Another Shortage Could Hurt Your Thanksgiving Meal

Over the last couple of years, we've grown accustomed to hearing of shortages.  These range from mild inconveniences to downright party pooper!  The latest predicted supply issue is an outright buzz kill.  Butter makers find themselves in the middle of several factors that not only make inventories scarce, but expensive.  Data shows butter is the highest it's been in 5 years.  Average cost per unit stands at $4.77.  Even considering astronomical inflation, butter prices are outpacing those numbers, up nearly 25% from last year.  Some economists point to costs of feed, heifers and labor.  Production is slow due to milk supplies and staffing.  And, consumers preferences in dairy products have changed as of late.  Most butter is typically produced during the spring.  Growth during that time period slowed to about half of what is normal.  Bottom line, it's unlikely there is time before Thanksgiving to make up for the shortfall in butter production.  If you don't think you use that much butter on your Thanksgiving table, think again.  Butter appears in gravy, sweet potato casserole, cakes, pies, rolls, mashed potatoes!  Check your fridge to make sure you're prepared.

Thanksgiving is coming, so prepare for the food onslaught! Everyone gets excited about the turkey and all the delicious food that will be eaten on Thanksgiving. And almost better than Thanksgiving dinner, are those delightful leftovers the next day (and the days after that). Sometimes, when you store Thanksgiving food properly, it really gives time for the flavors to set in.

It's usually around day three where things go south. There is still a ton of food, but everyone is kind of "over it." But you don't want to waste food. Instead, try reimagining the ingredients into other delicious dishes. Here are some suggestions.

Tasty always has excellent recipes, and this gem includes stuffing, cheese, and maple cranberry sauce.

With this recipe, Tasty found a way to easily transform leftovers into a handheld treat, perfect for someone who needs a free hand to shop with on Black Friday.

Allrecipes has created a simple way to use up the leftover turkey the morning after Thanksgiving.

Similar to the recipe above, Sam The Cooking Guy has an easy way to reuse Thanksgiving ingredients for an omelette. Try this one with stuffing.

Sandwiches are a common day-after-Thanksgiving food idea. This version by The Hungry Winos is worth checking out.

This Thanksgiving pizza recipe by All Recipes looks insane. A Pizza with turkey gravy and mashed potatoes? Sign us up!

Another hearty leftover meal worth trying is this Turkey Gumbo that a viewer of the Rachael Ray Show submitted. They also explain how to make loaded mashed potato balls too.

This dip by Pop Sugar requires minimal effort, but looks delicious in the end. The dish also requires a lot of cheese, which is always a win.

No one should ever get sick of having pie as a leftover. But if you do, turn the pie into a shake. This Ziploc recommended recipe will give Starbucks a run for their money.