Cheap and Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

Thanksgiving dinner: the only time, besides Christmas, where it's acceptable to eat more than one dessert, in more than one helping. The question is: "What's for dessert?" Here are a few simple and inexpensive Thanksgiving dessert ideas:

1. Pumpkin or sweet potato pie: Sorry, even if you are looking for quick and easy, there's no way around it... there MUST be pumpkin or sweet potato pie. The money-saving idea behind this dessert, though, is... don't make it from scratch! Go to your grocer's frozen section, and pick up an already-made pie that you just have to bake. The sticker on some of these can look expensive, but compare it to what you would be spending if you made it from scratch.

2. Fried apples: This could, in the south, be considered a side dish. However, I think it can be a dessert, too. It just all depends on how you prepare it. Fresh apples are relatively cheap. Fry them with cinnamon and brown sugar... it's as simple as that. Or for an even simpler fried apple dessert, you can pick up fried apples in can, at the market. To make it more dessert-like, bake it into some Bisquick, or serve it with some granola and whipped cream.

3. Jello: This item is very versatile, because I have seen just about anything done to it. For a quick and simple dessert, buy a box of Jello and a can of fruit cocktail. Cook the Jello, throw in the fruit, and let it firm up. A quick, simple fruit salad.

4. Instant pudding: Now available in fat free, sugar free, and a variety of flavors, just add milk to a box of powdered instant pudding, and you have an easy dessert that will feed many.

5. Cookies: Instead of making your own, buy the tubes of refrigerated dough. There's a variety of kinds. If you're looking for a festive cookie, get a tube of sugar cookie dough, and roll it out. Use cookie cutters like leaves and pumpkins to make fall shapes. Sprinkle red, yellow, and orange sugar crystals on the shapes, and bake up colorful treats.

These ideas can certainly save time and money. So if your budget is tight, or you need a dessert in a pinch, try these quick and simple ideas!