It is time for those holiday dinners again. Big family meals. Lots of cooking and spending! It really doesn't need to cost a fortune to feed your family or friends for holidays.
Right now I could do it with what I have here and not spend an extra cent. I can almost guarantee there are many others on here that could do the same.
For weeks all I heard was NO turkeys!!! It wasn't time. They started showing up here a couple weeks ago and yes the price was higher. We started at about 1.39/lb. - now they are in abundance in my area with one store selling for .33/lb. I feel confident many other stores will have lower prices this week and next to follow suit.
All the other stuff for dinners is pretty darn cheap.
Bone in turkey or ham to feed 6-8 with sides is $75. Boneless turkey or ham to feed 4-6 with sides is $60. I guess you are paying for the convenience.
In my opinion there is NOTHING that says one has to have turkey or ham for Thanksgiving or any other holiday.
Shouldn't we be grateful for what we have and what we can find and not be angry because something isn't available? I can almost bet the pilgrims did not have turkey or ham at their first celebration. LOL - If they had meat at all it was probably, fish or venison or rabbit.
The day (should be every day) is all about being thankful - not complaining.
Think outside the box if you can't afford to go out shopping, or you can't find something. Fish, beef or pork or venison roasts, chicken - fried or baked, chops, Cornish hens........ There are so many choices and they can all be fancied up.
Sides - well they are cheap. Green beans or green bean casserole - doesn't cost much. Mashed potatoes - potatoes are pretty cheap or you can jazz up packaged potatoes if desired (no shame). Gravy is basically free - drippings and a little thickening and water or milk. Sweet potatoes will be on sale. Corn fixed in any way - super inexpensive. Dressing/stuffing - dried bread, drippings and a few seasonings - pretty simple and cheap. Noodles - flour and eggs - pretty darn cheap.
Dessert - well, use what you have. It doesn't have to be all fancy. Most people are full of the main event - so dessert is just "icing on the cake" so to speak.
Easy CORN PUDDING/CASSEROLE
Love pecan pie - but the cost of pecans is prohibitive? Give this a try. It is really, really good and tastes so much like pecan pie.
If you like turkey - well they are getting cheaper each day. You can also get turkey breast or little turkey roasts.
I saw a neat idea for making something easy and not too expensive the other day.
Use deli turkey slices - spoon dressing over each slice, roll it up (like a jelly roll) and place in a pan and smother with gravy! Heat/bake till heated through. YUM.
How about something like homemade chicken Cordon Bleu? Doesn't have to be difficult. Think sliced chicken - deli ham or even Buddig ham - cheese - coat with melted butter or egg wash and seasoned crumbs - bake!
Use your imagination and get creative. They holidays don't have to break the bank. On the contrary - it is wrong for it to do that. It is supposed to be about being thankful for what we DO HAVE.
We are so truly blessed folks. Please spread the positive vibe to all you know.
If you have no family to spend the day with - maybe have some neighbors or friends get together. Others are alone as well. It doesn't have to be a full fledged dinner - maybe coffee and dessert or a nice luncheon. Just a nice visit is worth a lot.
OR go and help serve dinner and commune with those less fortunate. That is a wonderful way to spend any day. Not only are you making others feel special/loved/nourished - but you are reaching into your self and helping. That is wonderful.
Hope this gives you a few ideas on saving a few dollars this holiday season. No need to go nuts at the grocery stores. YOU GOT THIS!
Thanks, Cheryl. I've made the corn pudding and it's so easy and always a hit. Sprinkle a little shredded cheese on top for an extra kick. Love the Amish Mock Pecan pie idea. When our local news announced there'll be turkey shortages this year, I actually said, "It isn't a law to have turkey for Thanksgiving. Any special meal works and any meal can be special."
ReplyDeleteAlso, it used to be that when groups got together for holidays, especially within families, everyone brought some part of the meal. A side dish. A dessert. Rolls. When did that change, I wonder?
All great ideas and I'm looking forward to your ideas/tips for homemade treats as simple gifts for neighbors, delivery staff, coworkers, etc. --Elise
Love the idea that any meal can be special. Yes it can. ANYTHING - it just depends on who you share it with.
DeleteMy Mom used to make everything and then in later years finally decided to let us all help. I had it for many years and I always did it all - because Mom did.
Now my sister, bless her heart, has the right idea. She gets the meat and makes her noodles and her kids and grands all bring something. She has a huge family so there is always variety.
I like the pitch in thing.
Thanks!!
Those precooked meals take two hours to reheat! Might as well cook!
ReplyDeleteReally? Never had bought one. I prefer homemade even if it's just and even if I have to cook. I like things to taste good - not sure what those would be like.
DeleteI haven't ever bought one but have seen it in the grocery store ads that it only takes 2 hours for Thanksgiving dinner to be done. That's nuts! Much of my big meal is prepped ahead and in crockpots and such and happily cooking on it's own!
DeleteYeah, if I spend that much money for somebody to cook it - it should be hot and ready!
DeleteI always did too. I used to start a couple days ahead and had everything ready to go that morning.
I love the thanksgiving foods so I just make them whenever the mood strikes. I have the last of a pumpkin pie in the fridge now. To me the day, even though I do spend it alone now, is about truly being thankful. All the loved ones that have been part of your life, all the memories to be treasured.
ReplyDeleteI have a well filled pantry and freezer so just will pick my fancy on the day.
EXACTLY! Same here. I can fancy or I can do simple any day I wish. I will probably go to my nieces for Tday - but I will fix myself some yummies to have here as well. I love holiday leftovers!
DeleteWe are so blessed and should be very thankful for past and present!
I wholeheartedly agree Cheryl. We have so much to be thankful for. None of us care for turkey, so we just cook our favorites & add a few traditional sides. We've tried a store cooked Thanksgiving dinner before & not only was it pricey, but it didn't taste half as good as our own food.
ReplyDeleteThat is kind of what I figured on the store fixed - not that good. It is a special day to set aside to be thankful for what we have and for our forefathers and all their sacrifices so that we may be here.
DeleteThe dinner is just a nice thing - not necessary.
I'm looking ahead to Christmas as we've had our Thanksgiving here. I suspect we may end up having mac & cheese with sausage. None of us are fans of turkey nor the entire chicken.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it sounds odd not to have a special meal but we'll make our memories in other ways.
Not odd at all. I love it. Yes, memories come from a lot of other things. I think your meal idea sounds quite tasty - but I am a cheese lover!!!
DeleteWe typically serve steak, but with all of the Thanksgiving sides. Not particularly frugal, but we would adjust as needed if it wasn't available or was too pricey. We make all of our food for Thanksgiving, and spend the day cooking & having fun together. The teens grumble a bit, but generally enjoy the day, despite their best efforts. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds tasty. Nice to be flexible.
DeleteIt sounds like a fun time for everyone. You know one day those grumbling teens will be telling their kids and grandkids about the holidays they had. It will be fond memories for sure!
We will be grateful for what we have no matter what it is. I’m not a fan of turkey anyway, but if that is what we have I will be happy to eat it. I’m just grateful for everything we are blessed with. So many people are doing without or are homeless and so much worse off than we are. I’m thankful for our home and our blessings no matter what they are.
ReplyDeleteWe are blessed beyond measure. U think sometimes posts like this - even though about saving $ - leads us to think and be more appreciative.
DeleteI too - will be happy with whatever I have. So many have nothing.
I know people who prefer a nice Prime Rib. It's super special and they only do it annually. Frugal-no. Special-very much so.
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the things that Kroger offers in the meal plan. It was $85 for that meal plan - so I didn't even mention it! LOL
DeleteYes, we all have splurges - and what better time that at a dinner with family. Each should enjoy what they favor!
I usually wait until about a week before the holiday and get my turkey. We never get down in price as low as you, but I can get a 20 lb bird for around $25.00 and using my CC I get 5% more off that price.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Waiting saves from having to find freezer space for sure! I know prices vary - you would think they would be sort of similar - but aren't.
DeleteYou can sure get many meals out of a big bird. If feeding many in one day - or a few for a long while.
Hope you find one!
If I ever get stranded for a week, hope it is at your house. LOL. You have so many great ideas everytime you write. All the talk about shortages and now all these sales. Scare tactics for sure. Remember most of our food is grown here, so it's not on a cargo carrier somewhere.
ReplyDeleteLOL - thanks!!!! You can come any time.
DeleteI agree - I truly think it is the best marketing strategy ever - and it seems to be working. Tell everyone there is shortages - then charge more and everyone will buy bunches!!
My food isn't out there - so true.
A holiday meal shouldn't break the bank or the homemaker's back...ha! We bought a $.33 a pound turkey at Meijer. One year we bought a meal package and for the most part it was nasty. There will just be three of us and the meal will be pretty simple this year.
ReplyDeleteYAY - glad you got one of the turkeys. My sister went yesterday and got one for her family.
DeleteSimple and family = perfect.
My grandparents were Italian and we always had stuffed shells along with the turkey on Thanksgiving! Certainly the cheaper option
ReplyDeleteStuffed shells is a family favorite at my sister's house. She does all the other s but they love their stuffed shells.
DeleteSounds yummy!
Love all these good ideas and I've always enjoyed cooking the Thanksgiving meal. I found that recipe for Corn Pudding in the newspaper the year my son was born -1988 and I've made it every year since. It's his favorite part of the meal and so easy. Our Kroger store (actually Frys here in AZ) had their store brand turkey for 79 cents a lb. and plenty to choose from so I went ahead and got mine. Looking forward to getting to visit with family and the long weekend.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is an oldy but goody recipe! So happy you got a cheaper bird and that supplies were available.
DeleteFamily and a good meal = nothing better.
When a person has plenty, it is easy to tell yourself that a little deprivation is okay, that substitutes will do. But, when a mother has little, she wants to make everything wonderful for her children. Having to serve so much less than all their dreams is a dreary proposition.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I have no desire to eat only turkey, but it will be poultry. I can be flexible. But, I can imagine the mother wanting to give her children what she perceives everyone on earth has but her and her children.
But, this was a good post on subbing.
You are so right. It is all about perspective. I never really thought about it like that. You make a good point and it is heart breaking to think about. Hopefully those families can have a nice meal and get together with family without spending too much.
DeleteOne year we went to mom and dads for Thanksgiving and she fixed sloppy Joe's. It was her favorite food. She's been gone 19 years now. Last year during Covid we didn't buy a turkey and I fixed sloppy Joe's for my husband and I.
ReplyDeleteMy dad use to get a free turkey from work back in the 80s. My mom didn't like turkey. I think she didn't want to deal with it. I'd take it and fix it since we had 2 teenagers at home, then I would take some to dad. Back when my husband hunted I would take dad some canned venison.
It doesn't matter what you have as long as you enjoy it.
LOVE THIS!!!!!! Sloppy Joe - not a thing wrong with that - and how neat you revived your mom's dinner last year!
DeleteI remember the days of getting turkeys or hams at work - those were the days! Nice that you made it and shared with dad. I am sure he appreciated it.
Look at the fun memories that this has given you - that is wonderful.
I agree - I could eat anything, as long as I enjoy!
Homemade is best and in my opinion, tastier! With that being said, I am very thankful that local grocery stores run those specials of already prepared meals for the holidays. My mom was in the hospital in a neighboring state several years ago and wasn't going to get to come home for Thanksgiving. So we took Thanksgiving to her. I did make some things but we all agreed buying a prepared meal was the best solution. The deli at the store was so kind and made sure everything was piping hot and wrapped extremely well for the 90min. trip to the hospital. The food was actually very good and we were all together. Which is the most important part. My parents are both gone now but it still remains a special, if not typical, memory of Thanksgiving for me.
ReplyDelete