13 November 2018
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and while many of us are going home for the holidays to spend it with our family, some of us are staying back and spending the time alone or with friends. Regardless of where you will be, you have to eat a Thanksgiving meal! It is the only time of the year where a feast like that is acceptable. But sadly, not all of us (almost none of us) can afford the crazy concoctions one needs for a Thanksgiving feast. But never fear, I am here to show you how to have a wonderful Thanksgiving feast on a budget.
The Turkey
These delicious birds can range anywhere from 50 – 100 dollars depending on the size you are going for. Regardless of if you pick a smaller sized bird, it will still be too expensive. There are a few suggestion that I can make for you.
1. Costco Rotisserie Chicken (~ $4.99)
I know it is not a turkey, but it is just as good, especially if there is only going to be one or two people. Costco chicken is already made, relatively cheap and to most people, pretty dang good!
2. Whole Chicken (~ $6.00)
This is for all of the people that are not fans of Costco, or do not have a membership card. Whole chickens are about $1.28 a pound and a chicken is roughly 5lbs. Overall, it is still a cheaper option from a turkey and you will be able to season it in any way you see fit (or you can afford).
3. Turkey Deli Slices (~ $3.00/package)
Some of us don’t want to put that much effort into making a turkey or rummaging through Costco trying to get to the rotisserie section. Deli slices are another, perfectly fine alternative to an actual whole turkey. And just think about it, they are already carved!
The Various Fixings
1. Mashed Potatoes
- Russet Potatoes (~ $3.00/5lb bag)
You have the ability to buy a bag of potatoes, bake, microwave or boil them and then mash them to their creamy perfection. Just don’t forget to buy butter, cream, or anything else you use for your mashed potatoes.
- Instant Potatoes (~ $1.00/package)
Instant Potatoes are a great alternative to hand making your own mashed potatoes. The best part is that all you will need is a pot and water, then like magic, you have mashed potatoes.
2. Stuffing
- Stove Top Stuffing (~ $2.00/box)
Making stuffing from scratch is way too time consuming, so why not just grab a box and make some boxed stuffing? All you have to do is buy a box, read the directions, and voila! You have stuffing.
3. Gravy
- Package of Gravy (~$1.00/package)
Just like the instant mashed potatoes, all you have to do is add water, and you will instantly have gravy for your meal.
4. Green Bean Casserole
- Can of Green beans (~$2.00/can)
- Crispy Onions (~$2.00/package)
- Cream of Mushroom (~$2.00/can)
For a total of roughly 6 dollars, you can have a perfectly yummy green bean casserole for relatively cheap!
5. Cranberries
- Can of Cranberries (~$2.00/can)
Not a lot of people are fans of the cranberries, but if you are, the canned version is one of the easiest ways to buy and instantly have the sauce.
Thanksgiving is a great time for feasting, friends and family. For those of you hosting your own Thanksgiving, spending it alone or just with a few friend, these tips will help you spend as little money a possible!