Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 3 Episode 14 Thanksgiving

In season 3 episode 14 of Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian, the focus is on Thanksgiving. Melissa takes viewers on a journey to create a delicious, budget-friendly Thanksgiving meal that will wow guests without breaking the bank.

Melissa starts by sharing her tips for saving money on Thanksgiving dinner. She emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, shopping sales, and incorporating affordable ingredients like potatoes and squash. She also encourages viewers to think outside the box when it comes to traditional Thanksgiving dishes, suggesting creative twists on classics like stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Next, Melissa gets to work in the kitchen, preparing a delicious spread of Thanksgiving dishes. She starts with a turkey breast that she seasons with a mix of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. She then roasts the turkey in the oven until it is perfectly juicy and tender.

For sides, Melissa serves up a butternut squash gratin that is both delicious and affordable. She layers thinly sliced butternut squash with a cheese sauce made from cheddar and créme fraîche, and tops the dish with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. She also makes a green bean casserole with a homemade cream of mushroom soup that is much more flavorful than the canned version.

Melissa also shares her recipe for homemade cranberry sauce, which features a surprising ingredient: red wine. She combines cranberries, sugar, and red wine in a saucepan and simmers the mixture until it thickens into a rich, tangy sauce.

For dessert, Melissa bakes a pumpkin pie that is both delicious and affordable. She uses a simple homemade crust and fills it with a creamy pumpkin filling that is flavored with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Throughout the episode, Melissa emphasizes the importance of gratitude and the spirit of Thanksgiving. She reminds viewers to appreciate the simple things in life and to cherish the time spent with loved ones, even if the meal is not elaborate or expensive.

Overall, season 3 episode 14 of Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian offers a practical and inspiring guide to making a delicious Thanksgiving meal on a budget. Melissa's tips and recipes are sure to impress guests while leaving plenty of room in the budget for other holiday expenses.