Comments on: 10 Tactics for a Cheaper (and Saner) Thanksgiving Dinner http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:58:58 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: chacha1 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-817054 chacha1 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:46:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-817054 I've hosted T-day for a small group for years, and I've only cooked the turkey once. Have gotten smoked whole ones (Greenberg's from Texas) and "honey-glazed" style breast(from Allen Brothers) that was as juicy and tasty as ham. Having no BBQ or fryer and a small oven, it's just not happening to do a turkey AND the sides. And frankly, my guests find the turkey the least important part of the day. As to what to drink ... pinot noir is great, but prosecco or cava is also terrific, cheap, and festive. I’ve hosted T-day for a small group for years, and I’ve only cooked the turkey once. Have gotten smoked whole ones (Greenberg’s from Texas) and “honey-glazed” style breast(from Allen Brothers) that was as juicy and tasty as ham. Having no BBQ or fryer and a small oven, it’s just not happening to do a turkey AND the sides. And frankly, my guests find the turkey the least important part of the day. As to what to drink … pinot noir is great, but prosecco or cava is also terrific, cheap, and festive.

]]> By: Sara http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-817024 Sara Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:56:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-817024 Frying a turkey is definitely not a frugal choice (nothing against those who want to spend the money to do something special, though). Buying a turkey fryer and oil can easily triple the cost of the meal. Even if you already have a fryer, the oil alone costs as much as the turkey. Plus, it can be dangerous! Frying a turkey is definitely not a frugal choice (nothing against those who want to spend the money to do something special, though). Buying a turkey fryer and oil can easily triple the cost of the meal. Even if you already have a fryer, the oil alone costs as much as the turkey. Plus, it can be dangerous!

]]> By: Kathy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-815352 Kathy Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:17:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-815352 I brine my turkey ahead of time, but I wouldn't cook it on Tuesday. I do my baking and I cook up my sausage and some of the stuffing components to save time on Thanksgiving day. I brine my turkey ahead of time, but I wouldn’t cook it on Tuesday. I do my baking and I cook up my sausage and some of the stuffing components to save time on Thanksgiving day.

]]> By: Kate http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-815346 Kate Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:59:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-815346 I did a big spaghetti dinner for Xmas one year. I loved it but I think that my family wasn't so hot about it. Too untraditional. I did a big spaghetti dinner for Xmas one year. I loved it but I think that my family wasn’t so hot about it. Too untraditional.

]]> By: tentaculistic http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-815265 tentaculistic Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:09:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-815265 I love these ideas! Usually the stress is so high, and cooks are exhausted by the end of the day. I think all families should have a rule that cooks don't clean up, esp on Tgving. Personally, I could keep on eating Thanksgiving sandwiches for a week, I like them better than the actual Tgiving meal. It's the one time of year you can rationalize a sandwich that is horrible for you, but SO GOOD! I love a sandwich built from: soft potato bread, turkey slices, mashed potatoes, a bit of cranberry sauce, a bit of horseradish for zing, and a little cold gravy (spread like mayo on the turkey). Nom nom nom! I am totally with the lasagna thing, I'd be down with lasagna for Tgiving! This year I tried to tempt the fam into a nontraditional Tgiving dinner ("hey, we could try Thai or Mexican Thanksgiving!")... yeah, good try girl! Didn't work. Oh well :) I love these ideas! Usually the stress is so high, and cooks are exhausted by the end of the day. I think all families should have a rule that cooks don’t clean up, esp on Tgving.

Personally, I could keep on eating Thanksgiving sandwiches for a week, I like them better than the actual Tgiving meal. It’s the one time of year you can rationalize a sandwich that is horrible for you, but SO GOOD! I love a sandwich built from: soft potato bread, turkey slices, mashed potatoes, a bit of cranberry sauce, a bit of horseradish for zing, and a little cold gravy (spread like mayo on the turkey). Nom nom nom!

I am totally with the lasagna thing, I’d be down with lasagna for Tgiving! This year I tried to tempt the fam into a nontraditional Tgiving dinner (”hey, we could try Thai or Mexican Thanksgiving!”)… yeah, good try girl! Didn’t work. Oh well :)

]]> By: Peggy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-815106 Peggy Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:33:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-815106 "Save the bones." To get the richest stock, break whatever bones you can. Put the bones in a crockpot and cover with cold water and a tablespoon of vinegar (draws minerals out of the bones and helps break down cartiledge.) Add carrot, onion and celery and let simmer on lowest possible heat for 3 days. In the last 12 hours, uncover it to let it simmer down a little when you are home and awake and add a little parsley. Strain into canning jars and freeze. This makes a very rich, flavorful broth that has amazing health benefits! “Save the bones.” To get the richest stock, break whatever bones you can. Put the bones in a crockpot and cover with cold water and a tablespoon of vinegar (draws minerals out of the bones and helps break down cartiledge.) Add carrot, onion and celery and let simmer on lowest possible heat for 3 days. In the last 12 hours, uncover it to let it simmer down a little when you are home and awake and add a little parsley. Strain into canning jars and freeze.

This makes a very rich, flavorful broth that has amazing health benefits!

]]> By: Kate http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-815104 Kate Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:21:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-815104 There is no way that I could cook a turkey on Tuesday and it would still be in the fridge on Thursday. My husband would sneak and take just a little bit and then just a little bit more and just a little tiny bit more. There is no way that I could cook a turkey on Tuesday and it would still be in the fridge on Thursday. My husband would sneak and take just a little bit and then just a little bit more and just a little tiny bit more.

]]> By: Rosa Rugosa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814691 Rosa Rugosa Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:55:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814691 I would love some lasagna next Thursday! What's the big deal about turkey? A second-rate entree at best. Let's start a national holiday built around lobster! I would love some lasagna next Thursday! What’s the big deal about turkey? A second-rate entree at best. Let’s start a national holiday built around lobster!

]]> By: Des http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814513 Des Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:29:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814513 Isn't that sort of like serving leftovers? Isn’t that sort of like serving leftovers?

]]> By: almost there http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814468 almost there Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:46:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814468 I miss the turkey rolls the cooks used to prepare on the submarines I served on. No bones to deal with, just bake and cut the string netting for great turkey. I don't miss the dehydrated potatoes though because the paper instructionsost likely ended up on someone's plate. Going to a buffet works if you don't want the cleanup and work involved. I miss the turkey rolls the cooks used to prepare on the submarines I served on. No bones to deal with, just bake and cut the string netting for great turkey. I don’t miss the dehydrated potatoes though because the paper instructionsost likely ended up on someone’s plate. Going to a buffet works if you don’t want the cleanup and work involved.

]]> By: Bill http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814461 Bill Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:23:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814461 If your going to cook it 2 days early, why not just buy it pre-cooked and frozen. Then you can just zap it. YUM!!!! If your going to cook it 2 days early, why not just buy it pre-cooked and frozen. Then you can just zap it. YUM!!!!

]]> By: Tammy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814448 Tammy Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:04:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814448 We have a roaster, so it is basically put the bird in and forget it for the next several hours. I think it is much more challenging to get all the sides on the table and still have everything be hot. My stepmother does not own a dishwasher since it seems foolish for 2 people. So on Thanksgiving, when we have about 20 people over, she rents a portable one for the weekend. She always says it is the best decision she ever made regarding the holidays. That way everyone can visit with family instead of fussing over mountains of dirty dishes. We have a roaster, so it is basically put the bird in and forget it for the next several hours. I think it is much more challenging to get all the sides on the table and still have everything be hot.

My stepmother does not own a dishwasher since it seems foolish for 2 people. So on Thanksgiving, when we have about 20 people over, she rents a portable one for the weekend. She always says it is the best decision she ever made regarding the holidays. That way everyone can visit with family instead of fussing over mountains of dirty dishes.

]]> By: Kevin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814444 Kevin Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:44:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814444 If I went to someone's home for Thanksgiving dinner and learned that they'd cooked the turkey a day or two before, I'd be disappointed. This is akin to someone greeting me at the door and saying, "Welcome to our home for Thanksgiving! We're having lasagna." Sacrilege!! Part of the fun of Thanksgiving (for me, anyway) is trying to cook the turkey to a point at which it's absolutely perfectly done... with moist, juicy meat. I totally agree, however, that casseroles and the like ought to be prepared beforehand. Another benefit of making soup is it somewhat simplifies clean-up: just plunk the carcass in a giant Ziploc bag. Finally: you need to spend what you can afford when it comes to wine, and I certainly HAVE found decent bottles for under $10, but much of the Two Buck Chuck stuff is a perfect example of "getting what you paid for." IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT, don't skimp on wine (and booze). If I went to someone’s home for Thanksgiving dinner and learned that they’d cooked the turkey a day or two before, I’d be disappointed. This is akin to someone greeting me at the door and saying, “Welcome to our home for Thanksgiving! We’re having lasagna.” Sacrilege!!

Part of the fun of Thanksgiving (for me, anyway) is trying to cook the turkey to a point at which it’s absolutely perfectly done… with moist, juicy meat. I totally agree, however, that casseroles and the like ought to be prepared beforehand.

Another benefit of making soup is it somewhat simplifies clean-up: just plunk the carcass in a giant Ziploc bag.

Finally: you need to spend what you can afford when it comes to wine, and I certainly HAVE found decent bottles for under $10, but much of the Two Buck Chuck stuff is a perfect example of “getting what you paid for.” IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT, don’t skimp on wine (and booze).

]]> By: J http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814435 J Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:27:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814435 I'll concur with the "bird on the grill" idea. Bird cooked on Tuesday ... no. I also really like to brine the turkey in a maple brine. Turkey/stuffing/cranberry sauce/gravy sandwiches never get old, either :) I’ll concur with the “bird on the grill” idea. Bird cooked on Tuesday … no. I also really like to brine the turkey in a maple brine.

Turkey/stuffing/cranberry sauce/gravy sandwiches never get old, either :)

]]> By: Scott http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814433 Scott Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:23:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814433 As for the wine.... Studies show not even the pros can tell the difference. Just buy what you like cheap or not. I'm finding a lot of great wine locally (in the state anyway) produced. If your area or state produces wine, give it a try, support your local vineyards. It usually costs a tad more but it's more fun and interesting to discover, learn about and support your local economy. As for the wine….

Studies show not even the pros can tell the difference. Just buy what you like cheap or not. I’m finding a lot of great wine locally (in the state anyway) produced. If your area or state produces wine, give it a try, support your local vineyards. It usually costs a tad more but it’s more fun and interesting to discover, learn about and support your local economy.

]]> By: Bavaria http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814431 Bavaria Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:17:51 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814431 Like Emily, I use my crockpot to warm up the monster batch of mashed potatoes I make the day before-I mash in cream cheese and sour cream so they are moist and yummy. And we ask others to bring side dishes and desserts. It makes it easy on me, and others like to share their culinary skills. Like Emily, I use my crockpot to warm up the monster batch of mashed potatoes I make the day before-I mash in cream cheese and sour cream so they are moist and yummy. And we ask others to bring side dishes and desserts. It makes it easy on me, and others like to share their culinary skills.

]]> By: *sara* http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814418 *sara* Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:58:12 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814418 We always barbecue the turkey whole in our weber. Here's 8 of many great reasons why: 1. It cooks quick (3-ish hours) 2. It frees up the oven for other uses 3. Its safe even when power goes out or there's some other unexpected kitchen problem 4. Gives my hubby (and other gentlemen guests) a specific job and a good something to chat about 5. Its always super moist 6. Its very easy and hard to fail when you follow the Weber's instructions - it tells exactly when to add how many briquettes 7. The drippings have a delicious smoky flavor which makes a fantastic gravy! 8. It frees up precious kitchen space since the whole turkey process is taken care of outside, and then brought in to rest just before serving! mmm... BBQ turkey But lots of other great suggestions here, like making things ahead and using the crock pot. Great ideas! We always barbecue the turkey whole in our weber. Here’s 8 of many great reasons why:
1. It cooks quick (3-ish hours)
2. It frees up the oven for other uses
3. Its safe even when power goes out or there’s some other unexpected kitchen problem
4. Gives my hubby (and other gentlemen guests) a specific job and a good something to chat about
5. Its always super moist
6. Its very easy and hard to fail when you follow the Weber’s instructions – it tells exactly when to add how many briquettes
7. The drippings have a delicious smoky flavor which makes a fantastic gravy!
8. It frees up precious kitchen space since the whole turkey process is taken care of outside, and then brought in to rest just before serving!

mmm… BBQ turkey

But lots of other great suggestions here, like making things ahead and using the crock pot. Great ideas!

]]> By: Emily http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814359 Emily Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:30:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814359 I think the turkey is the easiest part of Thanksgiving - except having to get up early to put it on! To simplify I use my crockpots. Green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, corn - all in crockpots. I make my pies and cranberry sauce - the real stuff - the night before and get everything else ready in the crockpots. In the morning I take them out of the fridge and turn them all on. I also wash all the dishes I used to make the side dishes the night before. So on Thanksgiving Day there's nothing much to do but enjoy the company! I think the turkey is the easiest part of Thanksgiving – except having to get up early to put it on! To simplify I use my crockpots. Green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, corn – all in crockpots. I make my pies and cranberry sauce – the real stuff – the night before and get everything else ready in the crockpots. In the morning I take them out of the fridge and turn them all on. I also wash all the dishes I used to make the side dishes the night before. So on Thanksgiving Day there’s nothing much to do but enjoy the company!

]]> By: Michele http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814353 Michele Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:19:27 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814353 I usually make two turkeys- one on Tuesday, and then slice and serve it in gravy in the roaster, and a smaller one in the oven on Thanksgiving. We have a LOT of people, so we satisfy both groups! I also highly second what Trent said about saving the turkey bones and making stock. We are using the last 4 cups from last year's turkey stock to make the gravy for the Tuesday turkey and have used oodles of turkey stock all year. Of course, I have an extra freezer in the garage to store freezer bags full of stock. My one big piece of advice for making the most incredibly moist turkey ever- BRINE IT for 24 hours. There are zillions of great websites with instructions for brining. My all time favorite is Alton Brown's turkey brine.(www.foodnetwork.com) I usually make two turkeys- one on Tuesday, and then slice and serve it in gravy in the roaster, and a smaller one in the oven on Thanksgiving. We have a LOT of people, so we satisfy both groups! I also highly second what Trent said about saving the turkey bones and making stock. We are using the last 4 cups from last year’s turkey stock to make the gravy for the Tuesday turkey and have used oodles of turkey stock all year. Of course, I have an extra freezer in the garage to store freezer bags full of stock. My one big piece of advice for making the most incredibly moist turkey ever- BRINE IT for 24 hours. There are zillions of great websites with instructions for brining. My all time favorite is Alton Brown’s turkey brine.(www.foodnetwork.com)

]]> By: Molly http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/11/20/10-tactics-for-a-cheaper-and-saner-thanksgiving-dinner/comment-page-1/#comment-814352 Molly Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:15:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=4615#comment-814352 Oh we don't even cook a turkey (we're vegetarians). And when we're hosting, we tend to host for grad students, and we all drink tea. I don't remember ever having wine at a Thanksgiving dinner. Don't make a ton of side dishes... just the ones that are key to your people. Otherwise, your wallet gets emptied and your oven gets stuffed. Oh we don’t even cook a turkey (we’re vegetarians). And when we’re hosting, we tend to host for grad students, and we all drink tea. I don’t remember ever having wine at a Thanksgiving dinner.

Don’t make a ton of side dishes… just the ones that are key to your people. Otherwise, your wallet gets emptied and your oven gets stuffed.

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