Now is as good a time as any to pinch your pennies and that includes cutting back on the grocery bill.

It may be hard to imagine skimping with holiday meals approaching, but it is easier than you think to serve up wallet-friendly Thanksgiving dishes.

Whether you are serving Thanksgiving dinner yourself or attending one, it is both polite and financially smart for guests to bring a dish or two to pass around.

Generally, the host(ess) should only be responsible for providing the turkey, and the guests should bring the sides.

It doesn't have to be an expensive dish, just tasty, and hopefully healthy.

Caryn Murray is a mother and frugal food shopper

Fruit Ambrosia

Makes 6-8 servings

1 cup red seedless grapes

1 cup pineapple tidbits

1 cup mandarin oranges (canned)

1 cup mini marshmallows

1 cup sour cream

Mix all ingredients together and then store covered in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight. Most people tend to make fruit ambrosia with whipped cream, and this recipe is just as sweet with its surprising #mystery# alternative (sour cream).