Thanksgiving meal prep without breaking the bank

PRO CHURCH MEDIA VIA UNSPLASH

The price of food continues to go up, but preparing a Thanksgiving meal can be done with an eye on economy.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and grocery prices are extremely high.  

There are still plenty of ways to celebrate without taking out a loan. Holiday meals can be a financial burden, but Kelly Patkus, an associate professor at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, says Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be. Here’s how: 

If you can make it from scratch, do it

According to Wells Fargo’s annual Thanksgiving food report, the price of canned cranberries is up 60% from a year ago. A certified pastry chef, Patkus says the best way to cut costs on cranberry sauce is to make it yourself.

“Right now, in preparation for the holidays, fresh cranberries are on sale,” she said. “Even frozen cranberries you can buy pretty cheaply if the canned cranberries are up. Our family tradition was to make a fresh cranberry relish. You just put the cranberries in a food processor with oranges and sugar. You don’t even have to cook it.”

To Patkus’ point, Wells Fargo reports consumers can expect to spend approximately 20% less on fresh cranberries this year.   You aren’t feeding 5,000 people

One way to cut costs is to make sure you aren’t overdoing it in the kitchen. Know how many people you are preparing for, and don’t overdo it.

“I think a lot of times at Thanksgiving people always assume it needs to be a feast,” Patkus said. “Yes, people should have plenty to eat, but people will often overbuy when they don’t want to eat the leftovers for the rest of the week.”

If you don’t plan on being diligent in eating leftovers, buy less. Wells Fargo reports the price of ham per pound is up 5.2% to $4.56 per pound.  

“Maybe you don’t need the leftovers for the week if you don’t intend on eating them,” Patkus said. “Maybe just buy in smaller quantities.” 

If there’s a cheaper substitute, try it

The Wells Fargo report indicates the cost of canned pumpkins is up 30% from a year ago. For pumpkin pie lovers, this could be a cause for concern. So, use what is already at hand or even try a substitute.

“For pastry chefs and nerdy people like me, this time of year I still have all of my Halloween pumpkins,” Patkus said. “I buy a couple of pie pumpkins. Especially people with small kids; their kids will come home from school with smaller pumpkins. These are great for roasting. You don’t have to do anything special with them. You just put them in the oven at 350 or 375 degrees ‘til they are soft, stick them in a blender, and make the pumpkin puree.”

Another option is to use sweet potatoes as a substitute. Sweet potato pies have the same general taste and consistency as pumpkin pies. And, according to the Wells Fargo food report, sweet potatoes are only 4% higher from a year ago compared to canned pumpkins (up 30%).  

“A sweet potato pie can be similar,” Patkus said. “As long as you have the cinnamon and nutmeg in there and the evaporated milk combination, it kind of comes out the same as a pumpkin pie.”   Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Don’t overwhelm yourself. Friends and family members on your invite list can help with the Thanksgiving menu as well. Don’t feel like it is all on you.

“Everyone thinks that if you are hosting, you have to do everything,” Patkus said. “But appetizers and desserts are a great thing to ask your family and guests to help contribute to the Thanksgiving meal. Most likely they won’t be in the kitchen while you are trying to cook, but it is a great way to help cut down on the cost.” 

Know who you are cooking for

This goes hand-in-hand with not over-preparing. If a guest has food allergies or dietary restrictions, make note of what it is. This way, you aren’t making more than one of each dish, which cuts costs.

“For example, a green bean casserole or something you would normally put bacon in,” Patkus said. “If there is a vegetarian or vegan on your guest list, leave the bacon out and put it on the side for those who do want it. They can put some on their portion. But this way you won’t have to make two casseroles.”  

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