Christmas Dinner Under $30

Hi ladies! It is almost Christmas time and I have been spending the last month planning my fabulous dinner for my family. I am officially a stay at home mom and wife now, so I tend to try and stick with a budget. 

This year, I gave myself a budget of $30 to cook Christmas dinner. I made my plan and have figured that it is absolutely possible to feed a family of 4 a wonderful full Christmas dinner!

Here's how.

The Main Dish.

I have found that figuring out your main dish first and then searching for a good deal is the best way to go. This year, I am cooking a nice juicy Ham for my husband and I. I managed to find a great price on a Ham at my local commissary. I realize that not all of you have access to a commissary, but as with any deli and meat department, you can be aware of when their meats go on sale-typically during the week. Also, do not hesitate buying ham that is frozen. Typically, before the meat hits its "Use by" date, the department will freeze it and knock the price down some. Perfectly fine! I managed to find a great ham for $10.

Here is the ham glaze recipe I am using for my ham:

*1 cup brown sugar

*4 tbsp honey

*1 tbsp cinnamon

All you have to do is mix the ingredients together, add a little water to liquefy, and baste the ham. Cook according to how much your ham weighs.

Side Dish

My favorite side dish is corn casserole. Its cheap and easy to make! This might cost you $3 to make.

All you need is:

*1 can corn

*1 can cream corn

*1 pack Jiffy

*2 eggs

*half cup butter

Mix ingredients, place in a casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees till edges are golden brown.

I will also do a vegetable such as roasted asparagus sprinkled with olive oil, salt, and parmesan cheese.

This will cost around $4 as well.

The Dessert

What's tastier than Paula Deen's Gorilla bread? This will cost $6.

You will need:

*2 cans of biscuits

*1 cup walnuts

*1 pack cream cheese

*1 cup brown sugar

*1 stick butter

*1/2 cup sugar

*3 tbsp cinnamon

For full recipe directions, visit: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/gorilla-bread-recipe/index.html

The Drink

Cranberry mimosas are a must! Spending around $7, you

You will need:

*Corks Grand Reserve California Champagne ($5)

*Orange Juice ($1)

*Cranberry Juice ($1)

Chill the ingredients and mix.