Budget Thanksgiving Dinner

Each of these crowd-pleasing recipes rates four stars or more.

• Typically the turkey accounts for about 40 percent of the cost of the meal. Save money by buying a store-brand frozen turkey instead of a fresh bird (be sure to allow enough time to thaw the bird: one day in the fridge for every five pounds).
• Save money by making your own Thanksgiving basics such as breadcrumbs, whipped cream, piecrusts, and chicken stock.
• Potatoes and apples are cheaper by the bag. Can't use a whole bag? Split it with a thrifty-minded pal.
• Same thing goes for buying big blocks of cheese at big box stores like Costco or Sam's Club. You may be put off by the large size, but split it with friends and you're sharing the savings.
• Herbs are cheaper if you buy in bulk, and you can purchase only the small amounts you need.
• Look for store coupons and weekly specials, especially during the holidays when retailers are trying to attract you into the stores.
• Buy canned cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie filling the week before the feast, when they typically are on sale.

Want to Save This Article to Your Recipe Box?

It's easy. First, copy the article's web address (Url). Then click My Recipe Box at the top right corner of this page. Click Weblink at the top of your Recipe List and paste the Url in the space provided. Then click "Continue" and follow the directions.