Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts

Monday, November 13, 2017

Perfect Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

DURAND, Mich.,–– Let's face it. Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year because of all the delicious desserts we get to eat, not to mention turkey dinner. Are you in charge of making the pie this year? Don't fret, we've got you covered. Bake a pie that your guests will love this holiday by checking out our list of perfect Thanksgiving pie recipes. Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings:



Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Perfect Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

You can't go wrong with a classic this year!



Cook Time: 25-35 minutes

Perfect Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

S'mores in a pie... need we say more?



Cook Time: 50 minutes

Perfect Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

The pie that screams Thanksgiving.



Cook Time: 50 minutes

Perfect Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

For a sweeter taste, this cranberry cheesecake pie is perfect.



Cook Time: 12 minutes

Perfect Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

If you're a chocolate lover, this pie will satisfy your taste buds!



Cook Time: 1 hour

Perfect Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

Another classic for the fall season.


Whether you like the classics or are looking to break out of your shell, these perfect Thanksgiving pie recipes will be sure to suit your needs. Your dessert will be a hit among your family and friends. Don't forget to give thanks this holiday to the ones you love. You can also give back to your vehicle that gets you to where you need to be with some routine maintenance. Your car is a valuable investment that deserves the attention it requires. Check out our fall car care tips to prepare for the snowy season ahead! 

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

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Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Thanksgiving Meal Ideas for People Who Can't Stand Turkey

DURAND, Mich.,––Many people believe that you shouldn't break the popular Turkey tradition on Thanksgiving and that it is the one and only main dish that should be served. Despite popular beliefs, Turkey doesn't have to be the main meal served at Thanksgiving dinner. There are plenty of other options that'll live up to the high expectations set for this food-loving holiday. We've put together a list of Thanksgiving meal ideas for people who can't stand Turkey. If you're looking for an alternative to the beloved holiday tradition, then you'll want to check out these recipes:



Thanksgiving Meal Ideas for People Who Can't Stand Turkey

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes



Thanksgiving Meal Ideas for People Who Can't Stand Turkey

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes



Thanksgiving Meal Ideas for People Who Can't Stand Turkey

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes



Thanksgiving Meal Ideas for People Who Can't Stand Turkey

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes



Thanksgiving Meal Ideas for People Who Can't Stand Turkey

Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes


Is your mouth watering yet? Because ours sure are! We're ready for Thanksgiving to be here already so we can indulge in these delicious dishes. If you're not a turkey lover and are looking to start a new family tradition, then these Thanksgiving meal ideas for people who can't stand turkey will be sure to satisfy your needs this year! Do you plan on heading out for some Black Friday shopping this season? Check out our guide on how to make the most of your experience. You can also avoid the hassle of not having enough space in your vehicle for all of your Black Friday purchases by shopping our crossover/SUV inventory. We'll get you into a vehicle that is safe and spacious this holiday season!

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

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How to Make the Most of Your Black Friday This Year

DURAND, Mich.,––Black Friday is considered a public holiday that takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving. This occasion is especially exciting for those looking to save big on their Christmas shopping. Retailers across the nation will be gearing up to handle the large crowds of bargain hunters on Black Friday, and even some on Thanksgiving Day. If you're planning on participating this year, you can also get geared up and mentally prepared for all the craziness of Black Friday with a few simple tips. Here's how to make the most of your Black Friday this year:

How to Make the Most of Your Black Friday This Year

1. Know Exactly What You Want

This is the most important thing to do in preparation for Black Friday! The big ticket items - mainly electronics, games and consoles, cookware, and kitchen gadgets - are highly sought after and go really quick because they're the most expensive and the most discounted. We recommend making a prioritized list of the items you want for each store you want to attend. It's hard to do, but if you can find everything you want at one store your Black Friday shopping will be much easier!


2. Have a Backup for Each Item

If you've ever been Black Friday shopping, you know that things don't always work out. You don't go early enough, you can't find parking, you can't get to an item quick enough, etc.! It's fairly likely that an item you want won't be available. This is a real bummer, but having a backup for each item on your list can save you a little headache. You can also make a list of backups online on your smartphone, so if your item is sold out in the store, you'll immediately have a solution in the palm of your hand.

3. Have a List You Can Check Off

There are so many discounts that you could shop on Black Friday for almost anyone on your list. If you're shopping for more than 3 people, it's handy to have a physical list in your pocket when you go out shopping. Each time you pick up an item or make a purchase, cross it off the list. This way, through all the chaos, you'll be able to know what's left and what you've already accomplished without having to scramble through your car, shopping bags, or cart.

4. Plan for Parking & Traffic 

People go a little nuts for a good deal on Black Friday. Many people have had Thanksgiving dinner with family and will be traveling on the road, while others are rushing around in attempts to get to their shopping destination as soon as possible. Traffic and parking can be rough because shoppers are in such a rush and aren't paying attention to others around them. Plan for this craziness by being early, taking it easy on the road, and being aware of your surroundings.


5. Take Care of Yourself First! 

Make sure you get plenty of sleep before heading out, or if you choose to go after Thanksgiving dinner, have some caffeine at the ready. This will help you keep your focus on what's happening around you. Avoid being hangry (hungry/angry) and eat a proper breakfast or at least a small snack to keep you satisfied. Nothing is worse than trying to fight a crowd on an empty stomach! We also recommend bringing an on-the-go drink so you can stay hydrated and happy throughout all your shopping.
How to Make the Most of Your Black Friday This Year

6. Go Shopping Online & Avoid the Crowds 

If going out on Black Friday sounds like too much of a nightmare, or the image above simply gives you anxiety, you can always choose to do your shopping online and avoid the crowds! Try giants like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target for great deals online. Just like shopping physical retail, have a plan in mind, have your browser windows open and ready, and make your biggest purchases first.


Whether you choose to brave the craziness of Black Friday out on the road OR choose to do your shopping online, your safety is our number one priority! We can help you keep your car in great shape so you can avoid any mishaps while you're doing your Holiday shopping and preparation. Stop by for an oil change, winter tire installation, brake inspection, and any other winter car care maintenance services you need this season.

We're also proud to offer a well-equipped Collision Center and experienced technicians that are able to help you complete and body work you might need done. If you were unfortunately involved in an accident with a deer or buck this fall, schedule an estimate and get entered to win $1,000 in our Busted Bumper Buck Pole contest, ending December 30th.


Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

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Tuesday, November 8, 2016

30 Things to be Thankful for

DURAND, Mich., –– As Thanksgiving draws near we encourage you to take some time think about all the things you appreciate in your life. If you need some inspiration, we've come up with a list of 30 things to be thankful for. Feel free to use them as your own!



1. Good health - Not to be taken for granted.
2. Family - You love them no matter what, and they do too.
3. Friends - Could you really make it without them?
4. Shelter & safety - It's a crazy world out there, but many of us are lucky enough to have a roof over our heads and be safe.
5. Our Armed Service members - We can't thank them enough.
6. Pets - Fuzzy, cuddly friends!
7. Pumpkin pie, stuffing, and all the other Thanksgiving dinner favorites - *Mouth begins to water*
8. Leftovers - Arguably better than the original meal.
9. Music - Perhaps life's greatest treasure.
10. Netflix - Better than air.
11. Laughter - It's the best medicine.
12. Books - They're like Netflix, but on paper!
13. Chocolate - Best consumed with #15
14. Sunsets - Fall sunsets give summer ones a run for their money.
15. Peanut butter - Best consumed with #13
16. Vehicle safety - We care about your safety on the road
17. Wool socks - If you're lucky, you'll probably be getting another pair for Christmas from Mom.
18. Weekends - No explanation needed.
19. Leftover candy from Halloween - If it's not stale yet...
20. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate - Hot drinks in a warm mug are unmatched.
21. The Detroit Lions playing on Thanksgiving day - They may not win, but they will be playing.
22. The National Dog Show - The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has nothing on the dog show.
23. The snooze button - Hit it again!
24. Blanket forts - You're never too old.
25. Handwritten notes - Making people feel extra special since email was invented.
26. Bubble wrap - *pop*
27. Karaoke - SWEEEETTT CAROLINE! BAH, BAH, BAHHH!
28. Movie theatre popcorn - Extra butter please.
29. Pets - Did we say this one already?
30. Yourself - "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you!" - Dr. Seuss

We hope our list of 30 things to be thankful for will inspire you to not take the good things in your life for granted. Also, as we mentioned in our list above, your safety on the road is our chief concern at Graff Durand and we recommend following our Fall Car Care steps to get your vehicle ready for the harsh winter weather to come. Or, stop by our Graff Chevrolet Durand Service Center for assistance.

Come see us at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429. Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! For any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We proudly serve Durand, as well as the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesse Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and others.

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Friday, November 20, 2015

5 Tips for a Perfect Turkey

5 Tips for a Perfect Turkey

DURAND, Mich –– Thanksgiving is the American holiday most known for cooking and sharing a turkey feast with family and friends, but cooking a turkey for a crowd can be an intimidating process and a sad disaster if done wrong. Whether you’re cooking a turkey for the first time or if you’re already a great cook and want to polish your skills, you can follow these five tips for a perfect turkey and be the hero of Thanksgiving this year.

1. Choose the right type of turkey.


There are plenty of options at your grocery store including Fresh, Frozen, Organic, etc. Heritage turkeys are leaner and typically more flavorful even though they cost a little extra. If organic is something important to you, make sure to read the label ensuring the bird was raised to standard. Fresh might seem better than frozen to some, but it’s up to you to decide. Some frozen turkeys are snap-frozen, meaning they are quickly frozen just after butchering to save freshness. If you’re looking to save some time, buying fresh eliminates the defrosting process.

2. Select the right size of turkey.


Now that you’ve chosen the right type of turkey it’s time to get down to the size of the bird. Take a mental count of how many guests you’ll be serving, plus yourself, on Thanksgiving and multiple that number by 1–1 1/2 pounds. Add a few pounds to account for the bones and you should have an idea of the size you need. For example, if you’re having nine people over for Thanksgiving, buy a 16-pound turkey.

3. Properly defrost and clean your turkey.


To stifle the growth of bacteria, thaw your turkey breast-side-up on a rimmed baking sheet in the refrigerator. Allow a full day of thawing for every four pounds of turkey. Even if you buy fresh, cleaning a turkey is essential. Simply rinsing the turkey under cool running water and drying it completely with paper towels will do the job.

4. Choose a method to keep your turkey moist.


Brining your turkey is a great way to keep the bird moist and bring flavor into the meat. Brines typically include water, salt, sugar, and spices, so pick a brine that looks the most appealing to you and make sure to properly follow proportions of each ingredient. Rubbing butter, oil, or even mayonnaise mixed with spices on the dry skin will lock moisture in, and should always be done before putting the turkey into the oven. Skip the basting method because opening and closing the oven will create fluctuations in temperature that can effect cooking time.

5. Cook the turkey to the right temperature, then give it a rest.


Avoid over or undercooking a turkey by checking its internal temperature at the thigh and the breast. 165 Degrees is the golden temperature that the thigh, breast, and stuffing inside (if included) should consistently be before pulling the bird out of the oven. When it is pulled out, let the turkey rest for 15–20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to set.

There are so many ways to cook a turkey, but remember to enjoy it too! Hopefully these five tips for a perfect turkey have given you the confidence to be a champion cook this Thanksgiving. For even more ways to impress your guests here are some fabulous ideas for holiday side dishes to accompany your flavorful turkey.

Also make sure your guests arrive and depart safely during the holiday with these Thanksgiving travel tips. Stop by our Fenton area Chevrolet dealership for any auto service, like an oil change, you may need before hitting the road.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast

DURAND, Mich –– Bring on the turkey, gravy, and pumpkin pie! Turkey Day is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to choose the recipes for dishes you want to serve on your holiday menu, so we've brought together a few of our favorite recipes from Pinterest to create a special collection of side dishes for your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you're looking to put a scrumptious spin on one of your holiday favorites or for an entirely new recommendation, we guarantee there's a side dish on this list for everyone.

Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast


English Roast Potatoes

Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast
Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast

Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast

Simple Cranberry Sauce

Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast

Green Bean Bundles

Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast

Glazed Butternut Squash

Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast

Pumpkin Pie with Maple Cream

Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast

If you're planning on traveling this Thanksgiving and need advice beyond what side dishes to serve at Thanksgiving this November, check out our tips for Thanksgiving travel here. Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle doesn't need an oil change and has all of its regular auto service taken care of.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

How to Avoid Traffic During Your Thanksgiving Travels

How to Avoid Traffic During Your Thanksgiving Travels

DURAND, Mich. –– Are you planning on making an across-state or out-of-state trip for turkey this Thanksgiving? If so, you’ll want to know the best times are to travel in order to avoid heavy traffic congestion.

Last year, AAA released an estimate that said over 46 million people were traveling for Thanksgiving, and that number likely won’t go down this November. Before you hit the road for a feast on Turkey Day, make sure you know how to avoid traffic during your Thanksgiving travels using some insightful data compiled by Google last year.

Don’t travel on Wednesday.
The day before Thanksgiving may seem like an optimal time to travel, but that’s exactly why you should avoid making a trip on Wednesday. Most people consider it a great day to head out because they want to finish up at work and still get to their destination before Thanksgiving Day. This results in millions of families hitting the road between 3 and 5 p.m., leading to traffic congestion. If you have to travel on Wednesdays, make your trip earlier or later in the day.

Do travel on Thursday.
It may not seem ideal to travel on Thanksgiving Day, but rest assured it’s the best day to make a trip without running into any traffic. Plus, if you leave early on Thursday you won’t have any problem arriving on time for turkey.

Head home on Sunday.
If not on Friday, many families drive home from their Thanksgiving destinations on Saturday, which Google says can be 40% worse for traffic congestion. If you want to save yourself from a headache, consider staying where you are an extra day and head home on Sunday.

Knowing how to avoid traffic during your Thanksgiving travels is important, but there are other factors involved in having a comfortable trip to your Turkey Day destination.

  • Find out what the weather will be like on your trip. Knowing what to expect will help you make decisions in regards to what interstates you take or whether you should expect traffic.
  • Plan your route ahead of time so you’re familiar with where construction is taking place or where the busiest roads are, both of which could elongate your travel time.
  • Have some sort of towing or roadside assistance contact information you can reference in the event you’re vehicle brakes down.
  • Check that your vehicle is ready for the drive. Use our fall driving tips to see what steps you can take to prepare your vehicle, or stop by our Fenton area Chevrolet dealer to find out what auto service your vehicle may be in need of.

We're always finding new ways to help our customers have great driving experiences, and sharing a few tips that could make your Thanksgiving travels safe and comfortable is just one example. Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is also revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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