We’ve made it to another post #100 of 365, so it seems like a good day to introduce something different here at 365Barrington.com. It’s a new series we’re calling “Quick Tips Tuesday” where we feature weekly advice from local experts to help make life a little easier.
We’re starting things off with a few tips to help us get ready for this weekend’s Easter brunch from our friends over at Heinen’s Grocery in Barrington. I recently visited with Heinen’s associate Vieve Squires to get a little advice for planning our family’s Easter menu. We were talking about Heinen’s Easter hams and I tricked her into posing for a photo with a ham from Heinen’s deli. (Photo tip: Ask desired model to pick up prop for better close-up angle & lighting. Then, zoom out and say “SMILE!” Thanks, Vieve ;))
Anyway, Vieve says the best thing about Heinen’s signature bone-in ham is that it’s made from Joe Heinen’s original, award-winning recipe. It’s gently smoked and finished in a honey mustard brown sugar glaze (YUM) and spiral sliced for easy serving. “It doesn’t have a lot of salt in it and it’s not water-logged like other hams. Ours has no binders and no MSG. It’s just pure ham and you can really taste the freshness.”
So Here’s Vieve’s Tip:
“To make your holiday celebration effortless, Heinen’s can prepare your entire Easter meal in advance. No matter how many people you’ll be serving, we have a solution for you so give us a call. We’ll pre-cook your spiral cut ham and prepare your sides and baked goods. All you have to do is pick your order up before Easter Sunday and pop your ham in the oven at 200 degrees for 20 minutes while you’re preparing your side dishes and setting the table.”
For delicious sides to complement your Easter ham, Vieve recommends Heinen’s Green Bean Amandine, Green Bean Casserole, Au Gratin Potatoes or Candied Sweet Potatoes. “The Au Gratin Potatoes are really good, but if you’re not into a sharp cheddar cheese, we also have a Parmesan scalloped potato in our gourmet case that you will love. We’re also offering a seasonal favorite, grilled vegetables for $7.99 a pound. We have zucchini, assorted peppers, red onion and mushrooms and everyone loves our grilled asparagus because it’s really simple. Plus, our Parker House rolls are soft, sweet and perfect for ham sandwiches or to serve on the side with your meats.”
But Vieve recommends ordering your ham at least three or four days in advance – and that means NOW for Saturday pickup because Heinen’s will not be open on Easter Sunday.
Alessa’s Bonus Tip from Heinen’s Bakery:
From lamb cakes to paska bread to bunny cakes and Heinen’s sweet hot cross buns, Alessa in Heinen’s bakery says call ahead to order your Easter baked goods because they’re flying off the shelves this week – especially the cheesecake with fresh fruit. “If you know that you want something , don’t wait until the day before to pick it up. Pre-order so we can be sure that we have it for you.”
To place your order, call Heinen’s at at 847-381-1332. They’ll hook you up with all the recommendations you need on how much food to order based on the size of your party and, in my experience, you can’t go wrong with their advice!
Heinen’s Grocery is located at 500 N. Hough Street, between E. Main Street and Route 14 (next to Meathead’s) in Barrington, Illinois. They’re open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit Heinens.com.
