Real-Life Testers: Thrifty Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
This tasty Thanksgiving menu is not only super yummy, it's also super wallet-friendly! Just ask our real-life recipe testers.
Our Real-Life Testers!
Meet Beth Carter Pruett, 36 and her mom, Pam Ford, 67, of St. Louis. They're testing out our Thrifty Thanksgiving menu!
Their Mission?
Prepare a show-stopping Thanksgiving feast for $40 -- Beth says it usually costs her $200!
Little Helpers
At least they have these ladies, Beth's 3- and 6-year old daughters, to help out!
A T-Day Dinner Expert
Pam has been making Thanksgiving dinners for 45 years!
Getting Started
These two perused the recipe list...
Bring On the Turkey
...and were ready to tackle Thrifty Thanksgiving dinner!
To the Test
So what did these real-life testers think of our wallet-friendly menu?
Yummy Veggies
One of their favorite dishes was the Gingered Carrot & Kale Ribbons.
Sweet Success
"I am always looking for good kale recipes and this one is the best -- it's tender, sweet and has just the right amount of ginger," Pam says.
Gingered Carrot & Kale Ribbon
Pam loved that the leeks really brought out the great flavor in the other veggies.
Vegan-friendly
Pam made this dish for her visiting vegan children, and they loved it.
A New Kind of Stuffing
Our testers were also big fans of the Herbed Mushroom & Rice Stuffing. They said was a nice change from traditional stuffing--it was lighter than the traditional dish, but still satisfying and rich.
What a Ham!
"The smoked ham added a different, unexpected flavor," Pam says.
Turkey Time
Time to focus on the most important element: the bird!
Quite Quick
The testers made our Buttermilk-Marinated Turkey with Onion Gravy. "It was so easy, and it was quick--it didn't take all day and there was no need for constant basting!"
Unanimous Decision
These testers said they had never had a turkey so tender!
Scrumptious Sauce
To top it off, the Onion Gravy was "the perfect consistency" by adding flavor without being heavy.
It's all Gravy, Baby!
"It wasn't greasy or overpowering or pasty," Pam says, adding that she will definitely use this recipe again!
T-Day Sweet Tooth
The cherry on top of this Thanksgiving sundae? Lemon Chess Pie!
Full House
Beth and Pam prepared the Thrifty Thanksgiving menu for a big group, including Pam and her husband, Beth and her husband, Beth's brother-in-law and a family friend.
Kid-Approved
Beth's two girls, and their cute little pup, also enjoyed the Thanksgiving feast!
Seal of Approval
Pam's opinion? "This meal was different, refreshing, light and flavorful."
The Verdict?
Empty plates.
