Frugal Feast - Don't Fret - It's Possible

 Here we are at the holiday season again.  Next week is Thanksgiving here in the U.S.  A feast is always anticipated.  WHY?  

Should we not be thankful everyday for what we have and celebrate each and every day that God has given us?  YES

This year many families are staying home and just having a simpler version of the holiday.  Many folks have been short on money for months and may not have the funds to do a big spread.  That is OK!!!!!!!

A feast can be anything - especially if you are sharing with someone you care about.

In the U.S. turkeys are like stupid cheap right now.  Frozen turkey can be purchased just about every where for .31 - .39 a pound!  You can't get anything else that cheap.

BUT if you can't shop or have no funds to shop or choose to just stay in - have something else!

You can have turkey, ham, chicken (fixed any way you choose), pork roast, pork chops, beef roast, lasagna, spaghetti, chili, meatloaf (or meatloaf burgers*), fish...........................etc..

Shoot fire and save matches - you can have a grilled cheese and tomato soup or a bologna sandwich.  Have whatever you have on hand and BE THANKFUL!

You can even get a bit creative with store bought pre-packaged foods (many can be purchased for little $ right now with sales or even purchased at the Dollar Tree).

Here's a simple idea using inexpensive food and jazzing it up a little.  Stuffing mix - add a can or 2 of chicken meat and a can of cream of chicken soup and a little water or milk.  Bake or heat on stove for a great side with meat added.  Potatoes - add some sour cream or extra cheese or even cream cheese.  Green beans - season up and go.  Have one of those little hams - bake it up with a little OJ over it or some peach jam - spiff it up.

Make your own stuffing - dry up some bread chucks (any kind) add in celery and onion (or celery seed if no fresh) - broth and/or cream of celery or chicken soup.  I always add an egg.  Super easy to make - bake until heated through and lightly browned on top.  Super frugal!!

*Meatloaf burgers (mentioned above).  Mix up your normal meatloaf and make burger patties out of it and fry.  No need for an oven and these taste just like meatloaf.  Easy and yummy.

I am not a big cranberry sauce fan - but I LOVE mixing whole berry sauce with mandarin orange slices (slightly drained - keep juice for other uses) and throw in a big handful of chopped walnuts or pecans.  YUM!  I also like whole berry sauce mixed with applesauce - it is such a good treat.  You could use as a salad or a dessert.

Cranberry sauce added to apples for a pie or crisp is super yummy too.  Sweet and tart.

Have potatoes?  Potatoes are super cheap right now.  Our Aldi has them for 1.89 for 10 lbs. and some places are cheaper.  10 lbs. of potatoes can go a long way!!!!  Cook up 2 or 3 and make yummy and comforting mashed potatoes (for a couple people).  Twice baked potatoes.  Fried, baked, smothered, potato soup, hash browns..........................breakfast, lunch and super!

SO - you aren't doing any special shopping or can't - OK.  Check your pantries and your freezers and add a little imagination to the mix and you can have a SUPER FRUGAL FEAST!!!!!

If you do shop - there are crazy wicked good deals going on right now.  Stock up on what you can and be prepared for the winter months ahead.

Remember to be thankful EVERY DAY for all you have.  What you have in your pantry or freezer could be an absolute miracle to another family.  IF you have the opportunity to help a family that is down and out this season - please do.

God bless you all.

STAY FRUGAL.  HAVE A SIMPLE FEAST.  BE FULL.  AND MOST OF ALL - BE THANKFUL!!!!!