Is this a good for Thanksgiving dinner (etc)?

**soulfood2go** · 11-05-2010, 04:26 AM

Hi everyone!

I've never made Thanksgiving dinner before, so this is a first for me!
There's a discounted food co-op that someone pointed me towards, and they have the following meal $40, and I have a coupon to make it $38.

(1) 14-16 lbs Whole Turkey (frozen)
(1) 10 inch Pre-Baked Pumpkin Pie
(1) 1 lbs. Fresh Green Beans
(1) Box Stuffing Mix
(1) 1 lbs. Fresh Carrots
(1) Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
(1) 1 can Cranberry Sauce
(1) 3 lbs. Fresh Sweet Potatoes
(1) 3 lbs. Fresh Apples
(1) 3 lbs. Fresh Russet Potatoes
(1) Fresh Celery Stalk

I can't eat gluten, so I'll be making my own pie and stuffing. But even so, how good of a deal is this?

**soulfood2go** · 11-05-2010, 04:36 AM

This is the site that it's from. It's a So-cal co-op.

They say their aim is to save people 50% off their shopping bill, but... I don't know if I'm seeing it.

What does everyone else think?

goldensharefoods
.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=63

**soulfood2go** · 11-05-2010, 04:39 AM

This is the site that it's from. It's a So-cal co-op.

They say their aim is to save people 50% off their shopping bill, but... I don't know if I'm seeing it.

What does everyone else think?

goldensharefoods
.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=63

**Syn D** · 11-05-2010, 04:39 AM

I added it up to the nearest $'s and for here that is a good deal.. But your in Cali, you have many stores/possible sales to choose from.. I would do some serious ad searching first and check for coupons..

**stinkbug** · 11-05-2010, 08:27 AM

I think I could buy those items for less at my local Winco.

**Contrary Housewife** · 11-05-2010, 10:06 AM

Around here the turkey is worth about $15, the pie maybe $5, and beans, stuffing, carrots, soup, sauce and celery about a dollar each. The apples and potatoes may be around $1 a pound, or less if on sale. I see apples for 88c/ lb and sweet potatoes for 69c/lb, for example, this time of year.

So I'd say you're paying too much. You're buying convenience.

**mndtrp** · 11-05-2010, 11:36 AM

Cream soups are rarely gluten-free, so make sure to check yours prior to purchase. I have to make cream of mushroom soup from scratch for the wife.

The pricing isn't the best, but it's not bad, either. By shopping around, I could probably knock about $7 off, but you'll be saving time, effort and gas. As someone else said, you are paying for convenience.

**HappyMama** · 11-05-2010, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by mndtrp

Cream soups are rarely gluten-free, so make sure to check yours prior to purchase. I have to make cream of mushroom soup from scratch for the wife.

I agree! I have to make mine from scratch as well.

**porembam** · 11-05-2010, 04:07 PM

A 15 lb turkey is only $6 here, .38 cents a lb.
If convience is important to you it could be worth it but most grocery stores make my Thanksgiving meal less then $40 and I have more food

**soulfood2go** · 11-05-2010, 05:27 PM

Thank you, everyone!! ^_^

Where do you usually buy your turkeys?

Do prices drop or go up as Thanksgiving gets closer?

I found a place that has $5 turkeys, but you have to spend $50 to get the deal, and it's not the cheapest place in the world for everything else.

**shoiji** · 11-05-2010, 05:47 PM

Around here you need to pay $300 to get a free turkey. So I do not do it. It just is not worth it. But for $55 to get a free turkey would depend on what items you were purchasing on sale.

Turkeys or turkey parts seem to go on really cheap sale right at the holiday and after. Which is good if you plan ahead and want a turkey for easter or any other time of the year. Plus they keep a long time in the freezer.

The quantity seems good for six to eight people. But if you are making the same items then you really are not saving any money. I think I would just look at the weights as a good measurement on how much of each item to buy.

Since it is your first thanksgiving and if people are coming over don't be afraid to ask people to bring something. Will take a lot of pressure off of you. Also, don't forget you can make side dishes in advance, freeze, then reheat the day of. Also helps to keep the stress level down.

Hope you have a great thanksgiving. When you are done with thanksgiving write down everything you had, how many people, and if you had enough. This will help you when you have another get together.

Oh yea, one more tip, make sure give the turkey more than enough time to defrost!!!

**HappyMama** · 11-05-2010, 05:47 PM

I buy my directly from the farmer

**soulfood2go** · 11-05-2010, 05:58 PM

@shoiji - Actually, it's just for the husband and I, as far as I know.... but either way, I love lots of leftovers! We usually go up to family, but they are over 500 miles away, and we don't have the budget to go there this year, if we want to still be able to make it there for Christmas as well. I still want to do a Thanksgiving meal, but you know... perhaps I should talk to the hubby about celebrating Thanksgiving a few days after! That way I can shop all the after-T-day deals!

@HappyMama - What a great idea! I grew up in the country I know that's definitely an awesome way to go. Not sure what's around here though, now that I'm in the big city! hehe