By: centraljersey.com
As the 75th anniversary of the founding of Mrs. G TV & Appliance by her grandparents approached, owner Debbie Schaeffer knew she wanted to mark the occasion in style. She took a step back and reflected on the big picture of what the store – a single, independent location that has outlasted competitors like Crazy Eddie, Topps, Wiz, Circuit City, and American Appliance – has contributed to its customers’ lives.
What she came up with is "Making Life Easier," which is the theme of an all-day gala celebration that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 25. Certainly, that catchphrase pertains to the endless truckloads of washers and dryers, kitchen appliances, media centers, and outdoor equipment that Mrs. G’s has sold over the years. But the gala’s offerings, which include seminars, cooking demonstrations and tastings, prizes, gifts, and sales, focus on making life easier in a far broader sense.
Professional experts will be on hand to share their best tips for how to grill like a pro, perform like a top athlete in all aspects of life, reduce the personal stress of busy lives, get in shape, assemble a stylish (and cost-effective) wardrobe, and get rid of clutter once and for all. It’s all free and open to the public, and I will be acting as master of ceremonies as the entire six-hour event is videotaped.
Headlining the cooking demos and tastings is Glenn Lyman of GCooks in Charlotte, N.C., who has been personal chef and food consultant to such renowned athletes as LeBron James, Joe Jurevicius, and Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith. An accomplished grill and barbecue expert, that day Lyman will showcase four different recipes on a Lynx Professional Grill starting with a breakfast grill at 10 a.m. During the day another talented but local chef, Matt Sytsema of Griggstown Farm & Market, will present ways to make holiday turkey easier and healthier. Kids of all ages will want to take note that Ruth Bzdewka, whose House of Cupcakes in Princeton has been filling sweet tooth cravings since 2008, will pass along the secrets of making fun holiday cupcakes.
Seminar leaders include Ed Tseng, award-winning tennis coach and author of "Game. Set. Life. – Peak Performance for Sports and Life;" Joanna O’Neill, licensed professional counselor, whose session is "Savoring the Moment and Making Life Easier;" professional organizer Ellen Tozzi; fashion consultant Denise H. Frederickson, and the duo of Michele Banks, certified nutritionist, and Lindsay Vastola, certified fitness professional, who will describe "Seven Simple Changes that Can Finally Get You the Body You Want."
All attendees will receive a gift bag and have the chance to win any of ten door prizes, ranging from a Toshiba Blu-Ray disc player (valued at $199) to a Bosch kitchen appliance package valued at $4,000. Those planning to attend are encouraged to register online in advance to ensure plenty of refreshments and gift bags.
Generations of customers had grown accustomed to seeing Mrs. G herself, Beatrice Greenberg – Debbie Schaeffer’s grandmother – sitting at the front desk as they entered the appliance showroom on Route 1 in Lawrenceville. In 2008, Mrs. G was honored by the Mercer Chamber of Commerce for her decades of charitable service to the community. She passed away earlier this year at the age of 96, but would undoubtedly have approved of her granddaughter’s plans to mark the unprecedented 75th year milestone by offering up meaningful ways to make life just that much easier. To get into that spirit, and to whet appetites, Chefs Lyman and Sytsema have shared the simple, savory, seasonal recipes, below.
The Mrs. G TV & Appliance 75th Anniversary Celebration, free and open to the public, takes place on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mrs. G’s is located at 2960 Route 1, Lawrence. To register: www.whoscoming.com/MakingLifeEasier.
HONEY-GLAZED CREOLE CHICKEN BREAST Chef Glenn Lyman, GCooks Personal Chef Serv ices
"Smoke from the thyme sprigs will penetrate the chicken breast, adding great depth and flavor," G. L.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons honey
2 fresh thyme sprigs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
1. Rinse chicken under cold running water and pat dry. Season both sides of chicken with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning. Drizzle each chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Cover and keep chilled in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Preheat an ovenproof non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place chicken along with thyme sprigs in skillet and gently sear, undisturbed, for about 4 minutes. Turn the chicken over and spoon honey over the top. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 3 to 4 more minutes.
Serves 2.
SQUISHY TOMATO BAKE Chef Matt Sytsema, Griggstown Farm & Market
Olive oil
1 loaf thick-crusted bread (such as focaccia). cut into 1/2-inch cubes
4 to 6 overripe or bruised tomatoes
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 small onion, chopped fine
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
