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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Veteran’s Day falls on an exciting calendar day this year and we are celebrating this event in many different ways! To honor our veterans, we have special offers going on in-store this Friday. Our deli department will be donating $1.11 from every pizza sale tomorrow to the Honor Flight Network. This non-profit organization transports veterans to Washington DC to visit and reflect at their memorials. We will also be offering FREE coffee and donuts tomorrow from 7am-7pm in all of our stores. On Friday, veterans will also be eligible for an exclusive offer for $2 off any $10 produce purchase. This coupon will be available at the guest services desk and veterans will need to show their military or veteran ID to receive the offer.
Our floral department has a special Honor Flight Bouquet with partial proceeds benefitting the Honor Flight Network. Within our store, you will see support for the Wounded Warriors Project. This organization helps to raise awareness of injured service members as well as helping these members aid and assist each other. On the back page of our ad this week, you will see many brands that support the Wounded Warriors Project. Price Chopper is donating $0.50 for each participating product purchased up to $30,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project. Don’t forget to visit www.believeinheros.org to receive valuable coupons for participating brand items.
We also have an exciting event on Facebook with 11 GREAT offers! These offers are in addition to the weekly coupons. They are only valid on 11/11/11 so be sure to “like” our Facebook page and print out any or all of these amazing deals!
Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll Committee and Price Chopper are happy to announce that we are giving away two Family Weekends to the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll! Lake Placid will be hosting this year’s Fourth Annual Holiday Village Stroll December 9th-11th, 2011. This destination village is known for its majestic mountain setting and for hosting two Olympic Games. The two lucky families will be chosen to stay in Lake Placid and enjoy the endless activities, nightlife, shopping, dining, and entertainment throughout this special weekend. In order to be entered into this giveaway, we are asking you to share with us why this weekend would be meaningful to your family or to a family you know. Entries must be submitted by Monday, November 14th at 10:00am. Please post your entry both on our Facebook Page and on our Blog to be qualified.
Some of the highlights of the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll weekend include:
- Free holiday skating party with free skate rentals
- Free children’s holiday crafts at High Peaks resort
- Free Holiday gift wrapping and wine tasting
- Story time at the Mirror Lake Inn
- Yule Log Hunt at High Peaks resort
- Mids Park Holiday Celebration with a tree lighting and Santa
- Santa’s Arrival in Mids Park
- Free Gingerbread House at Generations
- Free Matinee Viewing of Polar Express
One family will win a two night stay at the High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid with breakfast each morning in the Dancing Bears Resturant. They will also treat the children to milk and cookies and stuffed bears. Mom & Dad will be treated to some wine and cheese. This package is valid for the Holiday Village Stroll Weekend (December 9th-11th, 2011). Check out the High Peaks Resort on Facebook.
A second family will be chosen for a two night stay at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid. A special welcome bag will be provided upon arrival. The Golden Arrow is the only U.S. resort to receive the Audubon 5 Leaf rating (the highest possible) for their eco-friendly practices. This prize may be redeemed for the Holiday Village Stroll Weekend (December 9th-11th, 2011). Learn more about the Golden Arrow Resort on their Facebook Page.
“Like” the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll Facebook Page to learn more about the weekend events.
Please view the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll Weekend Giveaway Contest Official Rules Here. Contest package awarded to each family is at the discretion of the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll Committee. We cannot accomodate any special requests or changes.
It’s almost time to start preparing your pumpkins for Halloween night! When selecting the perfect pumpkin this Halloween, look for pumpkins with flat bottoms, which won’t roll away. Also, a sturdy stem helps for carving and is a sign of a healthy pumpkin! Remember not to lift the pumpkin by its stem because this could damage the stem and make it age faster. As usual, discoloration and soft spots are unfavorable when it comes to picking great pumpkins!
Once you have picked the perfect pumpkin, the opportunities to decorate are endless! Whether you decide to paint your pumpkin or to carve it, we have some tips to help this Halloween season! Before you carve your pumpkin, there are some preparations that must be done! First, cut off the lid of the pumpkin by angling the edge of the saw or knife (this prevents the lid from falling in). The next step is to remove all the ‘guts,’ seeds, and strings from the pumpkin. Scrape down the inside of the pumpkin with a scraper, leaving the front of the pumpkin about an inch thick—perfect for carving! Now that the preparation is over, you are ready to start carving!
When carving your pumpkin, there are special tools that can make a big difference in detail! Pumpkin saws, drills, scrapers, knives, and pins are all tools that can help in the carving process. Saws of different lengths and teeth spacing determine how well they will work for tight areas. Small saws with short teeth and ideal for high detail designs! Scrapers are great to make the back wall of the pumpkin smooth—this is where the reflected light comes from. Lastly, pokers are used to transfer your desired pattern onto your pumpkin; these make the carving process a lot easier! Remember to saw slowly and gently for safety and best results!
For those experimenting with painting their pumpkins, here are some helpful hints! Clean your pumpkin well with a damp paper towel and dry it well. For best painting results, paint the whole pumpkin first with multi-purpose sealer and let it dry (usually takes a couple of hours to dry completely). After you have the first coat, you are ready to create your masterpiece! Draw a face or pattern onto your prepared pumpkin with a permanent marker to start. You can also try using different techniques such as using masking tape to create unique designs! Paint your pumpkin using a wide, soft brush. Wait until the first coat dries before starting the second coat of paint.
The last step in either process is to proudly display your completed pumpkin—have fun!