Tyler Blance- Produce Merchandising

The month of January brings about a lot of things. For many of us in the northeast, January typically means a lot of snow and cold weather, and a lot of shoveling that snow and bearing through that cold weather. To us here at Price Chopper, January brings something much more pleasant: Piñata apples! January marks the availability of Piñata apples at our stores, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. The piñata apples you can find this time of year at your local Price Chopper are grown exclusively by the folks at Stemilt in Washington, and there’s quite a story behind these tropical-inspired beauties. For a lot of produce items, the history of the crop dates back to times we can’t even imagine. Humans were working wonders with crops like maize (corn) far before the United States was even a thought! The story of Piñata apples, however, starts in the 1970’s. Researchers in Dresden-Pillnitz, Germany were doing some apple work. They crossed 3 varieties of apples: Golden Delicious, Cox’s Orange Pippin and the Duchess of Oldenburg. The result: One awesome apple which couldn’t be kept a secret. It was finally released in Europe in 1986, under the names “Pinova” and “Sonata”. It was a hit, and in 2004 Stemilt became the exclusive growers of the apples, later combining the words and naming them “piñata” apples. The name ties together the original names of the apple with its exciting attributes! Pretty cool, right? As the late-great Billy Mays would often say, “But wait! There’s more!” Check out the awesome video below to find out more about piñata apples: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prMmH1nZMGA] Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs

CEDAR’S SNACK PACKS and SNACK CUPS

                Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods’ NEW All Natural Snack Packs are the latest trend in healthy snacking.  Choose from two flavors of Cedar’s Hommus – Original or Roasted Red Pepper, paired with pretzels. Cedar’s Snack Packs come in a convenient ready-to-go tray with an easy to peel film.  They are the perfect fit for school lunch boxes, packed lunches for work or even to eat right out of the fridge. Want to skip the pretzels?  No problem.  Cedar’s also has 4 packs of 3 oz. Hommus Snack Cups in two flavor options – Original and Roasted Red Pepper, both Non-GMO and Gluten Free Certified. Look for Cedar’s Snack Packs and Snack Cups in the Deli Prepared Foods Case by the sandwiches. The Cedar’s Snack Packs are on sale @ 2/$3.00 this week and the Cedar’s Snack Cups are on sale @$2.99 this week.

CHOBANI SIMPLY 100 GREEK YOGURT

 Nature’s Got Your Number           Made.  Not Modified Natural Ingredients.  Not just nutritious. Artful recipes.  Not artificial ingredients. Product Attributes: No Artificial Sweeteners

• No Artificial Flavors
• No Preservatives
• Only Natural Ingredients
• 100 calories, 0% fat, 12 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber

Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs

RISTORANTE by DR. OETKER PIZZAS

                Italy’s #1 frozen pizza brand has only been available in the United States for a few years, but already it’s making a big impression on pizza lovers who try it. Ristorante by Dr. Oetker satisfies your busy lifestyle and your sophisticated tastes too!  They go to great lengths to find the most delicious and unique ingredients to create premium pizzas because they know that’s what you want and deserve in your pizza.  Even more than their commitment to quality, it’s Ristorante’s distinctive combinations of these choice toppings and seasonings that truly set their pizzas apart. Ristorante has delicious and distinctive combinations that are easily prepared and perfectly sized.  Once you taste it, you’ll know you’ve chosen the right pizza to make any day or night your perfect pizza experience@ Come to the Frozen aisle to discover which of the available flavors of Ristorante by Dr. Oetker Pizzas will best compliment your dinner this evening.  Buon Appetito!

RED ROBIN STEAK FRIES

                For over 40 years, Red Robin has been serving its famous Gourmet Burgers, Bottomless Steak Fries and Towering Onion Rings seasoned with their signature blend of Red Robin Seasoning Salt.  Known as the Gourmet Burger Authority, Red Robin offers unique and delicious gourmet burgers and other craveable entrees. Now you can take the great taste of Red Robin restaurants home and serve their world famous Steak Fries anytime.  Sorry, you’ll have to serve yourself – their wait staff won’t fit on the Grocery shelf! Look for Red Robin Steak Fries in the Frozen aisle.

Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs

ATKINS FROZEN MEALS

                Atkins offers a delicious new line of meals that let you eat the indulgent, real and satisfying foods you love and stay on track with the Atkins plan.  They have seven meals to choose from that will fully satisfy your needs for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Each meal contains premium meats, freshly picked vegetables, real, rich creams and sauces and no added sugars or preservatives.  These low carb meals, with 5g to 7g each, fit all four phases of the Atkins diet and help you stay on track with Atkins. For breakfast enjoy either a Tex-Mex Scramble or Farmhouse Style Sausage Scramble.  For lunch or dinner, you can dine on Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo, Meatloaf with Portobello Mushroom Gravy, Beef Merlot, Roast Turkey Tenders with Herb Pan Gravy or Italian Sausage Primavera. Treat yourself to a delicious Atkins Meal today.  Look for Atkins Meals in the Frozen aisle.

TYSON GRILLED & READY and PREMIUM CHUNK WHITE CHICKEN

                Tyson Grilled & Ready carved from real breast fillet with great grilled flavor or Premium Chunk White Chicken are both fully cooked, 97% fat free, with no preservatives.  You can quickly and conveniently create a light snack or main meal that tastes great and is a good value for the money.  With Tyson being a trusted brand, these items outperform competition in quality cuttings. You can take this protein-packed meal on the go – to work or school.  These can be used as an ingredient in a recipe, wrap, sandwich or to top off any salad.  You’ll be enjoying your meal in minutes.  Just add cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing and chicken.  Place in a baking dish.  Bake for 20 minutes or until mixture is heated through.  Stir and serve with crackers or chips for a delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip.  Find more great recipes using Tyson Chicken Pouches at: http://www.tyson.com/Products/Premium-Chunk-White-Chicken-Breast-Pouch.aspx

Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs

WHOLLY GUACAMOLE LAYERED DIPS

Price Chopper now has two exciting new layered drips from Fresherized Foods, makers of “Wholly Guacamole”.  Introducing Wholly Guacamole Layered Dips!  Available in Black Bean over Homestyle Guacamole and Taco Bean over Guacamole, these chef-inspired dips are sure to be crowd pleasers. The Black Bean dip takes the flavor and texture of black beans, combined with corn, garlic and cumin and layers it on top of the Wholly Guacamole Homestyle dip you know and love.  This dip is made with avocado, Serrano peppers and cilantro and lime.  Enjoy it warmed or chilled.  Your first bite will NOT be your last! The Taco Bean dip features the flavor of avocado, pinto beans and roasted corn and tomato – all blended to perfection with paprika, cumin, mesa flavor and oregano – just the way these flavors were intended to be enjoyed.  Look for the new Wholly Layered dips in the Produce Department today!

ALEXIA SMART CLASSICS ROASTED FRIES & POTATOES

New Smart Classics are all natural frozen French fries.  They’re roasted, 98% fat free and have 0 grams of trans fat and only 100 calories per serving. Using only the finest all-natural Yukon select potatoes grown right here in the USA, Smart Classics gives you a restaurant fry experience without the guilt.  Finally a guilt-free, guilty pleasure! Simply made food is simply the best – especially when it is 98% fat free and has only 100 calories per serving.  Made extra crunchy thanks to the crispy ridges.  Alexia Smart Classics Roasted Crinkle Cut Fries are a classic cut roasted with Sea Salt to deliver that perfect bite.  Smart Classics Tri Cut Potatoes are the perfect complement for breakfast or brunch, or alongside a perfectly seasoned chicken breast.  Now there is finally a guilt free fry with all of the classic fry taste. Of course, when you start with fresh, U.S. grown Yukon select potatoes and all-natural sea salt, you don’t need much to improve.

• Roasted
• 98% Fat Free
• 0 Grams Trans Fat
• 100 Calories Per Serving

Look for Alexia Smart Classics in the Frozen aisle. Tyler Blance- Produce Merchandising

It’s the holiday season, and many of our local growers are enjoying a well deserved break from the busy growing season.  However, one of our growers, Richard Hourihan in Cabot, Vermont, is still growing strong!  Richard’s farm is unique.  He delivers fresh-picked produce in the summer and fall, and then delivers fresh-picked fir trees to us once the holiday season comes around.

I had the opportunity to talk a little with Mr. Hourihan about his farm and what he does for a living. How long have you been a local grower with Price Chopper? “I’ve been a proud Chopper Farmer since the early 2000’s.” What’s your favorite crop to grow? “My favorite thing in the world to grow is pumpkins.” Tell us a little about your tree farm operation. How many acres of crops do you grow? “I grow 60 acres of fir trees and then 130 acres of vegetables.  The tree business was how I started out.  I only grow balsam fir trees- they’re the best you can get and they’re beautiful. Our trees are chemical-free and grown naturally without fertilizer or sprays.” What’s the best part of doing what you do? “For me, the best part is the view.  My farm is located on top of a big hill, and the view is breathtaking.  I like to sit out here early in the morning, listen to the radio and enjoy the view around me.” Operating a summer/fall vegetable farm and a tree farm makes for a long farming season. What’s your favorite time of the year? “The day when my season’s over- just kidding!  I like spring, when I’m getting ready to plant everything and planning what I’m going to grow in the coming season for places like Price Chopper.  I like pulling out my seed catalog!” We’re proud to support growers like Richard and his family, from sweet corn to acorn squash, all the way to fir trees in December.  If you happen to be in the St. Johnsbury, VT area, check out the Cabot Smith Farm fir trees at our St. Johnsbury store on Memorial Drive!    

Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs

ARM & HAMMER CLUMP & SEAL

                ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal is the biggest advancement in cat litter history.  No other litter forms a tight seal around odor and destroys it with unique odor eliminators and ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda. A unique process eliminates dust and minimizes product tracking out of the litter box.  It exceeds expectations on odor control, clumping and is easy to clean. Try ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal for a 7-day odor-free home guaranteed.  Look for this new Clump & Seal in the Pet Aisle.  Visit them on Facebook or at www.ClumpandSeal.com for special offers, product information and reviews from cat owners who have made the switch.  After you have made the switch to ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal, be sure to tell them how it feels having an odor-free home for 7 days.

V8 BLOODY MARY MIX

                V8 Bloody Mary Mix is a rich savory mix that makes the perfect Bloody Mary Cocktail! Campbell’s starts with the goodness of V8 tomatoes, adds bold Worcester flavor, heat from red and black pepper, plus delicate and balanced onion notes. If you choose, add your favorite vodka and garnishes to make a delicious Bloody Mary!  Recommended Classic Recipe is 1 part vodka and 3 parts V* Bloody Mary Mix and garnish with celery.  For a twist on the traditional garnish, replace the celery with a skewer of cooked peeled large shrimp! V8 is 100% juice, has two full servings of vegetables, only 40 calories per serving, with no high fructose corn syrup.  Look for V8 Bloody Mary Mix in the Bar Mix section. If you’re in need of some baking ideas or festive entertaining tips this weekend, follow #HolidayAdvantEdge. Our bloggers have come up with the most delectable creations that are not only fun to make, but even more fun to eat!  Andrea from Andrea’s Cooking Club came up with a twist on her classic BLT dip to make these Holiday BLT Bites! If your kids are dying to decorate in the kitchen, read The Angel Forever’s blog on decorating holiday cookies and creating snowmen cupcakes! To see more recipes and decorating ideas, visit our Pinterest board and follow #HolidayAdvantEdge on Twitter! Also, it’s not too late to enter our Winter Getaway Sweepstakes for your chance to win $4500 in SOUTHWEST & Marriott Gift Cards!   Are you getting ready to hit the slopes this winter?  In the northeast, we’re used to lots of snow which means being able to take full advantage of winter activities, especially skiing & snowboarding!  Tell us what you’re favorite thing is about skiing or snowboarding for your chance to win either a Family Mountain Passbook or a Big Mountain Passbook!  Two winners will be randomly selected- one winner will receive a Family Mountain Passbook & the other winner will receive a Big Mountain Passbook.  Each of these passbooks sold at Price Chopper contain three full day ski passes to various mountains at a great price!  If you’re in need of a stocking stuffer for a snow-lover, these passbooks make the perfect gift! The Family Mountain Passbook is good for three all-day lift tickets at Toggenburg Mountain, Wachusett Mountain, Belleayre Mountain, Plattekill Mountain, West Mountain, Song Mountain or Shawnee Mountain.  In addition to great variety, you get an awesome deal too – this package is only $119. Feeling a bit more adventurous?  Then try our Big Mountain Passbook! With this package, you can get three passes to Gore Mountain,  Whiteface, Smuggler’s Notch, Bromley, Windham, or Jiminy Peak. You can’t beat the price of this deal – its only $149 for the package! Plus, all of your Ski Any 3 purchases earn Fuel AdvantEdge Rewards, meaning you can save all the way to the slope. Pick up your book of passes at your local Price Chopper or by clicking right here. Leave your comment here as well as on our Facebook page by December 17th, 2013 to be entered to win.  Read official contest rules here.

Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs

HOMESTYLE CLASSIC CAKE

Have your cake and eat it too!  Two things that everyone loves to do. NEW Homestyle Classics cakes combine premium ingredients with the down home taste right from your Grandmother’s kitchen.  Moist cake layers surrounded by a silky smooth real buttercreme and garnished with real European chocolate shavings that your palate will thank you for. Available in two classic flavors:  Vanilla Bean and Dutch Chocolate.  Homestyle Classic cakes are available as a full size or a petite – a delicious way to celebrate – no matter what size your celebration! Look for Homestyle Classic cakes in the Bakery.

WISPRIDE EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR SPREADABLE CHEESE

Taste the Pride!  Introducing WisPride Extra Sharp Cheddar Spreadable Cheese.  WisPride now offers the tangy, robust flavor of extra sharp cheddar in a creamy and savory spread.  It is perfect for spreading on crackers for a snack or as an appetizer at parties.  WisPride is so soft and smooth, you can dip your favorite cracker or pretzel in the tub to experience the extra sharp flavor! WisPride is also available in Cheddar and Port Wine.  WisPride is perfect to keep on hand for a quick snack or to share with friends.  Taste the Pride!  Look for the NEW EXTRA SHARP WisPride flavor in the Dairy Case today!