1. Make your plan!
Make a list of what you need for your meal. Compare your list to what you have in your pantry. This way you only buy what you have to. Don’t forget to check your spices – this is something that I always seen to forget. I have SEVERAL open bottles of poultry seasoning.
2. Cry for help!
If you are having people over for Thanksgiving, ask them to help. They would probably love to help. They probably expect to be asked to help. Even if they are not great cooks they could bring some bakery rolls or pie cooked from frozen.
3. Don’t be too crazy!
Don’t have lots of snacks or appetizers at your Thanksgiving dinner. You are already going to have lots of food on the table, and worrying about appetizers will just give you more stress. Really, when was the last time you walked away from that Thanksgiving table hungry? In our family we do have a veggie tray and usually a cheese ball and crackers, but even that seems like a lot of extra food sometimes
4. Shop around!
Make sure you check the ads! Use your coupons! This upcoming week will probably be the Turkey Wars! Stores will offer great deals on turkeys. I like to buy my turkeys at Smith’s (Kroger), they give great prices on turkeys. Usually, when you spend $25 in the store you can get a turkey for as little as about $7.
5. Buy a big bird!
When you buy your Thanksgiving turkey, go for the largest one you can find. Usually, the larger turkeys are the cheapest per pound, which will increase your savings. I usually find a 23-25 pound turkey for about $7. You want leftovers right?
6. Yummy Leftovers!
Use your leftovers! Set aside some turkey meat to be used in turkey sandwiches later in the week. I like to save enough for a couple of meals for my family. THEN Divide leftover turkey meat and bones into zippered freezer storage bags. I just keep about 2 cups or so of meat in each bag. Pop them in the freezer and then you can pull them out and use them in soups and casserole for the up coming months. You should be able to store cooked frozen turkey for about 3-6 months.
Okay so I don’t ever have to cook the WHOLE meal for Thanksgiving, in fact I don’t usually have to bring the turkey, BUT, I still buy the turkeys (usually 2-3). I cook one the day after Thanksgiving and then use up the leftovers for a couple of months and then cook another!
If you are looking for a great way to cook your turkey….. I bought this roaster a couple of years ago and I LOVE IT!! I use it all the time!
