Celebrate Special Occasions with Floral
Haleigh Eustis
Digital Marketing Intern
It’s graduation season! As students step into this exhilarating phase of their lives, brimming with anticipation and excitement, the festivities and celebrations are in full swing. Amidst the whirlwind of planning, you may be asking one question: How do we decorate for this memorable occasion? Not to worry, because Price Chopper/Market 32 is at your service!
Elevate your graduation festivities with the timeless elegance of fresh flowers. Just like the graduates themselves, flowers symbolize growth and new beginnings. They infuse any setting with charm and grace, whether adorning a centerpiece or standing alone as a heartfelt gift.
Choose from our exquisite selection, each bouquet telling its own story. From the charm of ruby red roses to the vibrant and stunning color of a Crazy Daisy Bunch or the serene beauty of a Peace Lily, there’s a bloom to suit every graduate’s personality.
Short on time? No worries! Explore our wide array of flowers and bouquets conveniently available on Price Chopper Market 32 Floral DoorDash, ensuring effortless decoration for your celebration.
Let Price Chopper/Market 32 alleviate the stress of graduation season, ensuring every moment is filled with joy. Here’s to the graduating class of 2024, congratulations!
We Are Hiring! Join Our Winning Team!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Are you interested in a new career but are unsure of where to begin? Stop what you are doing and check out this article! At Price Chopper and Market 32, we are looking for exceptional new members to join our winning team! With more than 130 stores, we have positions available for part-time and full-time employment. Our Capital District New York stores are hosting four upcoming job fairs; February 27th, March 19th, April 9th, & April 30th. Stop by the store for an on the spot interview and begin you career with us! Take a look at the list below to find a store hosting the job fair.
You may be wondering why you should work for us or what we have to offer, and the answer is that we have SO much to offer! Some benefits include tuition reimbursement, a 401k plan, a teammate wellness program, flexible scheduling options, room for career growth, and more! We also celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion, new ideas, and creativity within our company.
Still on the fence about applying for a job with us? See some of the incredible teammates below who you would be working with. Not only do these teammates go above and beyond for our customers, but they are outstanding leaders and role models for their fellow co-workers. We are honored to have them on our team!
In addtion to the stores at the end of this blog, we are beyond excited to announce the grand reopenings of two previous Shop Rite locations that will be turning into Market 32s. The Niskayuna location (store 191) will be the hiring location for the Nott Street Store. Hudson Valley (store 181) will be the hiring location for the North Greenbush store. The dates and times are as follows:
Begins Monday, February 25th through the end of May.
Monday- 9am-5pm
Tuesday- 9am-5pm
Wednesday- 9am-5pm
Thursday- 11am-7pm
Friday- 9am-5pm
Saturday 9am-3pm
Julian Carden
Wilton Market 32
Julz Carden has been with the company since July of 2023. She has a bubbly and easy-going personality and is always willing to help out in difficult situations. She loves interacting with customers and engaging in small talk with them to create a more personal shopping experience. In fact, she has certain guests that look for her specifically to cash out their groceries. Two things Julz likes about this company are the growth opportunities that we have to offer and how you can be anything you want to be as long as you keep your mind open and are working toward that goal.
Jarrett Dyer
Guilderland Market 32
Jarrett started as a part time produce clerk in Altamont Ave. In September of 2022, he became the Assistant Team Lead in Guilderland. From there, he became a temporary produce manager in August of 2022. He just continues to grow as a person and a manager!
When discussing his career at Price Chopper/Market 32, Jarrett stated, “I love what I do everyday and I like a challenge. I take pride in my work and enjoy making the department look amazing!”
Marilez MacDormand
Altamont Avenue Market 32
Marilez M. is our bakery rockstar at Altamont Ave. Marilez has been with Market 32 for seven years. The team loves to work with her because she always comes to work with a positive attitude and she is ready to work together every day. Marilez is a friend to everyone around her, especially the our guests. Customers love that she is so helpful and knowledgeable and describe her as having the “sweetest smile.” Her favorite part of her day is knowing the customers are leaving happy and looking forward to seeing her again.
Bill Rademacher
Glenmont Market 32
Bill has been with the company for 19 years and has worked in a few of the Albany stores over the years. He is such a friendly individual who is always ready to work and loves to be helpful. Bill was recently featured in an award presented to Glenmont, known as the ARC NY (A Respectful Commitment). Bill is shown below!
Henry Pipino
Clifton Park Plaza Market 32
Henry started his journey with Market 32 on January 1st, 2023. He was a regular here for lunch and one day ended up talking with our hiring manager who hired him on the spot! He landed in the seafood department where he’s learned the ins and outs and great customer service. A few things Henry loves are the customers, teammates, cleanliness and the convenience of the store being local to his home. He is one of our hardest workers and even picks up shifts in Deli, Produce and Meat Department when he has some extra time to help on his days off. Henry has aspirations of becoming a manager in the seafood department, and with his work ethic he will make it there in no time. He is a great teammate and someone who the team can rely on if we ever need anything. Co-Manager Nick Larose states, “Since I became the Co-Manager here at Market 32 store #250, Henry and I have become great friends and talk regularly whenever we see each other. He is a stellar teammate who has never missed a day and is always in a great mood when he comes in, which rubs off on the rest of the team to make a great work environment.”
Dominic Collar
Johnstown Price Chopper
Dominic has been working with us since April of 2019. He first started in Produce and has since moved into the Grocery department doing various jobs. Dom is the type of person who can always put a smile on your face and customers look for him daily. He worked for us back in 1975 as a part time cashier and left to pursue another career, but found his way back to us, he says “he wished he never left”.
Aubrey King
Glenville Market 32
Aubrey King is a Sales and Service Team Leader in #38 Glenville and has been with Price Chopper/ Market 32 for 20 years. The thing Aubrey enjoys most about working at Price Chopper is the relationships that she has developed with her fellow teammates and customers. Part of Aubrey’s job currently as Sales and Service Leader (SSL) is to hire new talent for the store and she is the welcoming face for all new teammates. Aubrey loves training new teammates and making them feel welcomed in their new roles.
We are very lucky to have Aubrey working in this building- Aubrey’s catch phrase for the whole store is, “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” and Aubrey sure does just that!
Misty Parkis
Glenville Market 32
Misty Parkis is a part time food service teammate in #38 Glenville. Misty has been with the company for 5 years. Misty says that she enjoys working for the company and says that working with the right team and supportive management you can thrive and grow as a person and employee. When Misty is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her 2 children and husband.
Misty is an asset to this store, and a bright and shining light. Customers and teammates love her and her positive attitude.
Take a look at the list below for participating job fair dates & stores.
February 27th & March 19th
Participating Stores:
001 Eastern Parkway (Schenectady)
028 Hamilton Square (Guilderland)
175 Altamont Ave (Schenectady)
183 Guilderland
191 Niskayuna
224 Colonie
003 Brunswick
036 Cohoes
038 Glenville
039 Wilton
094 Mechanicville
112 Clifton Park Shoppers World
138 Market Bistro (Latham)
158 Route 50 (Saratoga)
184 Malta
245 Watervliet
023 Madison Ave (Albany)
250 Clifton Park Plaza
45 Delaware Ave (Albany)
111 East Greenbush
133 Westgate (Albany)
159 – Bethlehem
181 – Hudson Valley Plaza
188 – Albany-Shaker Road
196 – Glenmont
April 9th & April 30th
Participating Stores:
001 Eastern Parkway (Schenectady)
028 Hamilton Square (Guilderland)
175 Altamont Ave
183 Guilderland
191 Niskayuna
224 Colonie
003 Brunswick
036 Cohoes
038 Glenville
039 Wilton
040 Glen St. (Queensbury)
094 Mechanicville
158 Route 50 (Saratoga)
112 Clifton Park Shoppers World
138 Market Bistro (Latham)
157 Granville
170 Lake George Village
245 Watervliet
247 Lake George-Warrensburg
249 Fort Edward
250 Clifton Park Plaza
023 Madison Ave (Albany)
045 Delaware Ave (Albany)
111 East Greenbush
133 Westgate
159 Bethlehem
181 Hudson Valley Plaza
188 Albany-Shaker Road
196 Glenmont
This week’s meal planning is fun, flavorful, and perfect timing for Cinco de Mayo. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy evening at home, we’ve got a collection of easy recipes that will elevate your celebration. Even better, this week we have three meal options for you, all centered around our Market 32 80% Ground Beef Value Pack. Let’s check them out.
Taco Time!
1 lb. 80% Ground Beef
1 Old el Paso Taco Kit
1 Package PICS Shredded Cheese
2 Avocados
1 (16oz) container PICS Sour Cream
Shop for Tacos here!
Burgers!
1 lb. 80% Ground Beef
1 package PICS Burger Buns
4 ears Florida Sweet Corn
Shop for Burgers here!
Loaded Baked Potato
1 lb. 80% Ground Beef
1 (5 pound) bag Market 32 Russet Potatoes
1 Green Bell Pepper
1 Onion
1 (16oz) container PICS Sour Cream
Shop for Loaded Baked Potatoes here!
Written by our friends at Green Mountain Energy
Say it with us: Earth is awesome! And it also happens to be the only one we have. Every day, we celebrate this beautiful planet we call home, but each April 22, we like to give it a little bit more love.
Earth Day is here again, the perfect opportunity to think about how even the smallest choices can make a lasting difference. The perfect example?
Choosing to power your home with renewable energy!
Did you know that electricity generated from fossil fuels accounts for 25% of man-made greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.? That means that, by choosing clean energy to power your home, you’re opting out of a full quarter of the national carbon footprint and significantly lowering your own footprint at the same time. Pretty great, if you ask us.
But what if you aren’t using clean energy and you want to start? The answer is simple. All you have to do to choose clean energy is to switch your electricity plan. And when you make that decision today, you can make that impact every day for as long as you stay on your renewable energy plan. It’s really that easy to take a full quarter off your annual footprint.
Make the switch in a snap with a 100% clean energy plan from our friends at Green Mountain Energy. You’ll also earn 10,000 AdvantEdge Rewards points ($100 value) after 2 months of service and 1,000 points ($10 value) every 6 months for as long as you keep your plan.
So, whether you’re new to renewable energy or you’re an old pro, you can celebrate Earth Day at your house all year long with an electricity plan that doesn’t hurt the planet and rewards you!
Get in the swing of quick Spring meals this week! Fresh Panko Chicken Cutlets offer a quick way to enjoy different flavors with easy prep and pairing. There are many flavors of our cutlets to choose from, which makes this versatile for different meals and taste buds. A few of our Panko Breaded Cutlet flavors include:
Apple breaded, Buffalo & Blue Cheese Cutlets, Cheesy Garlic Ciabatta, Cranberry breaded, Garlic Parmesan, Italian breaded, & Lemon Pepper just to name a few.
We know your family will love these! Check out this week’s meal items below.
Market 32 Panko Chicken & Waffles (or pancakes!)
1 lb. Market 32 Panko Breaded Cutlets
Krusteaz Pancake & Waffle Mix
1 container Strawberries
Shop for Panko Chicken & Waffles here!
Lemon Chicken Pasta
1 lb. Market 32 Panko Breaded Cutlets
1 Lemon
1 package PICS Pasta
1 package PICS Frozen Spinach
Shop for Lemon Chicken Pasta here!
Meal 1: Breakfast for Dinner – Market 32 Panko Chicken and Waffles (or pancakes!)
Essentials:
Waffle maker/iron
Large bowl
Measuring cups
Spatula
Oven-safe bowl or casserole dish
Large skillet
Chef knife
Serrated knife
Tongs
Pantry:
PICS Maple Syrup
PICS Vegetable Oil Spray
PICS Vegetable Oil
Water or milk per waffle mix directions
Egg
Preheat oven to Warm.
Wash strawberries under cool running water, allowing them to dry on a towel. For older children and adults, that may be all the prep needed; cut green tops off and slice into smaller pieces for smaller children.
Follow directions on the package to prepare the Krusteaz waffle batter. You will need 1 egg and vegetable oil (waffle batter recipe is on the package). The Buttermilk flavor is the most authentic for this fun meal. If using a waffle maker, be sure to follow appliance and recipe directions. Tip – spray PICS Vegetable Oil on both sides of the waffle maker between each waffle/serving and use tongs to ensure hot waffles can be safely and easily removed from the waffle grid. Place waffles in the bowl or casserole dish as each serving is done to keep warm. They will take a few minutes each round to cook; estimate 2 waffles per person. Hack – No waffle maker? No problem! Pancakes are a great substitute, or you could use PICS Frozen Buttermilk Waffles for a very quick fix!
While waffles are cooking, spray the large skillet and allow to warm. Place the panko chicken cutlets in the skillet and allow to cook for about 4- 5 minutes per side. Panko should be brown and may be slightly crunchy. Check internal temperature with an instant read thermometer, 165 degrees is done.
Set up 4 plates for serving. Slice chicken cutlets into 4-5 pieces. Place 1-2 waffles or pancakes on the plate and top with a pat of butter. Top the waffles with the Market 32 Panko Chicken cutlets. Drizzle PICS Maple Syrup on the chicken and waffles. Add strawberries and serve to some very happy people! Oh, and we can’t forget to mention that there is an eCoupon for strawberries this week! Be sure to clip the eCoupon here.
Meal 2: Lemon Garlic Panko Chicken & Pasta
This spring fling dinner is full of flavor! Minimal preparation keeps time on your side, while the fragrant lemon and garlic aromas bring everyone to the table. You can go big on with either flavor by juicing and zesting the lemon, and/or doubling up on the garlic.
Essentials:
Large saucepan
Colander
Tongs
Large skillet
Zester or grater
Citrus press/juicer
Small paring or chef knife
Pantry:
PICS Olive Oil
1 (10 oz.) Bag PICS Frozen Chopper or Leaf Spinach
3 fresh garlic cloves or 3 TBSP jarred minced garlic
1 cup unsalted chicken stock or broth
Fill the large saucepan with water and follow directions on the PICS Pasta box to prepare. Angel Hair, Farfalle or Spirals are great for this recipe. When the pasta is simmering, add the frozen spinach.
Place the skillet on the stove and add 2 TBSP PICS Olive Oil. Allow oil to warm gently and when shimmering, add 1 diced clove of garlic. Allow the garlic to cook and flavor the oil. Note – Garlic burns easily. Cook the minced garlic for a few minutes and scoop out the bits and discard as they brown. Turn the heat down slightly, add the chicken cutlets, the juice from ½ of the lemon, 1 clove minced garlic, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until done, internal temperature at 165 degrees.
The pasta should be cooked just before the chicken is finished. Drain the pasta and return to the saucepan. Once chicken is done, remove to a plate, and add the chicken stock, remaining garlic, remaining juice from the other lemon half, and lemon zest to the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan, and stir while warming.
Plate each chicken breast and divide the pasta and spinach evenly between each plate. Top with 1-2 TBSP of lemon-garlic sauce, and fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Market 32 Parmesan Cheese. Enjoy!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Looking to add a touch of Southern charm to your cooking? Look no further than our buttermilk selection! Our collection of delectable buttermilk recipes includes everything from classic fried chicken to tangy salad dressings. With buttermilk, you can make your favorite dishes even more delicious. Whether popcorn steak bites with buttermilk, pancakes or scones, buttermilk adds a richness that can’t be beaten. Impress your friends and family with our easy buttermilk recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
We are proud to say that our buttermilk is a home.grown. product of the Northeast! It’s produced in New York from the milk of Northeast dairy cows.Take a look at our recipes below, and be sure to grab a bottle of buttermilk the next time you visit your local Price Chopper and Market 32 locations!
Oven-Fried Chicken: Nothing tastes better than the delicious crunch of hot fried chicken. Be sure to pair this meal with Market 32 grab n’ go coleslaw, pasta salad, or potato salad.
Golden Raisin Irish Soda Bread Muffins: Even though St. Patrick’s Day has passed, nothing says you can’t make these fabulous Golden Raisin Irish Soda Bread Muffins! They are simple & delicious.
Popcorn Steak Bites with Buttermilk: You’ve heard of popcorn chicken, and even popcorn shrimp…but popcorn steak? Yes, you read that right! Biting into the crunchy fried breading and then the tender meat will have your mind blown!
Skillet Classic Peach Cobbler: With Mother’s Day right around the corner, you will want to save this recipe! Serve with PICS vanilla ice cream to complete this dessert.
Spring Has Sprung with home.grown. Floral
We’re proud to partner with local greenhouses to bring you quality, fresh floral. This spring, decorate your home with the best our region has to offer!
Casertano's Greenhouse and Farm - Cheshire, CT
If you ever find yourself in the state of Connecticut, you may stumble upon the multi-generational Casertano’s Greenhouse and Farm. Originally founded by Presco (Louie) Casertano, this family owned business has been passed down through the decades creating a successful and well-loved name for itself. Deeply rooted in family values and wonderful products, Casertano’s feels immense pride for their wide selection of plants and greenery. What started as a humble farm market, has grown tenfold in the last few decades as the Casertano team has, collectively, over 400 years of nursery and greenhouse experience.
The Casertano family has dedicated their lives’ work to creating a workplace that will allow their greenery to flourish, while gaining experience from across the globe. This thriving New England farm has undergone several transformations, while actively diversifying its offerings. What started as a veggies and flowers market has now encompassed various gardening realms such as ground covers, perennials, grasses, annuals, wreaths, roping, and an extensive selection of embellished Christmas products.
Kurt Weiss Greenhouses Inc. - Moriches, NY
Nestled in the beautiful state of New York the multi-generational Kurt Weiss Greenhouses have grown highly successful for their tightly knit family values and beautiful greenery and flowers. Originally created by German immigrant, Otto Muller, Kurt Weiss Greenhouses have trickled through the care of various generations in his family. The entire operation is now run by third, fourth and fifth generation family members and continues to power on strong!
What started out as a humble florist shop, has now developed into a multi-faceted greenhouse that offers “foliage, flowering potted plants, bedding plants, perennials, annuals, mixed combination planters and much more.” Through the decades, the Kurt Weiss Greenhouses have seen different phases of optimization, and now ranges over one million square feet and has beautiful, updated facilities to aid each location’s differing geographical diversities.
For Immediate Release
January 22, 2024
(SCHENECTADY and WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y.) As a part of the company’s strategic succession plan, Frank Curci, CEO of Northeast Grocery, Inc. (NGI), the parent company of Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Friendly Markets, has announced his retirement. Following an internal and external search, John Persons, NGI’s chief operating officer, has been named by the NGI Board of Directors to succeed him, effective February 26, 2024.
“The 43 years I have spent in this business have been challenging and rewarding beyond measure and, without a doubt, the recent years spent planning and then bringing NGI to life have been some of the most gratifying. I’m delighted that John has been chosen to succeed me. He has been instrumental in our merger success to date, providing the necessary leadership over these past few years to position NGI for success. While John’s strategic mindset is poised to lead our multifaceted business day to day, he also possesses great vision for our path forward,” said Curci.
One of Curci’s accomplishments as NGI’s CEO has been to develop a team of seasoned executives across Tops, Price Chopper/Market 32, and Northeast Shared Services (a subsidiary of NGI providing services to both operating companies) capable of providing experienced leadership and fueling an internal succession plan. That plan ultimately led to the selection of Persons to succeed Curci.
Persons has served as NGI’s COO since June 2023, overseeing both the Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets operating companies, as well as Northeast Shared Services’ merchandising and marketing functions.
A 40-year industry veteran who started as a cashier at Tops and rose to the office of the president, Persons has spent his entire career with the Williamsville-based grocery chain and now NGI. During his tenure at Tops, he had oversight for various functions, including operations, merchandising, sales and marketing, real estate, information technology, and organizational strategy, all leading to his appointment as president in 2015. A Western New York native, Persons holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. from the University at Buffalo.
“I am thrilled to lead NGI forward in collaboration with the talented teammates and associates at Northeast Shared Services, Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops who are dedicated to nourishing the communities we serve,” said Persons. “On behalf of all 30,000 of us, I’d like to express gratitude to Frank Curci for his leadership and mentorship over the years and reiterate my commitment to build on the momentum and success that he has fostered.”
About Northeast Grocery, Inc.
Headquartered in Schenectady, NY, Northeast Grocery, Inc. (NGI) is the parent company of Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Friendly Markets, which collectively operate nearly 300 supermarkets across New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire and employ more than 30,000 associates/teammates.
Founded by New York families, Tops and Price Chopper/Market 32 have more than 150 years of industry leadership combined. Both companies share longstanding traditions of innovative food merchandising and exceptional customer service and are driven to provide sustainably sourced, high-quality products to nourish the communities in which they operate while reducing environmental waste and energy consumption. For additional information, please visit cms-uat-pch.unataops.com and www.topsmarkets.com.
Haleigh Eustis
Intern, Digital Marketing
Aprils showers might bring May flowers, but what about cheese? This April, Price Chopper/Market 32 is proud to announce our cheese of the month: Sartori’s Bellavitano Cheese! This creamy, rich textured cheese comes from the great state of Wisconsin. Bellavitano is a unique hard cheese that has an irresistible nutty, fruity base flavor with a tangy finish. Bellavitano comes in a variety of different flavors to accompany its parmesan like flavor.
Sartori’s Bellavitano Cheese is the perfect cheese for a charcuterie board as its robust flavors and crunchy calcium lactate crystals pair well with fresh fruits such as apples and grapes. Want to add something savory as well? Bellavitano pairs perfectly with plenty of cured meats and delicious crusty bread such as baguettes! Pair this cheese with a Pinot Noir or a light raspberry ale and enjoy!
And just like that – it’s spring!
The Northeast is a great place to live, especially for the variety changing seasons brings to our landscape and our tables! Last weekend I had snow in my gardens and flowers popping up through it with their bright and hopeful colors. A few days later, and the temperatures are rising, my neighbors are out walking, and families are getting busy with spring sports and clubs. Those busy days call for quick meals that make everyone happy and keep budgets on track.
This week, Shady Brook Turkey Sausage is the star – affordable, versatile, and available in sweet or hot flavor profiles. Our recipes are so easy and appetizing, you may even plan to double up on the sales and have these meals again in the next couple of weeks!
Savory Turkey Sausage & Pasta Dinner
1 pack Shady Brook Farms Italian Turkey Sausage
1 box PICS Spaghetti
1 loaf PICS Italian Bread
1 lb. Broccoli Crowns
1 jar (24oz) PICS Pasta Sauce
Shop Savory Turkey Sausage & Pasta Dinner here!
Sweet or Spicy Red Beans & Turkey Sausage Bowl
1 pack Shady Brook Farms Italian Turkey Sausage
3 cans (15.5oz) PICS Kidney Beans
1 Green Bell Pepper
1 Vidalia Onion
Shop Sweet or Spicy Red Beans & Turkey Sausage Bowl here!
Meal 1: Savory Turkey Sausage & Pasta Dinner
Meal prep just became a lot easier with this recipe! Check out this turkey & pasta dinner for a new meal idea in the household.
Essentials:
1 large microwavable plate
1 large saucepans(or 1 each of a large skillet and saucepan)
1 small saucepan
A can opener
Tongs
Colander
Spatula
Serrated knife
Cutting board
Aimply Done Aluminum Foil
Pantry:
PICS Vegetable Oil Spray
15 OZ. can PICS Petite Italian Diced Tomatoes
PICS Unsalted Butter
Garlic powder
Preheat oven to 200 degrees fahrenheit.
Thoroughly rinse the broccoli and set on a clean towel to dry. Hack– no need to cut it up before cooking! Place the whole broccoli, crown down, in a large saucepan or high-sided skillet. Add water to cover the crowns and the lower part of the stalks. You will steam them up just before plating the meal!
Slice the Italian Bread in half lengthwise, and lightly butter both sides of the bread. Sprinkle garlic powder on the butter. Close the loaf and wrap in foil. Place the bread on the upper rack in the oven – the low temp will warm it and melt the butter without burning. You may turn it down to the “Warm” setting after 10 minutes or so.
Fill 1 large saucepan with water, and a pinch of salt if you like, for the PICS pasta. Place it on a back burner on high heat. Follow package directions for cooking the pasta. Drain in the colander when done.
While the pasta water is heating, open the jar of PICS Pasta Sauce and pour it into a large saucepan. Use a spatula to get all the sauce out, or, add a splash of water to the jar and swirl it around, then add to the saucepan to minimize waste. Open the can of PICS Diced Tomatoes and add to the pasta sauce. Turn the burner heat on to medium and stir often as it heats up – when it is gently simmering, turn the heat down to low and stir frequently.
Cooking and slicing turkey sausage – two options:
Turkey sausage is very tender, so cooking at least partially helps you cut it into uniform pieces. Cutting into similar size pieces helps the whole meal cook evenly and completely.
Hack – Place the sausage on the large microwavable plate. Place the plate into the microwave and microwave for two minutes; use the tongs to turn the sausage, and microwave for two to three minutes more. If you prefer, use a large skillet to brown the sausage first.
Then, slice into rounds, using tongs or a fork to keep them steady as they will be hot and add the sausage to the pasta sauce.
When you are about 10 minutes from serving the meal, turn a different burner on high and boil/steam the broccoli crowns for 3 – 5 minutes, until fork tender. Remove them from the pan with tongs and quickly cut the florets off into smaller pieces right on the serving plate!
Divide the pasta on four plates next to the broccoli, and ladle on the turkey sauce and pasta sauce. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese and you are ready!
Meal 2: Sweet or Spicy Red Beans & Turkey Sausage Bowl
The dish can be sweet or savory, depending on which flavor turkey sausage is used. If you prefer sweet, eliminate the hot sauce. Tip – If Cajun seasoning is not on your list, try curry! Add ½ tsp of spice at a time until you’re happy with the seasoning.
Essentials:
Large, deep skillet or pot
Can opener
Colander
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Liquid measuring cup
Pantry:
PICS Olive Oil
Three 15 OZ. cans PICS Red Beans, rinsed and drained
2 cloves of garlic (or 2 TBSP minced garlic)
1.5 Tsp Cajun Seasoning
Dash hot pepper sauce
Optional:
Hot cooked PICS rice or quinoa, cooked according to package instructions.
Wash green pepper and allow to dry on a clean towel.
Chop 1 medium onion and dice the green pepper. Mince garlic cloves.
Add 1-2 TBSP olive oil to the skillet, heating until oil is warm and shimmering. Add the chopped vegetables, sautéing until tender. Add the minced garlic, and stir, cooking for one additional minute. Remove the vegetables to a bowl.
Add 1 TBSP olive oil to the skillet, and add the Turkey Sausage, using tongs to turn them occasionally. Cook on medium until brown and done. Remove to a plate or cutting board, and slice into rounds.
Add vegetables, red beans, Cajun seasoning, and hot sauce, and 1 cup of water to the skillet. Allow liquid in the pan to come to a simmer, and add the sliced sausage, stirring and combining all ingredients together in the skillet.
Place a serving of rice in each of four bowls and spoon the Red Beans and Sausage on the rice.
Enjoy!
Adapted from Taste of Home, accessed 4/8/2024. Red Beans and Sausage Recipe: How to Make It (tasteofhome.com)