought a butterball for .89 cents a lb. Maybe I'm just cheap though...

by jojostarbuck | New York, NY

Nov 19, 2008

I loved this article. Thanks for pointing it out to us in these turbulent times.

by thecouponsista | MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Nov 19, 2008

Good article full of useful tips. Thanks!

by MSauerbrei | Phoenix, AZ

Nov 19, 2008

Great article. This is my first Thanksgiving as Hostess and I'm having 12 people over. I keep forgetting that the most important thing is the people you're with and not how many side dishes I can fit on the table.

by MrsWsKitchen | Rome, NY

Nov 19, 2008

My sister-in-law's office always provides our turkey. I bought all the bread for my stuffing this year on day-old markdown. I use better-than-bullion instead of broth for gravy. Instead of several veg sides, we have a big green salad with a few slices of crumbled bacon, chopped apple, and a handful of dried cran or raisins. A vinaigrette of balsamic, maple syrup and olive oil (equal portions, plus salt and pepper) give it that seasonal something. My mother brings pies, however if I had to do dessert myself, I would probably make a simple apple-dried cranberry galette and a certain spiced pumpkin pudding I make (just instant vanilla pudding mix with added canned pumpkin and spices) topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.

by mandyspeaking | MILFORD, PA

Nov 19, 2008

great tips thanks!