How to Minimize Halloween Hassle
Halloween can be a hassle if you’re running late from work, and are simultaneously trying to prepare and eat dinner before the first of the trick-or-treaters arrive.
This year, I’m hoping to be better prepared when the kids come knocking. Which means a trip to Vince’s for a few grab-and-go meal items, desserts and snacks for the family. And beforehand, I’ll pick up a pumpkin and a few gourds to whip our seasonal décor into shape.
I like to call it “Halloween Made Easy.” And it starts with dinner.
In previous years it went like this: arrive home from the office and throw a few leftovers in the microwave, or put something together that requires minimal meal prep – and hope the kids don’t start showing up mid-meal!
Which they often do, so this year I’ll be relying on some of our Vince’s Own heat-and-serve (or ready-to-serve) meals. Comfort foods like mac and cheese, cabbage rolls, meat pies, or perhaps one of several varieties of lasagna.
I’m also partial to Vince’s roast chicken (a family favourite), but our prepared foods department offers no shortage of other chicken variations: Thai chicken, Teriyaki chicken, butter chicken, chicken alfredo, chicken wings, fingers and cutlets.
Pizza is one of the easiest choices, as it can contain several food groups! You can choose from favourites that include deluxe, veggie, three-cheese, or cheese & pepperoni. All of which pair nicely with a healthy Vince’s Own salad like Caesar, Greek, Cobb, garden, spring mix, and more.
I’ll follow that up with a Vince’s Own pumpkin pie – with whipped cream. Yes, you can get the ‘real deal’ in an aerosol can (a real time saver). We also carry Halloween-themed cookies, along with cupcakes adorned with seasonal sprinkles.
And if you’re like some parents who consume nearly as many treats as they hand out, how about grabbing a few items for yourself from our bulk foods section? Vince’s has you covered with chocolate-covered almonds, yogurt pretzels, chocolate macaroons, and more – leaving the wrapped items for the kids.
And now that my own are now off to university, there will be no more pillowcases full of candy to sort through on the kitchen table. Which is a good thing both for my kids – and my waistline.
Until next time,
— Neil
