Any time is a good time to find ways to add fruits and vegetables to the plate. Picnic season is just one more opportunity to find creative ways to bring these delicious bites to the table.
While Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, it has also become the unofficial beginning of picnic season and summer gatherings. This month we are adding fruits and veggies to the menu plan with simple combinations that the entire family will love. At the Price Chopper/Market 32 Kids Cooking Club we had fun building Salad Stuffed Cars, making Sandwich Skewers, putting together Fruit Kabobs and preparing Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries.
These are all easy recipes that the kids can have fun making and enjoy serving to family and friends.
Fruits and Veggies Picnic Fun
by Jodie Fitz
Salad Stuffed Cars
2 Cubanelle peppers
3 cups salad greens
2 tablespoons Craisins®
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons avocado ranch dressing
8 cucumber slices
PICS vegetable cream cheese
4 candy eyes (optional)
Cut the top off of two washed Cubanelle peppers and remove the seeds and insides of the pepper.
Place the salad greens, Craisins®, sunflower seeds and avocado ranch dressing into a mini chopper. Chop the ingredients.
Fill the hollowed peppers with the chopped salad and place them on their side on a plate or tray.
Using cream cheese as edible food glue, attach 4 cucumber slices to each of the peppers to create car wheels.
Optional: Add two candy eyes on top of each car using the vegetable cream cheese to hold them in place. You can find candy eyes in the baking aisle of your Price Chopper and Market 32 Supermarkets.
The Dressing: You can locate the avocado ranch dressing in the produce area coolers of your Price Chopper and Market 32 Supermarkets.
You can use your favorite ranch dressing as an alternative.
Sandwich Skewers
4 skewers
1 bagel
4 ounces PICS Colby Jack Cheese
8 grape tomatoes
8 slices of cucumber
4 slices of your favorite lunchmeat
Lettuce leaves
Cut the bagel in half. Then dice both pieces of bagel into large bite size pieces. You will need twelve pieces to make four skewers.
Cut the Colby jack cheese into bite size squares. You will need eight pieces for four skewers.
Cut the lunchmeat pieces in half to create eight pieces. Fold each one twice before skewing.
Add everything to the skewers by creating a pattern; bagel piece, folded piece of lunchmeat, lettuce pieces, cube of cheese, slice of cucumber, a grape tomato and then another piece of bagel. Repeat so that you have two pattern sequences on each skewer.
Cheese: You can use one of your other favorites of PICS cheeses if desired; Muenster, pepper jack, Vermont sharp, cheddar, mozzarella, etc.
Fruit Kabobs
4 skewers
Watermelon, seedless
Blueberries
Slice your watermelon into large circle slices. Use a small heart shaped cookie cutter or large fondant cutter to create watermelon star shapes. You will need twelve stars for four skewers.
Wash the blueberries.
Add the fruit to the skewers by creating a pattern; two blueberries, a watermelon star and repeat that pattern three times on each skewer finishing it off with two additional blueberries. The blueberries help to keep the watermelon pieces securely in place on the skewer.
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
12 strawberries
12 blueberries
½ cup PICS cream cheese
¼ cup PICS confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon PICS vanilla extract
Wash the strawberries and the blueberries.
Cut off the greens of the strawberries to create a flat edge. Set the strawberries on that flat edge.
Using a sharp knife cut into each strawberry on four sides, at a slant, to remove the top and hollow the center.
Mix the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar and vanilla together with an electric mixer.
Place the cheesecake-flavored cream cheese into a quart sized snap and seal bag. Clip one corner. Pipe the mixture into each strawberry to fill it. Place a blueberry on top.
Cooking with Kids: Every recipe is filled with life skills that help to encourage children’s confidence in the kitchen. Here are a few to focus on when making this recipe:
- Measuring ingredients
- Following directions
- Mixer safety
- Preparing fruits and vegetables
- Cutting skills and knife safety
- Piping
- Skewing and skewer safety
How to Make a Memorable Mother's Day Brunch
Mother’s Day is almost here, and our brunch ideas can help you impress Mom while thanking her for all she does. Show Mom and the mother figures in your life how much they mean to you with a brunch that’s thoughtful, delicious and as special as they are.
5 Tips for a Foolproof Mother’s Day Brunch
- Would Mom prefer a big celebration or a more intimate gathering? What are her favorite brunch items? Plan the day around Mom’s needs.
- Last-minute planning rarely ends well. Plan your Mother’s Day brunch now, so you can shop for your items and prep some meal components ahead of time.
- While you want Mother’s Day brunch to be special, you also want it to go smoothly. Keep it simple with the uncomplicated recipes below, and supplement the meal with ready-to-eat items from your local Price Chopper or Market 32!
- Go above and beyond with an elegant table space that honors mom – decorate with fresh flowers and her favorite color palette or lay out cherished family photos for a meaningful meal.
- After brunch, package up any leftovers (giving Mom a much-deserved break!) and be sure to leave the kitchen squeaky clean!
Bold Brunch Beverages
Cheers to Mom with one of these delicious drinks!
- Viennese Coffee: For all the coffee-loving moms, this special cup of Joe will soothe Mom’s soul and satisfy her sweet tooth! Made with espresso and chocolate syrup, Viennese coffee is reminiscent of café mocha. Make it signature with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips and cocoa powder.
- Fresh Twists on Classic Brunch Beverages: Build a Bloody Mary bar with fun, flavorful toppings like bacon, cheese cubes, pickle spears, shrimp or hot sauce, or whip up classic mimosas. For special “momosas,” use lemonade or pineapple juice in place of traditional orange juice. Sangria is another perfect brunch beverage that’s easy to make in batches. Try our Red Lemon-Lime or Melon Sangrias! Combine the wine and fruit bases the night before, then add the remaining mix-ins right before serving.
- Mother’s Day Mocktail: If Mom doesn’t drink alcohol but wants something fresh and fruity, make her our mocktail, or create your own by mixing sparkling water, seltzer or fruit juices with fresh herbs and fruit. Add flair by garnishing with orange peels, lime wedges, cucumber strips or watermelon slices.
Make a Mom-Worthy Brunch Menu
Try these easy recipes for a flavorful Mother’s Day brunch that comes together in a breeze.
Breakfast Favorites: If traditional breakfast food is the way to Mom’s heart, treat her to a spread of her morning favorites. Make eggs Mom’s preferred way paired with all the breakfast fixings. For a special surprise, whip her up an omelet with her favorite veggies or this hearty Open-Faced Butternut Squash & Kale Omelet.
One-Dish Wonders: One-dish meals make gatherings a little less stressful. Prep them the night before, pop them in the oven in the morning and make any last-minute components while they cook. For one-dish crowd-pleasers, try our Instapot Breakfast Casserole, Bacon, Tomato & Mushroom Strata or Blueberry French Toast Bake.
Mexican for Mother’s Day: Give Mother’s Day brunch Mexican flair with grilled tostadas! These tasty tostadas contain poached eggs, black beans, avocado and feta cheese and are ready in just 15 minutes! Chilaquiles is another Mexican-inspired dish featuring crispy tortilla chips swimming in a rich salsa. Our version spices things up with chorizo and an easy enchilada sauce.
Don’t Forget Dessert: Shower Mom with love and extravagant treats! Round out brunch with a sweet and savory breakfast mashup like these Bacon Stuffed French Toast Rolls, or make bright and fruity Brown Sugar & Peach Parfaits. For a no-bake treat that’s ready in no time, try these Chocolate Tahini Bars or show your love with the ultimate indulgence: Red Velvet Brownies.
While Mom appreciates cards, flowers and food, remember that quality time together is what she cherishes. We hope our simple suggestions make your Mother’s Day brunch memorable!
Visit our Mother’s Day page for recipes, ideas and more!
Wedding Floral at Price Chopper!
It’s coming up on that time of year again, wedding season is almost upon us! At Price Chopper/Market 32 we are excited to do our part to make your wedding extra special. We offer a variety of floral styles from bouquets and corsages to table arrangements and more. Allow us to create an unforgettable display for your big day!
Choose from a list of popular wedding flowers including hydrangeas, sunflowers, roses, dahlias, calla lilies, and more. We offer beautiful bouquets such as our Garden Rose Succulent Splendor, Hot Pink Calla Lily Bouquet, Romantic Bridal Bouquet, or Wedding Bells Bridal Bouquet. You can even customize your own bouquets, corsages, or boutonnieres to come out exactly as you want. Check out these options and more on My Floral Place.
Whether your big day is small and chic, or large and glamourous we can help you achieve your dream. You’ll love our custom designed floral pieces hand crafted to your liking by our talented Floral Designers. Plus, we buy direct from the source to save you more on your special day. Schedule a free consultation with your local store to discuss bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, ceremony pieces, aisle enhancements, tablescapes, reception pieces, cake décor and more!
We know how important it is for your wedding day to be as perfect as possible. With our Floral designs, we strive to provide a picturesque look for your special day, tailored exactly to your wants and needs. Visit our website for more information.
For more floral inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
KCC Dessert Tacos with Dulce de Leche
Jodie Fitz
These dessert tacos served with homemade Dulce de Leche are great for both Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day celebrations. When making the Dulce de Leche, set a timer with the kids for the slow cooking and stirring process to help teach them the concept of time. You can even turn it into a game with planned activities to do in between or use it as a time to get them to help you around the house.
This recipe is great to print and file for many celebratory activities including a fun, edible dish for ‘make your own sundae’ activities.
‘Kitchens are made for making memories and making messes.’ ~ Jodie Fitz
Dessert Tacos with Dulche de Leche (Mexican caramel sauce) by Jodie Fitz
16 oz. PICS light or heavy cream
1 cup PICS granulated sugar
1 cinnamon stick
2 teaspoons PICS vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon PICS salt
¼ teaspoon PICS baking soda
Flour tortillas, smaller sized
2 teaspoons PICS cinnamon
PICS nonstick cooking spray
PICS Ice cream
Combine the cream and ½ cup of sugar in a saucepan or Dutch oven and stir over low heat. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cinnamon stick, vanilla extract and salt. Continue to stir, bringing to a boil. Lower the heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
Turn off the heat and add the baking soda. Stir as the mixture foams, and continue stirring until the foaming stops.
Return the sauce to a low heat and cook for approximately 60 minutes, stirring every 10–15 minutes. It will thicken and start to caramelize as it cooks. Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to a squeeze bottle or storage container.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Flip a muffin pan upside down and coat the bottom with a light layer of nonstick cooking spray.
In a pie plate or other flat dish, stir together the remaining ½ cup sugar and two teaspoons of cinnamon.
Baste both sides of each tortilla with water. Dredge both sides in the cinnamon sugar, and place folded in between the cups of a muffin pan to create a taco shell.
Bake until toasted, 15 -20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the muffin pan.
Fill the shells with ice cream and top them with your homemade dulche de leche, chocolate sauce, and any other toppings you enjoy.
Dulce de leche: A traditional Mexican caramel sauce, typically made with cow’s milk. Dulce de leche made with goat milk is known as cajeta.
Lighter Filling: You can fill these taco shells with your favorite fresh or frozen yogurt and top them with fresh fruit.
Storing Dulce de Leche: Can be stored in a container in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Storing Baked Taco Shells: The taco shells can be made ahead and kept in an airtight container for several days.
Other Toppings: You can also add additional toppings to the mix including chocolate sauce, sprinkles and fruit, etc.
Cooking with Kids: Every recipe is filled with life skills that help to encourage children’s confidence in the kitchen. Here are a few to focus on when making this recipe:
- Measuring ingredients
- Following directions
- Stovetop safety
- Boiling
- Concept of dissolving
- Concept of caramelizing
- Concept of thickening
- Baking and oven safety
- Food storage
Healthy Diets for Dogs
At Price Chopper/Market 32 we know that dogs are an important part of the family! So just like with humans, we strive to provide beneficial diet options for your pet in order for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We explored raw diets, and the right diets for dogs with diabetes in order to provide more information on the right diet for your pet!
Many people consider raw diets for their pet. Raw pet food is defined as meat, bones, organs and/or eggs that have not been cooked or treated. Options include the freeze-drying process and High-Pressure Processing (HPP). During a two-year study conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, over 1,000 samples of pet were tested for food-borne bacteria. The results showed raw food is more likely to contain Salmonella and Listeria than any other pet food. According to the FDA, if pet owners are concerned about these bacteria, they should decide against raw diets. In fact, there is no peer-reviewed evidence that shows raw pet food to offer more nutritional benefit than the other dog food options. The National Academy of Sciences has identified more than 40 nutrients that are essentials for dogs, and a solely raw food diet may not provide the required nutrition. If a pet owner ultimately decides to choose raw food for their pet, make sure it is labeled as complete and balanced.
In the United States, it is estimated that 56 percent of dogs are overweight, putting them in danger of health risks such as diabetes. Keeping your pet’s weight in check requires a consistent combination of healthy diet, exercise, and preventative care.
- Make sure to review the feeding guidelines on a pet food package and consult with your veterinarian to measure out the correct amount of food for your pet. Serving sizes will depend on pet’s breed, size, age, and lifestyle.
- Look for “complete and balanced” pet food. Meaning each serving provides the 40 essential nutrients for dogs in the proper amounts for their age.
- Treats should only make for 10 percent of a pet’s caloric intake and should not become a replacement for pet food.
- Paying attention to your pet’s weight is the best way to catch problems early. Try an at-home weight test if necessary.
- Engage in regular exercise with your pet to help manage weight and keep their muscles and joints strong.
- Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is keeping a healthy weight.
With the information above your pet is on the way to a happy and healthy lifestyle. For more information check out the Pet Food Institute. PFI provides a detailed, overall guide to keeping your furry friend in excellent shape!
Earth Day Cuisine - The Plant Powered Plate
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, Manager, Health and Wellness
Earth Day, the largest secular observance event in the world, will be recognized again on its 51st anniversary, April 22nd. Over 1 billion people in 184+ countries will be engaged in activities and events that promote improved care and feeding of our unique planet. There is a streaming international event online and events that focus on community connection, education and collaboration in venues near and far.
Adding more plants to your plate is one way to engage in supporting Earth Day, agriculture and individual health. Americans at every age and stage have plenty of room to add more plant-based foods. Recent research released by the Produce for Better Health Foundation shows an almost 10% decline in fruit and vegetable intake since 2004. As 2021 is also the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, we fully support all efforts to add bounty and benefits of powering your plate with plants, and we have some resources to make it easy.
Recipe for a Plant Powered Plate
- Most people only eat just one vegetable one time per day – up the ante on that, double up veggie portions when you have them, and add some to all meals and snacks.
- Energize your day with a quick cup of 100% juice – a 4 ounce serving equals a full serving of fruit! Add 100% juice to water, vinaigrettes, marinades, or freeze in ice cube trays and bag up for a quick way to add flavor and benefits to your favorite drink.
- Participate in “conscious cuisine” – promoted by the Produce for Better Health Foundation, being more mindful of how plants can bring flavor, texture, antioxidants, fiber, and more to a dish. More plant-based eating benefits human and agricultural wellbeing.
- Check out the Know Your Colors Plant Powered nutrition guide for plant-based foods that only contain plant-based ingredients and at least 5 grams of protein.
- Find more ways to bring climate literacy and food education together here.
Some delicious plant-forward recipes from the Price Chopper recipe collections:
Shop Earth Day Favorites!
Picnic Locations in New York
Spring is finally in the air! The weather is starting to warm up and it’s time to get back outside. One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors is a picnic with family or friends. Luckily, there are many places in our region that are perfect for a picnic. Here are some of our favorite locations!
Clift Park, Skaneateles, NY:
Just a short drive from Syracuse, Clift Park offers a great view of the beautiful Skaneateles Lake. Once you’re done eating you can walk out onto the pier that stretches into the lake. The park also offers a public beach open during the summer.
John Boyd Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY:
When you picnic at Thacher Park you have the choice of a panoramic view of mountains and trees or sitting next to a waterfall. No matter what you choose, the location offers the perfect scenery for adventurous picnickers. Plus, dogs are always welcome!
Overlook Park, South Burlington, VT:
Overlook Park is known for its scenic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The 1.7-acre park is picturesque for picnics, watching the sunset, or taking a walk on the recreational path.
Elm Park, Worcester, MA:
Elm Park in Worcester offers a ton of family fun! Featuring a great playground, walking trails, bridges, water features, and of course picnic areas. The park also hosts nature programs for kids, and concerts on certain evenings.
Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre, PA:
In 1921, Fred Morgan Kirby donated over 70 acres of riverfront land and hired the Olmstead Brothers firm, the preeminent landscape architects, to design a people’s park. Today the park still serves as favorite picnic spot in Pennsylvania.
Veterans Memorial Park, Southington, CT:
Veterans Memorial is a beautiful park located in Southington. The park offers wonderful picnic areas as well as a variety of facilities to take advantage of after eating. Check it out if you’re looking for a day of fun in the sun!
With the weather warming up we are excited to start getting back outside. Our region offers up a ton of beautiful parks for picnics and outdoor fun. Check out these favorites or do some exploring of your own! Be sure to stop by your local Price Chopper/Market or shop with us online for all your picnic needs!
Shop Picnic Favorites!
KCC Grilled Egg and Cheese Sandwich
Grilled Egg and Cheese Sandwich by Jodie Fitz
Have leftover, hard boiled Easter Eggs? We’ve got you covered at the Price Chopper/Market 32 Kids Cooking Club. You can turn them into a simple, but delicious, grilled egg and cheese sandwich. This combo is perfect for a breakfast sandwich, lunch or an easy dinner. YUM, yum and more yum…
2 slices PICS whole grain bread (or your favorite)
1 PICS hardboiled egg
½ cup PICS shredded sharp cheese
1/8 teaspoon PICS ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon PICS salt
1/8 teaspoon PICS paprika
1/8 teaspoon PICS black pepper
¼ teaspoon PICS onion powder
PICS butter
Peel and slice the hardboiled egg.
Stir the ground mustard, salt, paprika, black pepper and onion powder together with the shredded cheese.
Sprinkle half of the cheese onto one slice of bread. Place the egg slices on the cheese and then top with the rest of the cheese. Finish with the second slice of bread.
Melt butter in a pan over medium to low heat. Add the sandwich, toast one side and carefully flip to toast the other side.
Side Serves: This sandwich is great for breakfast with fruit on the side. It’s also delicious for lunch and you can add fresh veggies or salad.
Cooking with Kids: Every recipe is filled with life skills that help to encourage a child’s confidence in the kitchen. Here are a few to focus on when making this recipe;
- Peeling eggs
- Slicing
- Knife safety
- Measuring ingredients
- Stirring
- Grilling a sandwich
- Stovetop safety
- Flipping
- Following Directions
New Items: Cabot Triple Cream Premium Yogurt
The Northeast’s beloved dairy cooperative, Cabot Creamery, is sharing their farmers’ heavenly new way to indulge your sweetest cravings.
If you’re looking to treat yourself, look no further than Cabot Creamery’s new Triple Cream Premium Yogurt. Each serving is not only rich in flavor, but packed with protein, too. Talk about decadence with benefits! These yogurts are made with the finest ingredients and will leave your sweet tooth satisfied at any time of day.
Price Chopper carries three mouthwatering flavors of these new premium treats: Chocolate Mousse, Salted Caramel and Vanilla Chai. Which will you try first?!
Chocolate Mousse
A chocolate lover’s dream: sweet and rich yet balanced by the slight tang of yogurt. Find delight in each luscious spoonful.
Salted Caramel
If you’re more of a sweet-and-savory fan, Salted Caramel is the perfect flavor for you. Each bite takes your tastebuds on a journey between sweet notes of caramel and savory hits of salt.
Vanilla Chai
A new twist on classic vanilla, the subtle spices of chai enhance our traditional vanilla, creating a delightfully sumptuous flavor profile. Discover the power of premium taste with each spoonful of Vanilla Chai.
Cabot’s Triple Cream yogurts are conveniently sized for everyone to choose their own favorite flavor! Perfect for anytime, anywhere…take some time out for yourself and explore Cabot Creamery’s new premium line at your local Price Chopper today. Your taste buds will thank you!
New Items: It's Skinny Pasta
It’s Skinny™ doesn’t look like other pasta.
Oh pasta. So many ways to enjoy, but so many carbs! After centuries as the world’s go-to comfort food, isn’t it about time for an update? Skinny reimagines pasta to give fresh thinkers the freedom to feast on more creative eats, without the constrainment of unhealthy carbs. From spaghetti and meatballs to rich noodle soups, pasta has spent centuries as the world’s go-to comfort food. But after all this time of pairing the ingredients we crave with needless carbs and calories, isn’t it about time that some fresh thinker asked, “Couldn’t we make this better?” That’s why they created It’s Skinny, the 9-calorie noodle that grants you the freedom to enjoy your favorite pasta and rice dishes without guilt. Made with an ancient Japanese plant called Konjac, It’s Skinny is full of fiber, remarkably low in carbs, and amazing at capturing all the comforts you crave. So go ahead. Get creative. Fill a bowl with the biggest, richest, wildest flavors you can dream up. After all, when your pasta only has 9 calories, no ingredient is off the table. It’s Skinny time.
Enjoy pasta reimagined. No Guilt , No Hassle, That’s the Skinny.
