This was completely my fault, but still...

I don't mind paying $80 for nice meat like maybe a brisket, some prime ribeyes, scallops, or whatever. But $80 for a turkey? Get outta' of here with that nonsense. Here's how I unintentionally spent 3x what I had budgeted for a turkey this year in Billings.

Michael Foth, TSM
Michael Foth, TSM
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Everything costs more.

According to the USDA, overall food costs are up about 10% for Thanksgiving this year, thanks to inflation. Food prices historically go up about 2% per year. Turkey prices are up a whopping 28% in 2022, according to AP News. So as I walked into the doors of the bustling store, I expected to pay more at the checkout line. I was pleased to find turkeys for $.99 per pound at the Billings Costco on 11/15/22. I'm sure you can find similar deals at Albertsons, Sams Club, or Winco.

Michael Foth, TSM
Michael Foth, TSM
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Expect to pay top dollar for organic.

I headed into the membership club warehouse with just two items on my list... a turkey and a case of beer. The store was PACKED with shoppers and in an effort to improve my navigational efficiency (and not buy a bunch of stuff I don't need), I didn't get a cart. I headed to the meat department and saw two different coolers with turkeys. I needed at least a 20-pounder, but the $.99 section didn't seem to have any that big. Then, I spotted one! I grabbed it without looking at the price and jostled my way to the super-long checkout line.

Michael Foth, TSM
Michael Foth, TSM
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Too late to turn back!

Only when they rang up my bird, did I realize that someone had placed an expensive, 100% organic turkey into the cheap, $.99 per pound turkey cooler. This pricey turkey cost a staggering $3.49 per pound. I was in a hurry, and I didn't want to take it back and get a cheap one so I just sucked it up and ran my card. $80 freakin' dollars for a 22-pound turkey!

It better be the best bird ever.

I plan to wet-brine my bird overnight, then let it dry uncovered in the fridge for a night, before smoking the turkey spatchcock-style on my smoker on Thanksgiving. I'm sure it will be delicious. It better be, for $80.

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