Trading Up Downtown

Speaking of money-saving party ideas, how about serving peanuts? A big jar of peanuts is often cheaper than fancy cashews or even mixed nuts, and they’re not usually the focus of the party, so most guests don’t even notice the difference.

Last week, sixteen-ounce jars of Planters peanuts were on sale 2 for $6, which is an awesome deal. They’re usually close to $4 each, so I snapped up two of them for a giveaway on Trading Up Downtown this week.

So, here’s your chance to win two big jars of Planters peanuts!

• PLANTERS UNSALTED DRY ROASTED PEANUTS (NuVal score: 28)
• PLANTERS HONEY ROASTED PEANUTS DRY ROASTED (NuVal score: 23)

To enter: Leave a comment on this post about your favorite type of nut. Feel free to include a NuVal score with your comment. I’ll randomly pick a winner on Monday morning.

Good luck!

Parties can be really expensive, right? The food, beverages, decorations, games, and entertainment… it all adds up. But, don’t let the cost dampen your celebration! Here are a few tips to help you throw a party on a budget.

Use brightly colored fruit in your centerpieces

Brighten up your party centerpiece with fresh fruit– think whole lemons, oranges, and Granny Smith apples. Fruit is often a lot more affordable than fresh flowers and you can eat it later!

Bake your own cupcakes

Instead of going out and buying an expensive cake from a bakery, make your own cupcakes. It’s a much more cost-effective option and cupcakes serve themselves– no clean up needed!

Accept offers from guests

When a guest offers to bring something to your party, take them up on their offer. Most people want to contribute to the celebration, so why not let them? Plus, it saves you time and money!

Use your dishes

Instead of buying paper plates, plastic utensils, and serving platters, use the dishes you already gave in your kitchen. They’re often a lot more attractive and don’t cost you anything.

How do you save money when hosting a party?

I’m a few weeks late, but eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is thought to bring prosperity. Better late that never, right? (I still can’t believe it’s already the last week of the January!) Dried black-eyed peas score a 92 on the NuVal scale and canned Eden Organic Black-Eyed Peas No Salt score a 100!

More about the lucky New Year food:

In the Southern United States, the peas are typically cooked with a pork product for flavoring (such as bacon, ham bones, fatback, or hog jowl), diced onion, and served with a hot chili sauce or a pepper-flavored vinegar.

The traditional meal also features collard, turnip, or mustard greens, and ham. The peas, since they swell when cooked, symbolize prosperity; the greens symbolize money; the pork, because pigs root forward when foraging, represents positive motion. Cornbread also often accompanies this meal.

Below is an easy appetizer recipe that I found on the Whole Foods website that is perfect for a low-key or last-minute get-together. Who knows, maybe it’ll bring you luck too!

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup toasted pecan pieces
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Crackers or pita chips

Method:

Purée black-eyed peas, pecans, lemon juice, thyme, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon warm water in a food processor until combined but still slightly chunky. Spread pâté on crackers.

Trading Up Downtown Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered last week’s peanut butter giveaway! Here’s your winner: 65!

I love MaraNatha smooth peanut butter

Congrats, Callie! Please email me at thaupert@nuval.com with your full name and mailing address to claim your prize.