The Whole Deal™ on Thanksgiving

Yes, I couldn't resist posting a Whole Deal tips post featuring Thanksgiving tips.  As you can see from our chosen tips below, we've got some creative customers out there!  From using whole turkeys year-round to spreading out your holiday shopping to planning for leftovers - there are many ways to make your food budget more manageable - even during the holidays!Remember, each week, we choose tips to be featured in our weekly The Whole Deal™ blog post. Every chosen tip gets a $25 gift card, so submit you tips and recipes here opens in a new tab.Pamela W.Use whole turkeys throughout the year, not just at Thanksgiving. I stock up on whole turkeys when they are on sale around the holidays then use them throughout the year. I thaw the frozen turkey, and cut the breast off. This can then be used the same way you would use boneless, skinless chicken breast, for stir frys or kabobs, etc. I then cut the legs off, roast them, then coat with bbq sauce and finish on the grill, just like at the fair. The rest of the turkey gets roasted and I remove the meat and use it for turkey enchiladas or turkey salad for sandwiches. Then I boil the bones for broth that I store in the freezer to use whenever I need it.Jane V.With the holiday season rapidly approaching, I have found a way to help with the extra food expenses. I like to plan out my menus several weeks in advance and then spread out my shopping for Thanksgiving and Christmas over several shopping trips. I then absorb the extra costs over several weeks, rather then taking a big hit all at once. This also helps me to take advantage of any special sales(stock up and freeze things if you can) and allows me to try some of the goodies I don’t normally buy.Susan C.Thanksgiving is upon us. This is my first time ever making dinner for my mother. After several consultations with her, I have decided to order a 20-22 lbs Free Range Turkey from Whole Foods for my 10 guests. When getting a fresh Turkey, schedule your pick up on Tuesday or Wednesday. The Medical College of the University of Wisconsin says a fresh turkey can be kept, uncooked, in your refrigerator for no more than 2 days! This way, you don’t have to freeze it.And pick up the Holiday Meat Guide, the entertaining calculator is AWESOME for first time entertaining cooks like myself. It was spot on with the size of Turkey that my mother suggested. My family likes leftovers!