Cheap Eats

Thanksgiving dinner does not have to be a long, expensive, process meant to keep you in the kitchen and away from all the fun.  I love to cook on Thanksgiving because I love to eat it, and when I cook, I know I will like it. So, for those of us who are cooking the whole dinner for say a total of 10 - 15, keep reading.

Appetizers - $10 -  Chips, veggies and dip.  That’s it, you don’t want your guests to get full.

Turkey - $20 - You should already have your turkey thawing in your fridge. If not, hopefully you can still find a deal, and get it in your sink, in cold water, tomorrow.  I usually just rub down the skin with a little olive oil and season it up real good.   The oven bags look pretty good for keeping your turkey nice and moist, but I haven’t tried them.

Stuffing - $3 - Buy the bag (not box) of dried bread cubes.  They are usually cheaper because they are not seasoned.  Find your favorite slow cooker stuffing recipe and get that going.

Potatoes - $3 -  I usually try to make these the night before, because peeling all those potatoes is very time consuming.  There are lots of great make-ahead mashed potatoes recipes.  Reheat on the stove.

Cranberrries - $2 - The whole cranberries are the way to go.  Very healthy and quick. Just use the recipe on the back of the bag. However, there are many people who feel strongly about the “can shape” so it’s pretty easy to have both on hand if necessary.  Get the berries cooked up and then let them cool down a bit so the sauce can thicken.

Green Bean Casserole - $3 - Every year I debate on this one because green beans are not a family favorite, but it is tradition.  The standard cream of mushroom soup casserole is about as easy as you can get. Get it mixed up and in the oven as soon as you take the turkey out.

Salad - $6 - I always like to add an extra salad.  If I am feeling up to it, I make my Seven Layer Salad.  Otherwise, Ceasar Salad is perfect. Easy and healthy, you can make it while the other dishes are cooking.

Dessert - ?? - I’ll leave that one up to you.  I might try my hand at sweet potato pie this year, but we’ll see. I won’t be disappointed if someone brings pumpkin!

I would probably budget a little more than $50 for misc. extras, but overall, your dinner shouldn’t break your bank or your back!!  Happy Thanksgiving!!