CU offers cost-effective Thanksgiving meal options

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Photo Courtesy of Central Illinois Bakehouse

A photo of Thanksgiving rolls at Central Illinois Bakehouse is shown above. Central Illinois Bakehouse is one of the several Thanksgiving meal options in C-U this year.

By Isabelle Bertolini, Staff Writer

Holidays are always a stressful occasion. Not only that, but a Thanksgiving meal (although delicious) can be stressful and overwhelming. It isn’t always simple or cost-effective for everyone to plan a massive Thanksgiving meal. Whether you are on a budget or you are spending the holidays with a smaller crowd, there are plenty of options to make a meal that is best suited for you.

Here are a few places in C-U that can help you plan your Thanksgiving meals in a non-stressful but still delicious way.

C&C Kitchen is offering fully-cooked meals with a variety of options. Its meals feed four to six people for $180 or eight to 10 for $250. The first option for the tray includes a smoked turkey, cornbread dressing, greens, candied sweet potatoes, rolls and a choice between sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie. The second option includes smoked turkey, cornbread dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls and a choice between sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie. If a full meal is too much for you, it also has an a la carte option for all food options and turkeys!

The Central Illinois Bakehouse will be serving its handcrafted bread for the Thanksgiving holiday. Most pickups are available within 72 hours. Check out its seasonal holiday rolls, pies, cookie kits, babka and more!

Bob Evans will also be open on Thanksgiving day. Check out its website for a location near you. Its dining room will be available from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. for hot holiday meals. Additionally, it has Thanksgiving dinners available to-go or for pick-up. It has seven different seasonal options available for a Thanksgiving meal that is bound to keep you full. 

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One T’s Corner Pocket pub and eatery in Champaign will be open on Thanksgiving day. It’s located at 123 S. Mattis Ave. It opens at 2 p.m. and will host a Thanksgiving dinner at 4 p.m. There are no reservations needed, and pricing is set at $15 per person.

Yoders Kitchen from Arthur Illinois’ Amish Country will be closed on Thanksgiving day. However, it will be open for a Black Friday breakfast buffet during its normal 7 a.m. opening hour. 

The Homestead Bakery and Beachy’s Bulk Foods are additional options for bakery preorders in Arthur, Illinois. Beachy’s is located at 259 N. Co Road 200E and is known for its delicious crusts and angel food cakes. Pies are available for preorder at (217) 543-3447. They come in flavors such as apple, cherry, pecan or pumpkin pie all for $9.95. Should you have a specific request, their bakery is open to accommodate. Hours may differ for Thanksgiving Day.

Stone Creek Church will be providing turkeys and Meijer gift cards this year at 2502 S. Race St. in Urbana for those with reservations on Thanksgiving Day. It is currently looking for volunteers to come help.

Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch will be available for Thanksgiving pie pick-up orders from Nov. 26 to Dec. 23. Walk-ins are welcome, but orders guarantee your desired items. Large pies (10”) serve around seven people, while small pies (6”) serve two to four. They come with fruit fillings of cherry, peach and apple. Be sure to check out their other baked goods options and food available on the farm.

Another option is to pick and choose your favorite meals and take your shot at your own Thanksgiving meal. If you are looking for simple recipes or classic meals, take a look at some of Delish’s recipes. The Food Network also offers a variety of options based on the size of your crowd. If you are looking to lessen dish cleaning time, check out their Thanksgiving on Two Sheet Pans recipes. 

Finally, if you’re not a meat lover, there are still plenty of options for you at the Thanksgiving table! Delish has a list of vegan-friendly Thanksgiving recipes with all the classics accounted for.

However your Thanksgiving plans look, make sure you eat without regret and indulge in your holiday favorites and traditions.

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