A savvy mum has revealed how she’s whipping up a full Christmas dinner for six people for less than a tenner.
Jo Rourke, 46, a full-time content creator from Manchester, has gone viral after sharing her bargain Christmas food haul online.
The thrifty shopper was able to snap up festive veg for just 8p a bag and kept cooking costs low by using just one hob and an air fryer.
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The mum-of-three says budgeting has always been part of her life, but it became essential when she became a single parent to three children under the age of five.
“I’ve been shopping on a budget all my life,” Jo told What’s The Jam.
“But it became much more important when I became a single parent with three young children.
“Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive to be special.”
To keep costs down, Jo shopped around at several supermarkets, picking up festive staples wherever they were cheapest.
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She bought six chicken leg portions weighing 1.2kg from M&S for £3, opting for chicken over turkey to save money.
She then headed to Aldi for the vegetables – potatoes, carrots, parsnips and sprouts all snapped up for just 8p each in the supermarket’s Christmas veg sale.
Jo also picked up chipolatas from Aldi, and popped into Tesco to grab bacon, stuffing, gravy and custard.
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On her way home, she made one final stop at Co-op to buy “bargain” mince pies for £1 a pack.
As well as keeping food costs low, Jo also cut down on energy bills by cooking the entire meal using just one hob and an air fryer, rather than having the oven on all day.
In total, Jo’s Christmas dinner for six came to just £9.84.
The busy mum said she also keeps a realistic budget for gifts each year preferring to spend money on family experiences rather than piles of presents.
She said: “We don’t go mad on physical gifts at Christmas.
“I’d much rather save our money and spend it on making memories together.”
In the video, Jo proudly shows off her festive haul, proving that a traditional Christmas dinner doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag or a sky-high energy bill.
Her thrifty approach has been praised online.
One Instagram viewer wrote: “Love this! Could help so many people. Also great option for Roast Dinner in the week.”
“Yummy, that looks totally delicious! Definitely going to make those chicken parcels, such a great idea and look so special!” another wrote.
Another person commented: “Fair play that looks amazing. I would have no problem with tucking into that on Christmas Day.”
“Looks very tasty well done for helping others with your special skills and kindness,” added another fan.
Someone else commented: “Fantastic. Love all your ideas. I love cooking and enjoy being frugal without compromising on taste. You do this well.”
What Jo bought to make Christmas dinner for six for under £10:
- 1.2kg chicken leg portions – £3
- 12 chipolatas – £1.79
- 300g back bacon – £1.45
- 2kg potatoes – 8p
- 1kg carrots – 8p
- 500g parsnips – 8p
- 500g sprouts – 8p
- Stuffing – 45p
- Gravy – 73p
- Custard – £1.10
- Six mince pies – £1
- Total: £9.84
READ MORE: Family on ‘gap year’ say UK Christmas is ‘chaos’ as they swap £500 toy budget for beach day
