Written by Kevin SchulkeCategory Manager of Beer, Wine and Salty Snacks
December is here and there is no month quite like it, as we have Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve and holiday parties to celebrate! Whether you’re throwing a party or just going to one, you’ll need to pick out some wine. Let me share some suggestions of great holiday wines that are also great holiday values!
Red wine enthusiasts will love Louis Martini 2009 Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, rated 88
points by The Wine Advocate, Robert M Parker Jr. It is one of the “Great Cabernet Buys” from Northern California today. They have taken 90% Cabernet and blended it with Merlot, Petite Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. The results speak for themselves, withsoft notes of plums, blackberries, red cherries, and herbs that punctuate this well made Cabernet. This is the perfect wine to accompany your holiday prime rib.
Guests will love Gnarly Head 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel, on the Wine Spectators Top 100 Biggest Bargains of 2011! This wine comes to us from Lodi California with some of the oldest vines in California today, over 80 years old! The zinfandel grape enjoys the hot summer sun in Lodi, but only because of the refreshing afternoon breeze travels from the ocean up the Sacramento River to cool the fruit every evening. Let me assure you of the pleasant surprise you’ll experience as you lift your glass, you’ll note the deep hues, and enjoy the powerful dark raspberry and black cherry flavors with layers of spice and chocolate. Enjoy this wine with beef, spicy dishes, or chocolate.
If you’re thinking white wines, let me offer this suggestion from the California North Coast Region; Clos Du Bois Chardonnay (pronounced clo do bwau). The Silver straw-yellow hue is complimented by aromas of apple blossoms and sweet lemon drops followed by flavors of apple and pears, concluding with a fresh, satisfying finish. You can serve it with shellfish, roasted poultry, white meats or even creamy pasta dishes.
It wouldn’t be right if I failed to suggest a holiday sparkling wine or champagne! Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee is a great choice and you won’t break the bank with this selection. Please don’t think you have to wait for the holiday to enjoy this wine for it is certain to tickle your toes; buy two bottles and have one tonight! The flavor profile is sweet with fruit aromas and flavors of green apples and jasmine with hints of kiwi and peach followed by a long, crisp, lingering finish. You can serve it with cakes or pastries, cheese and crackers, or other simple appetizers. (Also available in extra dry and other styles.)
One additional note for the holiday season, I’ve found it is always a good idea to add a few extra bottles of wine to your home selection. After all, you never know when a party might break out… be prepared!!!
Have a wonderful Holiday Season, Cheers!
Kevin
*Please note that we only carry wine in Vermont, New Hampshire and the following Massachusetts stores: Pittsfield, Shrewsbury, Lenox.
The holidays are a time for starting new traditions as well as continuing those already in place at your family gatherings. Many families get together to watch their favorite sporting events at this time of year because so many teams are at the peak of their seasons. We want to know how you and your family incorporate sports or games into your holiday get-togethers, whether it is by watching the Bowl Championship Series game together, playing a family game of football outside, or playing a favorite board game. Tell us your story below as well as on the corresponding Facebook post to be entered into our contest. Post your story by 8am on December 19th and you could be one of the winners! Two grand prize winners will each receive a $100 gift card of their choice and four additional winners will each receive a $50 gift card of their choice (gift cards must be sold at Price Chopper). Please read official contest rules here.
Don’t forget to check out our ad this week for some great prices on Unilever products! AXE Shampoo for $4, Dove Body and Face Wash for $1.88 and any two Suave Styling products for $5 all make great stocking stuffers for the men in your family! Also, take “AdvantEdge” of the in-ad coupon for $5 off a $15 purchase of participating Unilever shaving products!
Like many families, ours has several holiday traditions that involve lots of food and gatherings with friends and family to enjoy lively festivities. Our Christmas parties are multi-generational family affairs where everyone pitches in and helps to make them a success. However, I’m the one who orchestrates the events and I’m all about minimizing the stress level. After all, I want to enjoy myself as well, not just make the magic happen for others.
Food plays a huge role in all holiday traditions, but many of these foods break all the rules of sound dietary advice. It’s no secret that holiday fare is typically loaded with all the dietary no- no’s— too many calories, and too much fat, sugar and salt. However, with some thoughtful recipe selection, you can serve delicious, make-ahead treats that will celebrate the occasion yet also fit into everyone’s meal plan.
As anyone who has ever thrown a party knows, advanced planning is the key to success. Here are some of the holiday recipes I plan on making ahead this year.
Recipes
Elegant, make-ahead finger food that will wow your guests!
Kentucky Bourbon Bites or Mini Meatloaf
These meatballs use very lean beef but can also be made with ground turkey. Make them weeks ahead and freeze. Heat them up the day of the party in a crock pot.
Make ahead and serve cold. A healthy & tasty substitute for high-fat chicken wings.
Chile-Garlic Roasted Sweet Potatoes
The potatoes can be sliced days in advance and stored in water in the fridge. Simply pop them in the oven before your party and serve with dipping sauce. They’re a kid-friendly party pleaser.
Chipotle-Marinated Pork Tenderloin
Marinate days in advance. This succulent pork tenderloin can be served hot or chilled and thinly sliced on crackers or crusty bread.
Use small potatoes as serve as finger food. Easy to make ahead and finish off before the guests arrive.
Easy, lovely and tasty mouthfuls!
Crowd pleasing fondue is eye-candy for any holiday spread and delicious way to enjoy fruit.
Chicken Pot Pie or Chilaquiles Casserole
These recipes can be made in advance and frozen, heat and serve for hungry guests or a last minute family meals when you are too busy to cook.
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Guest post contributed by Andrea McCarthyhttp://www.mycnymommy.com/
I’m a busy mom with four children ages 5 and under – and chances are that you busy as well. With limited time and patience, the holidays can present one with many challenges. I am constantly searching for the easiest way to accomplish things and doing so on a budget is of the utmost importance without scrimping on quality. And here is where Price Chopper comes in.
For the holidays, I can get all I need for entertaining and decorating right at Price Chopper. No need to drive to a zillion different locations wasting gas and my time – they’ve got it all in one spot.
Floral Department
First, the holidays aren’t complete without some floral touches. Did you know they sell wreaths? (Actually year round). Beautiful Holiday wreaths for your door and they can be customized however you like. The best part – they start at $19.99. They also carry the Poinsettias and other holiday arrangements – while you shop your arrangement can be made and picked up before you check out.
Appetizers
Next, how can you go through the holidays without eating? I mean really – besides the true meaning of the holidays, gifts, and family time – it is ALL about the food. The selection of goodies at Price Chopper from the Seafood department to the bakery to the deli is outstanding. And I can say that because I’ve sampled it all!
The selection of affordable appetizers at Price Chopper is amazing. You can get great quality items like Shrimp for a Shrimp Cocktail from just $10. The deli department has unbelievable cheeses from all over the world. What a scrumptious delight to add to a specialty cracker or your old favorites. Head to the freezer for a wide variety of offerings at varying prices. They’ve got holiday favorites like Baklava, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Mini Cheesecakes and so much more – and I’ve seen the prices as low as $4.99.
Meats
I admit I am a novice when it comes to fine cuts of meats, in fact I always thought you had to go to a butcher to get really good meats for special occasions. I didn’t know that Prime Cuts of meats are another option at Price Chopper. From Angus Beef New York Strip Steak, to Crown Roast of Pork or Rack of Lamb – they have a large selection at a competitive price.
The Price Chopper bakery is one of a kind with 60% of all products baked in-house. I like knowing that the items I buy are freshly made in the last few days. Are you aware that each month Price Chopper has a special dessert of the month – the item is only available during the calendar month and once it is gone – its gone! For December, the bakery has a special holiday cake available. “Home for the Holiday’s” is a Red Velvet cake with French Cheesecake Filling and 100% real whipped cream frosting over 11 layers of holiday happiness! I’ve sampled it – the cake is delicious! Simply decorated for the holidays – the cake is available in 10 varieties. (Not available in all stores)
There are numerous other dessert items available in chocolate, cheesecakes, cannoli’s and more! Besides the desserts, Price Chopper offers a tasty line of breads (some can be made into special shapes like a Christmas Tree!), muffins and rolls. You can get platters ready made starting from $14.99 – and you can even order online!
Great Value & Extra Savings
Besides the everyday value offered on all products, Price Chopper frequently offers coupons for some of the items in these specialty departments. Be sure to visit PriceChopper.com each week for new coupons, as well as their Facebook Page.
Probably my most favorite part about the one stop shopping at Price Chopper? I get gas rewards for each purchase for my party. That cake, cheese tray, Shrimp Cocktail and Prime Rib are all helping to get my gas bill down. Now that’s value. (Sorry – I couldn’t resist. But it’s true!)
I have to say – reading all of the above makes Price Chopper sound wonderful. And the truth is – they really are a wonderful neighborhood store. Enjoy your holidays!
Visit your local Price Chopper tomorrow between 11am and 3pm for the Holiday Sample Fest! Leave a comment below telling us your favorite sample and we’ll randomly choose one winner to win a $100 Price Chopper gift card!
*Don’t forget to visit Andrea’s blog, www.mycnymommy.com!
Cooking and baking Gluten-Free without guidance can be like hiking the wilderness without your gear. It is going to be very difficult to get to your destination! The following reads provide plenty of the right gear for GF kitchen success! They also make a great holiday gift!
Cookbooks
Artisanal Gluten-Free Cooking, by Kelli Bronski and Peter Bronski Artisanal Gluten-Free Cupcakes, by Kelli and Peter Bronski 125 Best Gluten-Free Recipes, by Donna Washburn and Heather Butt Blackbird Bakery Gluten-Free, by Karen Morgan Easy Gluten-Free Baking, by Elizabeth Barbone* Gluten-Free Baking with The Culinary Institute of America, by Richard J. Coppedge Jr., C.M.B. Gluten-Free Cooking, by Ruby M. Brown Gluten Free Cooking for Dummies, by Danna Korn Gluten-Free Cupcakes, by Elana Amsterdam Gluten Free Everyday, by Robert M. Landolphi Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef, by Shauna James Ahern and Daniel Ahern Gluten Freely (on line: www.glutenfreely.com) Gluten-Free Makeovers, by Beth Hilson 1000 Gluten Free Recipes, by Carol Fenster 125 Gluten-Free Vegetarian Recipes, by Carol Fenster Great Gluten Free Baking, by Louise Blair Paleo Comfort Foods Homestyle Cooking for a Gluten-Free Kitchen, by Julie & Charles Mayfield The Autism Cookbook: 101 Gluten-Free Recipes, by Susan Delaine The Cooking Light Gluten Free Cookbook (available at Barnes & Noble) The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide, By Elizabeth Hallelbeck The Gloriously Gluten-Free Cookbook (…Italian, Asian & Mexican recipes), by Vanessa Maltin The Gluten Free Bible, by Jax Peters Lowell The Gluten-Free Gourmet, by Bette Hagman (multiple “Gourmets” by same author and cook) The Gluten-Free Kitchen, by Roben Ryberg The Gluten-Free Vegan, by Susan O’Brien Wheat-Free, Gluten Free Cookbook for Kids & Busy Adults, by Connie SorrosMagazines
Delight Gluten Free www.delightglutenfree.com Easy Eats www.easyeats.com Glutenfreeda www.glutenfreeda.com Gluten Free Living www.glutenfreeliving.com Living Without www.livingwithout.com *Be sure to check out Elizabeth Barbone’s gluten free cooking and tips videos here.
Happy Holidays, I’m Kevin Schulke, Category Manager of Beer, Wine and Snacks. I’m here to talk to you about pairing wines with your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you’re hosting for the first time or twentieth time or if you are a guest looking for a great wine to bring to your holiday festivities, we have three wines that will please someone in every crowd and pair wonderfully with traditional Thanksgiving foods. It is no wonder they are among the most popular wines during this holiday.
Red wine enthusiasts will love Mark West Pinot Noir. It is light and juicy with lush raspberry, vanilla and cherry pie flavors. Mark West is made from grapes sourced from coastal vineyards across California and is then aged in French oak barrels for 8-10 months. This Pinot Noir pairs well with dark turkey meat, ham and stuffing. Mark West is the #1 Pinot Noir in New England and a great value for the money.
If you want to impress your guests with a new-age red wine, Beaujolais Nouveau is for you. Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from handpicked Gamay grapes grown in the Beaulolais region of France. While most red wines improve as they age, Beaujolais’ allure is all about freshness. Fermentation is so short that the resulting wine exhibits fruity flavors and light tannis. Under French law, this wine may be released at 12:01 on the third Thursday of November, just weeks after the wine’s grapes have been harvested. Producers race to deliver this wine to retailers throughout France and the world where it is popularly enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner. Beaujolais Nouveau should be consumed within a year of being made and is best served slightly cooled. This year we have selected to carry the world renowned George Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau in our stores.*
To complement its trendy appeal, each year George Duboeuf chooses a new artist to create their label. This year they have chosen Brooklyn-born Michael McLeer, known as “Kaves.” Kaves is a multi-media artist with many creative expressions including painting, street art, film, music, tattooing and writing.
When hosting any event, you should always have a white wine as well as red. Chateau St. Michelle Riesling is a great choice; it is actually the #1 selling Riesling in America. Chateau St. Michelle Riesling has refreshing flavors of ripe peach and juicy pear with subtle mineral notes. As with all Rieslings, it is made in stainless steel tanks to protect and highlight the flavor of the grapes rather than oak barrels, which provide an oaky taste. Rieslings are typically sweeter than most white wines so it may be a good idea to have a drier white wine as well such as a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Cheers!
Kevin
*Please note that we only carry wine in Vermont, New Hampshire and the following Massachusetts stores: Pittsfield, Shrewsbury, Lenox.
Guest post written by Lauren Greutmanhttp://www.iamthatlady.com/Planning meals around the holidays can be stressful to say the least, that is why I lean towards some of my favorite Price Chopper products to help save money, stress, and time around the holidays!
When planning for big family holiday meals, my first stop is the butcher counter for custom cuts of Price Chopper meat. They have a fabulous and knowledgeable butcher who will help you to choose the right cuts and size that will be perfect for your guests. They can even season it for you if you would like. You can also pre-order specific cuts of meat, like a prime rib or a ham, ahead of time. This will help you save time and money from purchasing too much or too little.
Next step is appetizers. When you have been slaving over the stove all day, save time and energy with purchasing Central Market products such as Tomato Bruschetta on Toasted Price Chopper Italian Bread, or Olive Tapenade over Central Market Crackers. 
I have cooked enough holiday meals to know that I do not want to be cooking dinner the next day. You could pick up a Price Chopper frozen pizza to throw in the oven the next night, making it quick, easy, and stress free… not to mention a lot less expensive than ordering a pizza out. I always take this into account when looking at my holiday budget.
To me the holidays are about spending time with the ones that you love, not stressing over making enough food! That is why I love using Central Market, Full Circle, Clear Value, and Price Chopper Naturals products to help save me time and money around the holiday season.
For more great ways to save, visit Lauren’s website:
Written by Karen Anderson, LCSWR,RD,CDN,CSSDRegistered Dietitian and Clinical Social Worker
“I’m in a prison! This gluten-free diet thing is so limited!” Actually, this perspective on gluten-free eating is limited. My response, “It is a prism, not a prison!” For those on the path of gluten-free eating, welcome to fruit and vegetable land. This is the trail of colorful, nutrition-packed packages with a spectrum of phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals and water…without the health-dulling inclusions of unhealthy fats, additives, processed sugars and who knows what else. Fruits and vegetables in their natural, unprocessed state enlighten us to the vast freedom of choice and healthy choices abound! For those recently diagnosed with Celiac the antioxidant, protective and healing properties of these foods are in acute demand to help repair and restore the intestinal insults that have likely occurred prior to diagnosis. Lower levels of iron and vitamin C in a newly diagnosed patient is not uncommon. Citrus, strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes and peppers are especially good sources of C (antioxidant and healing properties) and C also aids in iron absorption. Carbohydrates in fruits and veggies are not only gluten-free, but an easily-picked way to get carbohydrates (our primary energy source) and to help spare protein for rebuilding new intestinal tissue. Plus the bonus: these foods come in a variety of tastes and textures.
Without a diagnosis of Celiac or gluten sensitivity, the recommended adult daily intake (RDI) of fruits and vegetables combined is about 9 servings. A serving is approximately 1/2 cup cooked, a medium fist-size portion, 1 cup raw or 1/4 cup dried, depending in part on the particular fruit or veggie.
Recommendations are considerate of an individual’s physical tolerance and other co-existent conditions. Children need a little less. Please consult a Registered Dietitian, your nutrition expert, for more individualized recommendations. Suffice to say, most of us get too little rather than too much of these colorful dietary delights. And as far as the (colorless) white-flesh fruits and veggies? Recent research points to positive health benefits as well; white fruits and veggies may contribute to a decreased risk of stroke. So, Gluten-Free’rs, go to Price Chopper and pick up some apples, beets, oranges, pumpkins, bananas, peppers, grapes, avocado, coconut and berries…the list continues… Produce at PC is a beautiful landscape of color and picking your prism of color is like creating your very own rainbow. Bon Appetit! Salut! L’Chiam! Eat happy! And ….take care of your nutrition!
Looking for ways to save money this holiday season? Now through November 26th we are offering double fuel points on all gift card purchases (excluding Price Chopper gift cards)! During these two weeks, any points you earn through the purchase of gift cards will be doubled. Check out our website for a list of all gift cards we offer including Barnes and Noble, Home Depot, Southwest Airlines, Regal Entertainment, iTunes and many, many more!
Remember, gift cards don’t have to be a gift for someone else; you can use them for your holiday or everyday shopping. For example, why not purchase a Toys R Us gift card and use that to purchase holiday gifts for your children or for a family you are helping this season? Or purchase one of our many restaurant gift cards and have a relaxing night out during the hectic holiday season. All of this can be done while earning double fuel points! It is such an easy way to gain fuel savings in preparation for the upcoming holidays, but remember it only lasts two weeks!
Also, Black Friday is right around the corner and we have an exciting contest with a chance to win a $100 gift card of your choice, sold at any Price Chopper location. Tell us your favorite Black Friday shopping story by Monday November 20th at 10:00 AM (both below and on the corresponding post on our Facebook page) to be entered. Read Official Contest Rules Here.
Written by Sylvia Geiger MS, RD, CD, Price Chopper Community Nutritionist
It’s almost time to start pulling out the roasting pans to prepare for the feast! Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for so many things, but I’m thankful for the little ones. I am thankful for not having to worry about what to serve my guests. Although your family might have its own special Thanksgiving recipes, chances are you have one for roast turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce & stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salads, and an assortment of pies. On Thanksgiving, eating more than usual is a given—it’s a feast after all! However, paying attention to recipe selections can help your good intentions of sticking to your dietary plans. After all, most of the ingredients used to prepare a Thanksgiving feast are inherently healthy; it’s how they’re cooked and the quantity eaten that are at issue. Choosing delicious yet healthy recipes can be time consuming, but look no further. Below is a selection of easy holiday recipes that will make any Thanksgiving splendid! What’s more, your friends and family who follow diabetes or heart-healthy meal plans can join in without “falling off the wagon.” We also have some advice for those following a low-sodium meal plan. Try buying a turkey labeled “natural” or “organic,” it won’t be pumped with the enhanced sodium solution that is usually added to most turkeys to help keep the bird moist during cooking. Even if you brine a “natural” or “organic” turkey yourself, it will be lower in sodium than your typical frozen bird. Check out the recipe below for Lemon Garlic Roast Turkey with White Wine Gravy; it’s delicious! Another alternative is the Wine Country Turkey Recipe—in this recipe you actually keep the turkey moist while cooking by putting wine in the cavity beforehand. Remember to use low sodium turkey broth when making gravy and stuffing. Next week we’ll be offering some last minutes tips for a stress less Thanksgiving along with ideas for all those leftover!Holiday Recipes for Health
Visit our Thanksgiving Recipe Collection and browse through over 100 recipes!
Try any one of these easy turkey recipes:
Wine Country Roast Turkey or Roast Turkey with Herbal Rub or
Lemon Garlic Roast Turkey with White Wine Gravy
with
Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing and
Vermont Cheddar Mashed Yukon Golds
Or try substituting cauliflower puree (the skinny starch) for mashed potatoes here’s a recipe Creamy Cauliflower Puree
Fiber and vitamin rich sweet potatoes brighten up any holiday plate, try one of these recipes
Smashed Sweet Potatoes or Oven Roasted Squash with Garlic & Parsley
Looking for something green? How about?
Brussels Sprouts with Chestnut and Sage or
For dessert try
Maple Pumpkin Custards with Caramelized Ginger
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