Thanksgiving Leftovers

Making the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers can save you money, and there is no reason why leftovers should be boring.  

Here is my all-time favorite turkey chili recipe.  It's so easy!  Make a batch of corn bread to go with it, and you have a fabulous post-Thanksgiving meal to use up that leftover turkey!

Turkey Chipotle Chili

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 can diced tomatoes

1 small can tomato paste

2 cups cooked turkey, diced

2 cups chicken or turkey stock

2 chipotles in adobo, finely chopped

1 can kidney beans

1 can navy beans

In large pot or dutch over over medium/high heat, add olive oil and saute onion and pepper.  Add tomatoes, stock, beans, chipotles, and tomato paste.  Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin to taste.  Let simmer for 20 minutes.  Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Saving Money on Thanksgiving

Since the cost of food as risen, Thanksgiving dinner could cost you 6% more this year than previous years.  Here are some of my favorite ways to save money on Thanksgiving, while having a festive dinner the entire family will enjoy.

1. Kid Art -- Try not to spend money on decorations for your holiday table.  Instead, get the kids busy with some easy craft projects to help decorate.  This year, we are having Emily stamp a solid tablecloth with leaf stamps using fabric paint and fabric markers.  Kids can also make centerpieces, and place cards.  They can even make Thanksgiving Wreaths.  Get creative!
   
2. Planning  -- This is probably the most important aspect of having a Thanksgiving on a budget.  As with most of the frugal life, planning is crucial to getting the best deals at the best possible time.  Plan your side dish menu around items that are on sale and that can be combined with a coupon for maximum savings.  Couponmom.com can be a great resource for planning your Thanksgiving menu.
3. Potluck -- Consider hosting a potluck Thanksgiving dinner this year.  Ask your guests to bring a side dish, bottle of wine, or dessert to share.  This helps foster a sense of community, and helps lighten the load for the host.
4. Frugal Recipes -- For more money saving tips and great Thanksgiving recipes, visit MoneySavingMom.com.  She includes recipes for Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce, Pumpkin Dinner Rolls, and more!
5. Buy What You Need -- Try not to go overboard buying too much food.  If you need help with this, see Estimating Food Quantities for a Party.
6. Volunteer -- Your entire family can help out at a food kitchen.  Not only will your Thanksgiving dinner be free, but you will also cultivate a better sense of what Thanksgiving is all about.

Have a good Thanksgiving money-saving tip to share?  Leave a comment!