My Thanksgiving Holiday With Price Chopper #HolidayAdvantEdge

Disclosure:

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. #CollectiveBias #HolidayAdvantEdge 

All opinions are mine alone.

Here we are, it's already November.  You know what that means... Holiday Entertaining is right around the corner.  

This year I'm doing Thanksgiving at my house.  Normally we go to my sister's in New York, but it's been a tough year for my husband and his mother with losing both my father-in-law and brother-in-law in February.   I decided we need to just stay put and keep it somewhat low key.  My mother will come up to be with us, so that'll be helpful to me (both mentally and physically.)  

I've cooked a whole Thanksgiving dinner before just never on the actual holiday.  So to say I feel a little pressure, would be an understatement!     

I know it's going to be stressful but I'm going to do the best I can and try to enjoy the day in my own home for a change.

I've already been searching Pinterest for table settings, centerpieces and recipes. I'm probably more about the decorating then the food.  I want to try to make this holiday a little more fun.  My grandson Tyler is going to be here so he'll be welcome distraction from any sadness.   

Heading out to Price Chopper is what I need to do first.   I know I'll find great ideas and sales with my AdvantEdge savings card.   Plus there is the always the Fuel AdvantEdge points that add up every time I shop.  (that never hurts, especially this time of year)

First thing I always do when walking in the door, is scan my AdvantEdge card at the kiosk.   You never know what kind of great coupons will print out.

   

 

Price Chopper has everything you need for Thanksgiving dinner.  We stick to the traditional holiday foods, turkey, stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole,  Pillsbury crescent rolls (to scoop up any gravy left on the plate), of course some fall beer and lots of pies for dessert.   

The floral department always catches my eye.  I'm a sucker for pretty fall flowers and all the displays of plants and arrangements.     I love the orange "Rose Of The Month" for November, those would look gorgeous in a centerpiece on my table.  

Onto the rest of my groceries.... I'm picking up crescent rolls (reduced fat, because I'm trying to be somewhat good on my diet these days.)  I have a few different things I want to  make with them. Besides having them in a basket on the table with dinner, I had an idea for edible place cards and for turkey "leftovers" the next day. 

I know you must be thinking she's crazy with all those weird ingredients but just wait... it's going to a be cute, yummy and different way to serve turkey leftovers.   

But first I'm going to make edible place cards for the table settings.    Using the crescent rolls and holiday cookie cutters.   It's fun and super easy, I could even have Tyler help me.  

I just rolled the crescent out onto wax paper and pinched together the seams.    Each can comes with 8 rolls so combining 2 makes 4 squares of dough.  This way it's easy to get two shapes out off each square.  Which works perfect for me since there will be 8 of us for dinner.

Cut out each shape and place on a foil lined baking sheet.   Next I used a toothpick to sort of carve each family member's initial into the dough, then baked at 375 degrees for about 10 mins.   *Remember you're not making rolled up crescent shapes like the package, so these cook much quicker then the instructions.  I suggest you stay close to the stove and check on them every so often.

Then when they came out of the oven I used an edible pen to fill in each letter so they would show up better against the napkin.

I have old drapery rod rings with clips that I reused into napkin rings.  I had hot glued some acorns to make them more festive for the season.   Just carefully clipped the crescent place card onto each one and there ya have it.   Easy, Edible and Cute!      

   

Now I have a bonus recipe I would like to share.   I make a chicken salad that my family goes nuts over.  I normally make it with a rotisserie chicken you buy at Price Chopper but I figured it'll be even better with the leftover Thanksgiving turkey.  

Now here's the fun part,  I saw somewhere on Pinterest a mini cornucopia using crescent rolls.  I thought to myself "how perfect and cute for leftover turkey salad sandwiches." 

Using sugar cones as the form for the cornucopia...  cover them in foil.  

Then roll out the Pillsbury crescent dough (you could buy the kind that rolls out into one sheet but it's just as easy to pinch together the seams on the regular kind.) 

Then using a pizza cutter, I made six strips of the dough.   

Then wrapped each piece around the cone to form the cornucopia shape.
Baked at 375 for about 13-15 minutes.   They came out golden brown and the cone just slips right out from the crescent dough.  (You could either save the cones wrapped in foil for another project or I guess you could just put them in a ziplock back and save the pantry for ice cream!)

For the turkey salad you'll need 

*shredded or cut up turkey 

*half an apple, diced. (I leave the skin on for color)

*chopped walnuts

*diced Lindsay olives 

*2-3 tablespoons of mayo 

I just go by eye and taste, depending on how much meat I'm using

For more holiday decorating, entertaining ideas, recipes and savings check out PriceChopper.com , Facebook, Twitter  Pinterest and Instagram. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!  "Gobble til ya Wobble" 

Back To School Breakfast Bar Recipe #PriceChopperB2S #CollectiveBias

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc.and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  No, not Christmas time.... Back To School time!  Most moms, especially ones with younger kids are rejoicing.  It's time to get them back to school and out of the house because they drove you crazy all summer long.  Even though my son's are 21 and 13 I feel the same way! (I love them and all, just being honest here)  Nicholas left for college this weekend so now I'm concentrating on Thomas and his first day as a high school freshman on Wednesday.  *gulp*  
To me it feels a bit like New Years, wouldn't you agree?  I mean, everyone's getting a fresh start with new clothes, new schedules, new routines, maybe even a new school.
I have to tell you I'm craving the routine for myself as well.  I need to get back on track with everything... meal planning, cleaning schedules, diet/exercise, couponing and of course a better blogging schedule.

I figured a good place to start was to head over to Price Chopper Supermarket  and get some supplies for a quick, on-the-go breakfast for those early weekday mornings.  This will also get me get in the routine of sitting down, going through the flyer, making a list and matching up my coupons to get the most savings as possible.
Price Chopper is one of my go-to supermarkets for their products, prices and rewards.  If you don't know they offer Fuel Rewards, there's a Tools For Schools Program, iSave Coupons, Sweepstakes, and of course everyday saving using the Price Chopper AdvantEdge Card.  Right now you could win one of 10 iPad Minis when you share a "First Day of School" photo between Aug.17th - Sept. 20th.   Then beginning Sept.21, Price Chopper will pick 5 photos at random and the 5 photos with the most votes will also win.  Head over to the Facebook page or PriceChopper.com to enter. 

I found a recipe on Pinterest  for a breakfast bar using Honey Nut Cheerios, peanut butter and marshmallows.  That's 3 of Thomas' favorite things!  I figured it was easy, tasty and packed with plenty of sugar and protein to get him ready to catch that 6:30am bus.  He's not necessarily a morning person AT ALL!  Thomas probably wakes up 30 mins before he has to leave the house.  Just enough time to wash his face, brush his teeth and get dressed. So this is perfect for him to grab quickly and even eat on the bus if he runs out of time.

I have to get a few groceries to get us through the weekend, so I figured I'd grab all the ingredients I need and give the recipe a try before Wednesday.  I'll test it out on my grandson Tyler who is starting kindergarten on Wednesday as well.
I've got my list, flyer and coupons all set.  I'm off to Price Chopper and the "Back to School Solutions Center."

 Lots of great deals on other quick and easy breakfast ideas.   Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches were Nick's go-to breakfast this summer while he was doing an internship in Massachusetts.

I decided since the Yoplait Greek Yogurts were such a great price that maybe I could incorporate it with the Honey Nut Cheerios cereal bars somehow.  I grabbed strawberry banana, fearing nobody would like the plain vanilla.  Can I tell you I've tried greek yogurt in the past and wasn't really a fan but this Yoplait brand is yummy.   Doesn't taste any different to me then regular yogurt.

This recipe for  Honey Nut Cheerios Back to School Breakfast Bars (that's a mouthful, huh?) is..simple, simple, simple.
You don't have to add the mini chocolate chips.  You can add almonds or any other kind of nut.   I think a dried fruit would go good in these too.

Ingredients

• 7 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla extract
• 40 Full Size Marshmallows (I bought a 10oz bag and I counted out 41 marshmallows in the bag) 
• 3 (heaping) Tablespoons Peanut Butter 
• 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Steps

1. Butter a 9 x 13 pan
2. In a large stock pot, melt the butter
3. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until melted.
4. Add the peanut butter.
5. Add the vanilla and stir until combined.
6. Remove from the heat and add the cheerios to the marshmallows.
7. Stir until the cheerios are completely coated.
8. Transfer the Cheerios to the buttered pan and press down, so that the mixture fills the entire pan.
9. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top and gently press down.
10. Let set and then cut into bars size rectangle and serve (or you can do what I did and drizzle some Yoplait Greek yogurt over the top or on the side as a dip)  

There are a couple of things I have to tell you about using the yogurt. 

1- Strawberry Banana doesn't really go good peanut butter and chocolate chips, But it's fine to eat separately. 

2- If you are going to drizzle or dip the cereal bars in yogurt make sure you store them in the fridge if they aren't eaten right away.  

Ok, so my grandson Tyler doesn't look too thrilled in this picture but that's more because it's just plain annoying to a 5 year old to have your grandmother (or "Amma" as he calls me) force you to stop playing your video game, sit at the table, eat and get your photo taken all at the same time.    I swear he ate the whole cereal bar and dipped his banana sticks in the greek yogurt.    Fun times....   

For more on Price Chopper's "Back to School" solutions check them out on
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Do you have a "Back to School" breakfast idea that's quick and easy.  I'd love for you to share with me, I'm always looking for something new and different to try.    

Also, if you try this recipe let me know what, if anything, you added to your cereal bars.

Happy Back to School Everyone!!

Summer Grilling with Price Chopper....Red, White and Blue Style

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification with #CollectiveBias for #PriceChopperBBQ  All opinions are my own. 

This Saturday was the 1st official day of summer and that means the BBQ and grilling season is here! This year I'm throwing a 4th of July party and I can't wait.  I haven't had one at my house in a couple of years, so of course I want to go all out.
But "going all out" doesn't mean having to spend a ton of money.  Price Chopper is a great place to get everything you could possibly need for a fun summer of grilling without breaking the bank.  I'm thinking some Certified Angus Beef hamburgers and hot dogs are on the top of the list.

I'm big into "themed" parties, you can ask anyone who knows me.  So naturally I plan to do everything in my power to  Red, White and Blue  my whole BBQ. This will be my practice for the actual party, decide what will work, what won't and what I can add.

First, I've gotta head out to Price Chopper with my list and coupons in hand.   When walking into the store I always stop at the iSave kiosk, scan my AdvantEdge card and print out even more savings.

Another way to save at Price Chopper besides their low prices, specials and coupons is on gas.  Just by shopping and using your AdvantEdge card you earn points towards discount off every gallon  (up to 20) at a participating gas stations.   Also, each week there are usually bonus items that earn you even more Fuel AdvantEdge points.  So, keep your eyes peeled for those bargains as well.  (every little bit helps)

Ok, now that we've got that all squared away, it's time to get shopping!
Walking through the produce section I'm grabbing some must have grilling veggies.   Corn on the cob, onions and ripe tomatoes are always a "given" at my BBQ's.

Next, it's on to the meat department.. by far my husband's favorite stop in any grocery store.    He insists on only buying Certified Angus Beef hamburgers and steaks.  I'm picking out hamburgers for our BBQ but getting a couple steaks to have for ourselves as well.   Can't pass up a great looking steak.

For the hot dog lovers in the group (me included) we are going to try these new Hillshire-Ball Park Park's Finest hot dogs.  They are all natural 100% beef and come in several different varieties.  I'm going to try the Cracked Dijon Mustard and Slow Smoked Hickory.  They sound like they'd have a great flavor.    

While at the store I picked one of these FREE Grilling Guides.   It's full of tips, tricks, do's, don'ts, recipes and more.  I suggest you grab one for yourself, it's helpful to have handy at any time of the year.

I also suggest you check out some of Price Choppers' social media sites they're a great place to get ideas and see what Price Choppers is up to.

* Price Chopper on Facebook 
* Price Chopper House of BBQ on Pinterest
* Price Chopper on Twitter
* Price Chopper on Instagram
* Price Chopper on YouTube 





Now that I have the meat all picked out it's time for the fun stuff, side dishes, drinks and can't forget about the desserts!

Now the fun part....... EATING.
I sent my husband Chris to man the grill with the burgers and dogs while I got working on setting up the table, drinks, side dish and brownies.

I'm in love with the mason jars. (Of course it's an idea I got off Pinterest) It's so easy to just grab and go at a picnic, everything you need all together. Glass, utensils, napkin and even a red, white and blue straw.

The Betty Crocker Suddenly Pasta Salad is an easy dish to add to any BBQ table.   Just boil the pasta add the seasoning packet, mayo and you've got a great pasta salad everyone will love.  Doesn't hurt it's flavored with bacon, I mean who doesn't love bacon?

On to the fun stuff where I can really make the Red White and Blue  shine the drinks and the dessert.   
First of all I'd have you know the drink is more of an experiment.   I got the idea I wanted red, white and blue ice cubes and what better way then using Gatorade.  (on sale for 77cents each this week at Price Chopper)  I thought adding them to some plain seltzer water would give some flavor and fizz while being all patriotic at the same time.   This has to be tweaked a little.   The Gatorade ice cubes needed to stay in the freezer longer, the seltzer water needed to be colder.   I'll give myself an "A" for effort. It did taste good.   But you get the idea I was going for, right?  

Now that the burgers and dogs are ready, they need to get the red white and blue treatment as well.   This took some thought.  The red and white part were easy, but the blue was a challenge.   I thought of bleu cheese, as a play on words but I don't really like bleu cheese (only bleu cheese dressing with my buffalo wings)  So I wracked my brain and came up with dying the mayo blue.   I know, it's a bit over the top but it's fun and I know everyone will get a kick out of it.

This is my plate, burger was delish, hot dog was AMAZING.   I didn't eat it on a bun (trying to be good and not go total carb overload) but it was so flavorful you don't need a bun, ketchup, mustard or anything else.

Thomas wanted to try both the hot dog on a bun and a hamburger, but he prefers chips to any kind of pasta salad.  I love the cute hot dog baskets I found, can use them for anything.

Last but not least.... it's DESSERT time!   I made the Betty Crocker brownies, but to give them the
red, white and blue treatment.   I bought some Betty Crocker vanilla frosting and the very nice lady at Price Chopper's bakery department sold me some of their patriotic sprinkles they use on their baked goods.

After the brownies were baked and cooled, I put a couple spoon fulls of the frosting into a pastry bag, microwaved it for just a few seconds so it would be easy to drizzle over the brownies.  Topped them with the sprinkles while the icing was still soft and there ya have it..... Brownies fitting any 4th of July party.

There ya have it... my test run 4th of July picnic.    Hope I gave you some inspiration for your summer grilling or BBQ.  Whether it be for the a patriotic party or just a Sunday Funday with your family and friends it's all about spending time together.  

It's Coming Up Red, White and Blue This Memorial Day with Stop & Shop and #cbias

Memorial Day is this weekend and you know what that means, right?   The official start to summer and grilling season!  It also means my birthday is right around the corner.      

My family has always combined celebrating the Memorial Day holiday with my birthday.  

Just like most Americans we have a BBQ at one of our houses.   I like it that way.  

Some people go camping for the weekend. I'm not really the outdoorsy kind.   

Some people go to the beach for the day.  It hasn't been warm enough here in Connecticut to even think about the beach yet.   

I think it's the perfect time for a staycation at home with the family!  Having a get-together at my house means I get to pick the "theme" for the party.   Since I'd rather forget I'm turning another year older, I'm going to go with the red, white and blue.   And just so you know, I love me a theme.  That means anything and everything I can buy, make or craft in those colors... I will!   

Stop and Shop is my go-to grocery store.   Seriously, I'm in there two, sometimes three times a week.  

One time the lady who works at the People's bank inside told me I should just get an account there since I'm in the store all the time.   Yeah, I'm there that much!  

When I saw this week's flyer with all the great sales and extra gas rewards points, it was a no-brainer.  

I'm a list maker and coupon cutter.  Well, most of the time.  I really hate to just go to the store all "willy-nilly"  It's never good for my diet or wallet.     

I know it sounds dorky, but I always take a quick stroll through the florist department.  All the pretty flowers, arrangements and balloons make me happy.   And yes, I'll "do cake".... anytime, anywhere.  

 Is there anything better then fresh corn on the cob?  Do you remember the days of rolling the corn on a stick of butter?  I love spray butter!  Best invention!

 Shhhh.... I don't tell anyone in my family that the hot dogs I buy are lean.  They NEVER can tell the difference anyway.

Everything I need and want is on sale... and I have coupons!  Go me!

Since it was a really hot day, I decided to cook the steak and a package of hot dogs outside on the grill for dinner that night.  While standing outside grilling, it was the perfect time to hang up the bunting and put out the other Americana decorations I bought at Stop and Shop.

 Okay, so I might have had a beer while standing out there too.     I couldn't resist, it matched everything else!

We also "had" to try out the s'mores.   They are mine and Thomas' favorite summer dessert!  I mean, really, who wouldn't love graham crackers and chocolate with red, white and blue star marshmallows?

If this is making you hungry or making you think about grilling this weekend you have to see everything else I found at Stop and Shop by checking out my Google + album. 

What do you do for the Memorial Day weekend?   Do you stay home or go away?    

P.S.  If you have any good red, white and blue themed ideas you want to share with me just leave me a comment with idea or a link.  I would love it.  

Happy Memorial Day!  Happy Start to the 2013 Summer/Grilling Season!