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Thanksgiving Dinner Costs 10% More. So Why Is Grocery Inflation Only 2.8%?

  Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and if you're still planning the grocery run, the numbers are not in your favour. Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab prices a turkey dinner for four at $35.72 this year, up 10% from $32.48 in 2025. Here's the catch: Statistics Canada says grocery prices rose just 2.8% in August, and that was the first time in more than two years that food inflation came in below the overall rate (3.0%). So why does the holiday table feel so much pricier than the grocery aisle overall? The turkey is doing most of the damage Dalhousie's basket covers a 7-lb whole turkey plus potatoes, carrots, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, cranberries, stuffing and gravy. Here's how the pieces moved: Item (dinner for four) 2025 2026 Change Turkey dinner, total $32.48 $35.72 +10.0% The turkey itself (7 lb) $10.43 $12.53 +20.1% Everything else (sides, pie) $22.05 $23.19 +5.2% Ham dinner, total $34.87 $36.37 +4.3% Source: Dalhousie Agri-Food Analytics Lab (totals, t...

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Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

 


This one-pan chicken and broccoli casserole is prepared in a skillet on the stovetop, then finished in the oven until it's browned, cheesy and bubbling. Serve with a crunchy green salad.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups reduced-fat milk
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 9-ounce packages precooked brown rice
  • 1 ½ cups shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 cup prepared crispy fried onions

Directions

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

  2. 2.Heat oil in a large high-sided ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and chopped onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle the mixture with flour and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Add milk to the pan and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. (Be careful, the pan will be very full.) Boil, stirring, for 1 minute.

  3. 3. Meanwhile, place broccoli and water in a microwave-safe container. Cover and microwave on High until the broccoli is tender, about 3 minutes. Drain.

  4. 4. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully stir in rice, cheese, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper and the broccoli. Sprinkle with crispy onions.

  5. 5. Bake the casserole until bubbling at the edges, about 10 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

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