Who are the new faces of summer? Allan Harris and Lynn Sterling star in our latest House of BBQ campaign! Harris is a world class singer, guitarist and songwriter who floats between jazz, rock and the blues. Sterling is a triple-threat actress with theater, film and television experience on her resume.

Check out Harris in our new House of BBQ commercial here:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27QCbYMu8LY&feature=player_embedded]

Harris leads, “The Allan Harris Band” and is a three-time winner of the New York Nightlife Award for “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist”. He has played throughout the U.S., Europe, Russia and the Far East and is regularly featured at some of the world’s greatest music festivals including Jazz Aspen, Wien Jazz Festival in Austria and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy.

Also, Harris is a long-time supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network and Challenge Aspen, among other charities.

Sterling has been featured in the national touring productions of Evita, Sophisticated Ladies, Sweet Charity, Can-can and Anything Goes. Her Broadway experience includes appearing in the City Center production of Pal Joey, and the roles of Bombalurina, Demeter, Cassandra, and Tantomile in Cats.

Here’s Sterling’s new commercial:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjQXcmZjgCc&feature=related]

Our House of BBQ website features tons of great tips on how you can get grillin’ tonight! On the site we have info on direct versus indirect grilling, general tips and tricks (Did you know you should never salt meat before grilling because it allows juices to escape and makes the meat dry out?), great ideas on how to grill with the kids and much more. Also, check out our previous post on how to grill healthy foods!

We’ve got tons of great grill recipes on Pricechopper.com too! Rachael Ray’s recipe for Manny’s Western Barbecued Ribs is finger licking good and this lime and tomato mahi mahi dish makes our mouths water. Check out our grilling recipe homepage for many more ideas!

Our House of BBQ campaign previously starred the beloved Melvin Sparks, who passed away in March.

Remember to make our House of BBQ your home for summer grilling!

  
Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes
by Sylvia Geiger MS, RD, CD, Price Chopper Community Nutritionist We’ve all heard it said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s the meal that refuels you after an overnight fast, gives you energy for mental and physical activity, and wards off hunger so you can concentrate. Some people need to “fuel-up” as soon as they wake up, but for others there isn’t time or an appetite to eat before heading out the door. No worries – it’s OK if breakfast isn’t your thing until 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. – just be sure to choose the right foods when you do get hungry.   Also, don’t be boxed in by the idea that only certain foods are suitable for breakfast. If a tuna salad sandwich with an apple is your idea of breakfast — go for it! People all around the world eat different breakfasts and there is no reason to limit your options to cereal & milk, eggs & bacon, or other foods we typically classify as “breakfast” foods. For staying power to fuel you through the morning, try to include at least three different foods in your breakfast: 1. A grain such as bread or cereal (preferably a whole grain) 2. A fruit or veggie 3. A protein food such as milk, yogurt, tofu, egg, meat or fish.  NuVal scores are an easy way to select the healthiest options. Look for cold cereals with a score of 27 or higher, hot cereals over 44 and frozen or refrigerated breakfast options above 21. [slideshow] Here’s our Healthy Meal of the Week: (NuVal scores are in parentheses and all main ingredients are on sale)
Written by Sylvia Geiger MS, RD, CD, Price Chopper Community Nutritionist

Bridal showers, graduations and year-end school celebrations fill the calendar in May and June. With all that celebration, good cheer and anticipation for the future, come the platters of special party foods that are often not too waist-friendly.

The trays of little pop-in-your-mouth tidbits are so delicious and irresistible! Who hasn’t mindlessly grazed their way through a party and later thought, “Did I really eat that?”  For many of us it’s hard work to stay clear of that double chocolate frosted brownie while also sticking to a diet plan.

So why not make it easy for your guests and serve delicious party fare that allow them to indulge and celebrate without worrying about fitting into the bridal gown, tuxedo or swimsuit.

Here are some tips for party foods that are fun and celebratory, yet fit into just about anyone’s daily food plan.

  1. Let your creativity shine with colorful trays or bowls of fruit. Fresh fruit will look beautiful and appetizing anyway you slice or dice it, try tiny fruit skewers, hollow out melons and fill them with cut fruit & berries of contrasting colors. Serve trays of cut fruit with yogurt or dessert dipping sauces. Some different ideas for fruits include Apricot Canapes or Citrus Infused Srawberries.
  2. Make veggies more interesting than a tray of carrot sticks, celery stalks and cut vegetables with a bowl of ranch dip. Try some of these party favorite ideas: Quesadillas or vegetables strips with hummus.
  3.  Fancy , yet lower calorie appetizers are always festive. Try Steak-&-Boursin Wrapped Bells or Shrimp & Avocado Canapes.
  4. Kid party foods can be festive without too much sugar. Try fruizza or  Sweet Snacking Pita  Chips  or Turkey Fingers with Maple Mustard Sauce

  [slideshow]

Click below for recipe ideas using this week’s sale items! All main ingredients are on sale. (NuVal score for raw ingredient in parentheses)

 

 

Springtime is here, the nice weather is finally moving in and summer is just around the corner. So, what does this mean? Lots of events, parties and barbeques! We know that this is a busy time of year and one for special occasions. It’s time for prom, graduation parties, Memorial Day barbeques, Fourth of July picnics, birthday and anniversary parties, and everything in between!

We want to know how you prepare for all these special times. Do you rely on Conair products to help you look and feel your best? Tell us why you need to look your best for an important event coming up this spring or summer and you could win new and exciting Conair products! Comment both on our blog and under the post on our Facebook page for the chance to win. Three winners, chosen by Conair, will each receive a Conair prize pack, pictured below.

  Don’t forget to check out all the great products Conair has to offer on their website. You’ll also find tons of tips and techniques for how to use their products to look your best!  Winners will be announced on Friday, May 13, 2011. Official rules for the Price Chopper and Conair “Look Your Best” Contest can be found by clicking on the link below. We can’t wait to hear what great events you will be celebrating this spring and summer! Price Chopper & Conair “Look Your Best” Contest Official Rules   What’s the best memory you have with your mom? We know it’s hard to pick just one, but tell us in the comments of our Facebook status and you’ll have a chance to win one of two $250 SpaFinder gift certificates from Magnum Ice Cream!

On Mother’s Day, you want to give mom a chance to indulge and relax.

Magnum Ice Cream is a perfect way for mom to indulge! It’s a premium brand that’s just arrived in the U.S.after decades of popularity abroad. There’s a flavor for every taste including varieties like Double Chocolate and Almond!

Also, check out the Coupons tab on our Facebook page to save $1.25 off of a Magnum Ice Cream three pack! The coupon is valid between May 2, 2011 and May 7, 2011.

There’s no better way for mom to relax than a day at the spa! SpaFinder gift certificates are accepted at 6,000 spas around the globe. They can be used for any spa treatment of the recipient’s choice such as relaxing massages, luxurious facials, fine beauty products, and more.

Winners will be announced on Thursday, May 5th, 2011.

Here are some fun facts about Mother’s Day gathered from around the internet to keep in mind as you celebrate:

Happy Mother’s Day from Price Chopper and Magnum!

Click here for Official Rules

by Sylvia Geiger MS, RD, CD, Price Chopper Community Nutritionist

Flowers, breakfast in bed, and dinner at her favorite restaurant are traditional ways to celebrate our mothers. This year, it’s time to show our love for mom in a new way by supporting her efforts to care for her own health.

In their role as caregivers, moms are likely to put their own health on the back burner or at risk while providing for loved ones. These generous actions can have serious consequences—especially on heart health.

We’ve long known that women are just as likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease (heart attack & stroke) as men, but the myth that women don’t need to actively work towards preventing heart disease prevails. Nothing could be further from the truth. Women of any age will benefit from exercise, diet, and lifestyle choices that promote heart health.

Check out these tips to help mom take positive steps toward eating for a healthy heart:

  1. Heart-healthy eating means selecting plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes & beans, lean meats and fish, and low-fat dairy foods everyday.
  2. Use NuVal shelf tags numbers to find foods with the highest NuVal scores; these foods will be more heart healthy. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars, sodium, cholesterol, and saturated and trans fat. All of these undesirables lower the NuVal scores for a food.
  3. Look for whole grain breads, crackers, rice, and cereals. Again, the higher NuVal score, the better for your heart. These foods will have more fiber, a lower Glycemic Index, and less sodium and added sugars.
  4. Aim for eating fish twice a week and choose lean meats and poultry.
  5. For more information see our Healthy Heart Wellness Center or visit the American Heart Association for more tips on preventing heart disease.

Surprise mom with this week’s Heart Healthy Mothers Day Celebration Meal! Even the kids can help put this meal on the table!

All main ingredients are on sale this week and NuVal scores for raw ingredients are in parentheses. 

Maple Glazed Seared Salmon (87) 

  or  Fish Sticks (82)

or Chicken Breast & Mushroom Cream Sauce (39)

Broccoli  (100) or Baby Carrots (99)

Baked Potato (92) or Brown Rice (82)

Romaine Heart Salad (100) or Dole Salad Blends or Kits (100)

Chocolate Fondue with Fruit (96-100)

Don’t forget to celebrate mom with healthy foods! She deserves it!

Are you getting up in the early hours of the morning to watch the Royal Wedding, or are you celebrating with an afterparty fit for a king and queen? At Price Chopper, we love celebrations and we want to help you get into the wedding spirit with a contest and coupons!

Everyone will see how the Royal Couple looks on their wedding day and we want to see how you looked on yours! Send us a photo from your wedding for a chance to win a $200 Macy’s gift card  to dress like royalty and a $100 Price Chopper gift certificate to serve only the best in fresh to your guests! (One photo per couple please) Send your photos to photos@pricechopper.com. The winner will be chosen at random on Friday, April 29th! 

Also, to share our excitement, we’re offering some great coupons to help you celebrate with William and Kate!  These coupons will  be posted on Price Chopper’s facebook page on Wednesday, April 27th.

Fish and chips is a classic English dish and you can dine like a Brit with our “Fish and Chips” fried cod dinner with fries for only $4 with coupon! Also, you can get $1 off 2 bags of Price Chopper potato chips with coupon.

If you aren’t in the mood for Fish and Chips, try out some Bangers and Mash! We’ve got coupons for both potatoes and sausage!

If you are throwing a wedding party, but don’t want to indulge in traditional English fare, we’ve got a deal on classic American cuisine as well: Get 2 pizzas and 2lbs. of wings for $22!

No wedding would be complete without a cake! We know you’ll need one, so we’re giving you $3 off a Central Market Classics Decadent Cake!

All of our Royal Wedding deals are valid from 4/28/11-4/30/11.

Don’t know a lot about the Royal Wedding? Here’s five quick facts to bring you up to date on William and Kate:

  1. Prince William met Kate in 2001 while they were both studying at the University of St. Andrews.
  2. William proposed to Kate while they were on vacation in Kenya. He used the same ring his father had given his mother, Princess Diana.
  3. The wedding ceremony is taking place on April 29 at Westminster Abbey at 11 a.m.
  4. A wedding reception will be held following the ceremony at Buckingham Palace and will be hosted by Her Majesty The Queen.
  5. In lieu of gifts, William and Kate have asked that donations be made to charity and have set up a website for donations at http://www.royalweddingcharityfund.org/

Send us your wedding photos for your chance to win! For complete rules on this photo contest, click here.  Don’t forget to enjoy the Royal Wedding with great deals from Price Chopper! 

Are you getting up in the early hours of the morning to watch the Royal Wedding, or are you celebrating with an afterparty fit for a king and queen? At Price Chopper, we love celebrations and we want to help you get into the wedding spirit with a contest and coupons!

Everyone will see how the Royal Couple looks on their wedding day and we want to see how you looked on yours! Send us a photo from your wedding for a chance to win a $200 Macy’s gift card  to dress like royalty and a $100 Price Chopper gift certificate to serve only the best in fresh to your guests! (One photo per couple please) Send your photos to photos@pricechopper.com. The winner will be chosen at random on Friday, April 29th! 

Also, to share our excitement, we’re offering some great coupons to help you celebrate with William and Kate!  These coupons will  be posted on Price Chopper’s facebook page on Wednesday, April 27th.

Fish and chips is a classic English dish and you can dine like a Brit with our “Fish and Chips” fried cod dinner with fries for only $4 with coupon! Also, you can get $1 off 2 bags of Price Chopper potato chips with coupon.

If you aren’t in the mood for Fish and Chips, try out some Bangers and Mash! We’ve got coupons for both potatoes and sausage!

If you are throwing a wedding party, but don’t want to indulge in traditional English fare, we’ve got a deal on classic American cuisine as well: Get 2 pizzas and 2lbs. of wings for $22!

No wedding would be complete without a cake! We know you’ll need one, so we’re giving you $3 off a Central Market Classics Decadent Cake!

All of our Royal Wedding deals are valid from 4/28/11-4/30/11.

Don’t know a lot about the Royal Wedding? Here’s five quick facts to bring you up to date on William and Kate:

  1. Prince William met Kate in 2001 while they were both studying at the University of St. Andrews.
  2. William proposed to Kate while they were on vacation in Kenya. He used the same ring his father had given his mother, Princess Diana.
  3. The wedding ceremony is taking place on April 29 at Westminster Abbey at 11 a.m.
  4. A wedding reception will be held following the ceremony at Buckingham Palace and will be hosted by Her Majesty The Queen.
  5. In lieu of gifts, William and Kate have asked that donations be made to charity and have set up a website for donations at http://www.royalweddingcharityfund.org/

Send us your wedding photos for your chance to win! For complete rules on this photo contest, click here.  Don’t forget to enjoy the Royal Wedding with great deals from Price Chopper! 

  What are you celebrating this spring? Is it Passover, Easter, or the coming of warmer weather? We want to know what you are celebrating and see how Price Chopper is enhancing your enjoyment! Send us photos showing how items from our Price Chopper, Central Market Classics, Clear Value, Price Chopper Naturals, Full Circle or Top Care lines are helping you enjoy the season and you could win one of five $100 Price Chopper gift certificates and Central Market Classics gift baskets!

To enter, send photo submissions to photos@pricechopper.com.

If you are celebrating Passover, Price Chopper has got you covered! We’ve got tons of the products you are looking for, but don’t take our word for it – listen to The Angel Forever. Here’s the slide show she put together of her family shopping for Passover products at Price Chopper.

Also, our Passover Center has recipes for Sweet and Sour Unstuffed Cabbage and Fruited Quinoa Primavera.

We also have everything you need to celebrate Easter! If you are hosting or looking for a creative side dish to bring, check out our dinner menus featuring Glazed Baked Ham, Roast Leg of Lamb, nutritious French Style Lamb Chops and Standing Rib Roast.

Or, for a simple solution order our Easter Ham Dinner! For just $39.99 you get a meal for 8-10 people! Our dinner comes with “Old Fashioned” Smokehouse Off the Bone Ham, 5 lbs. of mashed potatoes, a dozen Kings Hawaiian or Fresh bakery rolls, and your choice of an 8’’ Apple or Meringue Pie. Click here to order!

Are you embracing spring in other ways? Perhaps by getting ready to grill? Send us photos of how our brands are helping you do that too!

So, remember to show us how you are celebrating by sending us your photos at photos@pricechopper.com!

by Sylvia Geiger MS, RD, CD, Price Chopper Community Nutritionist

Crock pots are usually associated with hearty soups and stews that keep you warm and satisfied during the frigid winter months. Come springtime – when lighter, fresher meals are more appealing – we tend to eat salads instead of soups and stews.

Don’t be too eager to relegate your crock pot to the cupboard just because the weather is changing – it can still be the workhorse behind a delicious and light family meal.

As the days get longer, time always seems to get shorter because of the increase in kids’ sports and activities. Similarly, dinnertime always rolls around faster than expected.

To avoid the dinner crunch, I started relying on my crock pot to make a few staples that I could keep in my refrigerator at all times. This strategy lets me quickly pull together a healthy family meal or have one ready to serve after a long afternoon standing on the sidelines watching the kids.  Here are a few crock pot tips:

  1. Make a pot of beans to use throughout the week. Beans are the busy mom’s (or dad’s) secret weapon — they’re easy to prepare and very healthy.  They’re also filling, inexpensive and jam packed with nutrients including lean protein, fiber, folate, and iron. You can use beans as a side dish or in tacos, quesadillas and salads. Check out our recipe for Slow Cooked Beans in Your Crock Pot.
  2. Make a dish that works for several meals. My family enjoys this Barbecue Pulled Chicken recipe. Serve it on whole wheat bun and with salad and you’ve got dinner taken care of! Plus, check out the Dole Salad Blends on sale this week! Also, leftover BBQ chicken on top of cooked beans is great as a take-it-to work lunch or even dinner the next night.
  3. Another family favorite that light and easy is Squash, Chickpea & Red Lentil Stew.  Serve it with a salad and some fresh Crusty Bread from our Price Chopper bakery and “dinner is served.”
  4. This slow cooker Fresh Veggie Lasagna is nice to come home to after a long T-ball or lacrosse practice.

Here’s the Healthy Meal of the Week! All main ingredients are on sale and NuVal scores are in parentheses.

We’d love to hear how you use your crock pot! Share your thoughts in the comments.