The Secret Ingredient Is Giving by Tania Pasterz

It’s that time of year again when our “to-do” lists start to include preparation for the holidays. Is the pantry stocked for out of town relatives and homebound college kids? What can we do ahead of time? For most of us pantry essentials like baking supplies, produce, dry/canned goods and spices are a trip to the grocery store away.

However for some, many if not all of these items are out of reach. That is why Marcel’s has partnered with The Glen Ellyn Food Pantry through November 18 to help combat local hunger. Bring in a food item for the food pantry and receive 20% off any food/wine item in our store.

 While planning ahead don’t forget to check out our November Class schedule. On Tuesday, November 12, Julie is doing a free demo of Orange Pecan Wild Rice that could fit nicely on your holiday table. We also have Kelly’s One + Done: Poultry Stock and Silky Gravy class that I’m going to try to sneak in myself! Kelly will teach the secret to silky smooth gravy and you will go home with gravy and stock to freeze until the holidays. And Robin will teach two Make + Take classes for soft white rolls to freeze and bake on Thanksgiving. While, Rachel will teach two Make + Take: Thanksgiving Pies classes passing on her techniques for the perfect pie. You will leave with two pies, one ready to bake and one ready to bake off in time for the holidays.

So, in your preparation for the holidays, stop in at Marcel’s and don’t forget to stock someone else’s pantry while stocking your own. The Food Pantry is in particular need of canned kernel corn, canned peas, rice, dry and canned beans, canned tuna, ketchup, boxed penne pasta, canned chili and cookies.

Happy holiday planning!