Notwithstanding the current problems with the avian flu virus found amongst the birds at some local farms, Turkey is a tasty, frugal meat at the traditional times of Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Currently, No Frills (a Canadian grocer owned by Loblaws) has utility Turkeys on for $0.95 per pound. This is a good, cheap protein source. The Frugal Cougar suggests stocking up and keeping a couple of birds in the freezer for use in the in first quarter of 2015 (i.e. January, February, March, 2015). At Easter, stock up again and you'll have meat for less than a buck a pound throughout most of the year.
As for the upcoming feast at Christmas, the Frugal Cougar browses the discarded newspapers at work (as I am too frugal to buy a newspaper). I note that there are always recipes for preparing the holiday bird a few days before the traditional feast days of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
A word of caution about deciding to prepare one of these wonderful sounding recipes....
The time for trying a new recipe or preparation method for a feast is NOT the day of the feast. Some recipes are real turkeys (both literally and figuratively). There is no sense going through the expense of the ingredients, the time and the effort to have a failed bird (either in taste or in miscalculation of preparation/cooking time, leaving guests hungry while you rush around the kitchen).
For your feast - do the tried, trusted and true. Prepare the turkey the way you KNOW if is going to turn out good. Be extra frugal and have guests help out with the sides. If you are lucky enough to be a guest, follow the same tried, trusted and true rule and bring something you know will be well received and complement the meal.
As for those delectable sounding recipes from the magazines and newspapers. Clip 'em. Save 'em. Remember those extra birds I suggested you buy at $0.95 per pound? It is in the New Year when you can try them. This gives you a chance to practice and tweak recipes. If something doesn't turn out perfectly - there is always ways to salvage it and still enjoy the turkey meat in sandwiches, casseroles, stir fries and soups. Sometimes a fantastic recipe just needs a little adjustment and a solid calculation on the time to prep and cook. Make a few notes on the recipe and save it for the next feast. This time, the new recipe will be tried, trusted and true.
Happy Holidays Everyone.
The Frugal Cougar
No comments:
Post a Comment