In the Aldi Test Kitchen & Visiting Their HQ {Day 1} #inthealdikitchen

So ALDI is my go-to store for quick trips and I probably stop there at least twice a month.  I wish I could say all my shopping was done there but there are some items they don’t carry or certain brands I prefer.  I will say though after visiting the ALDI headquarters a few weeks ago and having two meals cooked only using ALDI products, I may have to re-think my family’s meals!  I was amazed to say the least!

So it all started with me driving the short distance to a hotel near the ALDI headquarters in Batavia, IL.  Me and about 10 other bloggers were then bussed to the headquarters for a welcome reception with holiday wines, cheeses, and appetizers – again all from ALDI.  There were even side-by-side comparisons of ALDI products versus name brand cheese, crackers and wines – I picked ALDI 9/10 times!  We were all surprised by how we blindly picked the ALDI product over the competitor, in which case we were saving money since ALDI prices are lower.  Oh and did I mention their wines are like $5 a bottle – and their Riesling is to die for!  I should add too I am not a big wine drinker, but give me the ALDI Riesling and I could drink the whole bottle myself!  I will definitely be stocking up for our holiday dinners and to bring to guests houses!

We got to hear on how ALDI has their buyers try out the products and only buys high quality foods that they can sell at reasonable (but still low) prices.  Some of the items were even significantly cheaper by a few dollars, and yes those add up when you are shopping for your family week after week.

Before dinner we got to hear from Janice Stahl, a food stylist who gave us some great tips for the holidays:

• Use store bought items and make them your own!
• Make your food the centerpiece
• Rent tablecloths if possible (no mess to wash and you don’t have to store them)
• Use vases with fresh ALDI fruit and water for centerpieces!
• Keep it simple!

For dinner, we had an amazing holiday dinner using all ALDI products.  We had ham, turkey, Cranberry Apricot Chutney, Individual Au Gratin Potatoes, rolls, Not the Classic Green Bean Casserole, Roasted Cauliflower with Cranberries and Crispy Onions and more.  ALDI actually has tons of great recipes on the ALDI website that I highly recommend checking out!

Here is my plate:

I am making probably everything we ate for our Thanksgiving dinner, yes it was that good.  My family too actually swears by ALDI hams and won’t eat any other brands!

We ended the day with our belly’s full and me craving ALDI foods!

Mom and More Disclosure: I attended this event with all expenses paid and received gifts. I am sharing this post and my honest opinion. Please see my Disclosure Policy.