We love all things local, and one of our favorite sectors of local food is local beer. There are so many different brews, flavors, and styles, and so many stories to tell! That’s why we’re embarking on a new home.grown. adventure: to bring you fresh craft beer stories each month from our Northeast region; the best region in the United States if you ask us!
Up next: Druthers Brewing Co!
“You are your choices” is both a quote from Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger and the company motto at Druthers Brewery and Restaurant. Fittingly, when trying to be the best you, the best choice is to choose a brew or two from Druthers’ tasty roster. Give it a shot: Seneca would be proud.
Druthers began in the mind of CEO Chris Martell when he became inspired by the West Coast IPA movement as a resident of 1998 San Diego. Pursuing his cravings, Martell turned to his brother CPO (Chief Pub Officer) Brian Martell for ideas and help with home brewing. They found success and the idea of opening a brewery eventually became a real possibility.
After relocating to Saratoga Springs, NY, Martell discovered a vacant lot between two buildings on an already busy main strip of town. He envisioned it as a perfect spot for a new brewery and a few years later Druthers was born. Fast forward to today, and you can find locations in Saratoga Springs, Albany, and basically across the street from our headquarters in Schenectady!
One of our favorite Druthers brews is their All-In IPA. This one is a hoppy, American-style India pale ale. Amarillo and Citra hops are the dominant varieties, with Horizon providing a strong yet smoothly bitter finish. German Vienna malt is there to provide balance. Pick up a pack at your local Price Chopper or Market 32!
Interested in trying some Druthers brews?
Check out our in-store tasting schedule below to sample Druthers craft beer, take home some brewery swag and more.
Saturday 5/4, 11am – 2pm at our Wilton Market 32
Saturday 5/11, 11am – 2pm at our Eastern Parkway Market 32
Saturday 5/18, 11am – 2pm at our Clifton Shoppers World Market 32
Saturday 5/25, 11am – 2pm at our Amsterdam Market 32
Interested in visiting the brewery?
Make the most of everything Druthers Brewing & Restaurant has to offer! Visit druthersbrewing.com for taproom hours and menu, get info on brewery tours and more.
Brewery & Taproom Address: Saratoga Springs – 381 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Albany Location: 1053 Broadway, Albany, NY 12204
Schenectady Location: 221 Harborside Drive, Schenectady, NY 12305
Written by Rainy McEwan
Washing isn’t just for hands!
Washing your hands before working with food is a crucial first step, but we must remember to wash our produce as well. Fruits and veggies can come with a little dirt still on them, as well as pesticides used in the growing process.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human services recommends using water only. Soaps and commercial produce washes may leave residues on your produce that can be harmful to your body, or at least don’t taste very good!
Scrub brushes can be used for more hardy produce with a natural outer “shell” such as a cucumber or potato. Luckily, if you don’t want to worry about finding a sink to enjoy your apple, just grab a bag marked “pre-washed” and you’re good to get munching!
What Not to Wash
One thing that should never be washed is meat! Raw meat has bacteria on it that, while killed in the cooking process, can be harmful if transferred to other food or prep materials in the kitchen. When washing raw meat, some of the bacteria gets sprayed off by the strong jet of water, and lands on the items around it. This is called cross-contamination. It can also happen when you touch something such as raw meat, a dirty dish, or even your hair, then touch another food or prep item.
Eggs bought from the store also do not need to be washed. When laid, eggs have a natural outer coating on them to protect the porous shell from invading bacteria. Eggs are washed at the facility before having a layer of edible mineral oil applied, which adds the layer of protection back before being shipped to the store. That’s why eggs bought at the store have to be refrigerated, while farm fresh eggs can be safe on the counter.
Give the Board a Bath
Hand Washing: The Final Frontier
Hands: we’re always using them! That’s why they’re the most important thing to wash. Before preparing any food, wash your hands using hot water and plenty of soap. Scrub for 20 seconds (To keep track of the time, try singing the alphabet!) Then just rinse and dry (Using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, of course!) Make sure to get under the nails, between the fingers, and up around the wrists as well! Hands should be rewashed after handling food, using the bathroom, touching a pet, another person, or yourself, and after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose. After all, you wouldn’t rub your dinner all over a door handle!
If you want to prepare early, Global Handwashing Day is only 6 months away! Stock up on soap for October 15th!
Sources:
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/washing-food-does-it-promote-food-safety/washing-food
- https://www.foodnetwork.com/grilling/grilling-central-how-tos/articles/meat-and-poultry-temperature-guide
- https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/basics/clean/index.html
We’re excited for one of the most underrated holidays of the year: Arbor Day! Arbor Day is all about taking care of the trees and our environment. Not only does taking care of our home make the Northeast more beautiful, it also helps us live healthy, sustainable lives. Interested in learning more about Arbor Day? You’ve come to the right place.
You would probably assume that Arbor Day originated in an
area full of forests and trees, right?
Wrong. It actually began in the Great Plains of Nebraska. In
1854, J. Sterling Morton and his wife Caroline Joy French moved to a newly
formed Nebraska territory from their previous home in Michigan. Puzzled by the
lack of trees, Morton worked to encourage tree-planting for both environmental
benefit and to beautify the landscape. As an editor at the Nebraska City News,
he was lucky enough to have a decent platform to advocate for his endeavors.
He was successful, beginning a sort of “tree renaissance” in Nebraska on April 10th, 1872, when it is said Nebraskans planted a million trees. This became known in history as the first Arbor Day. The birthplace of Arbor Day was Nebraska City, where the Mortons lived in their home, the Arbor Lodge. In 1885, Nebraska declared April 22 Arbor Day, in honor of Morton’s birthday. He even eventually served under President Grover Cleveland (a Northeasterner) as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 1893 to 1897!
Today, all 50 states and many different countries recognize and celebrate Arbor Day. The day of its observance varies depending on the best time of year to plant trees in each location. For many states in the northeast, that day is the last Friday in April; this year being Friday, April 26.
Trees play a vital role in our environment, and Arbor Day is significant in recognizing their importance. Many groups plan tree planting events for the holiday, as well as make posters and share information to bring attention to the topic. Check out what’s available in your community and join their efforts this year.
Trees are the world’s biggest plant, and they provide oxygen, store carbon, stabilize soil, and provide an endless amount of materials. Consider planting one in your yard this Arbor Day. How about a spruce tree? Pick up a spruce tree seedling at your local Price Chopper or Market 32!
Happy Arbor Day!
Easter Eggs
Easter eggs are a curious tradition. How did they become associated with such a religious holiday? We did our research to find some answers.
The egg is an ancient symbol of new life and it has been associated with Pagan festivals celebrating spring. It is said that the tradition of decorating and coloring eggs dates back to at least the 13th century, but it’s possible that is has been around even longer than that. One theory is that eggs were a forbidden food during the Lenten season. With Easter marking the end of Lent, people would color and decorate them to celebrate the end of this time of repentance. After they were decorated, the eggs would be eaten as part of the Easter celebration.
Other egg-related traditions
Two other egg-related traditions are Easter egg hunts and egg rolling. In the U.S. the annual Easter egg roll takes place the Monday after Easter at the White House. In which children push decorated hard-boiled eggs across the lawn. A tradition that began when Rutherford B. Hayes was president in 1878. Easter egg hunts are thought to have begun in the 1700s when the Pennsylvania Dutch believed in Oschter Haws, an egg-laying hare who eventually became known as the Easter bunny. Children would search through the grass to find eggs left behind by Oschter Haws, starting the familiar pastime.
Regardless of which egg-related traditions you have, Price Chopper/Market 32 is your one stop shop for all things Easter! Whether you’re searching for materials to decorate eggs, prepare Easter dinner, or enjoy the perfect holiday treats we are proud to provide the solution!
Happy Easter!
Written by Rainy McEwan – Jr. Marketing Analyst
Different Ways to Make Eggs Benedict
A traditional Eggs Benedict consists of Canadian bacon and a poached egg atop a toasted English muffin, covered with creamy, delicious Hollandaise sauce.
This dish is perfect to customize to your individual tastes. Every step can be made simpler, for days you feel a little lazy but still want that gourmet breakfast feeling, and Hollandaise is perfect for experimenting with different flavors!
The Sauce
While traditionally made using a double boiler method, Hollandaise can also be made in a blender or food processor. To do so, simply blend together 3 egg yolks and a tablespoon of lemon juice, then turn the blender to high speed and slowly drizzle in a half cup of melted butter. Season to taste. That’s it!
Hollandaise is considered a “mother sauce” meaning that it is a base upon which many other sauces can be formed. Most frequently we see Hollandaise seasoned with nothing but lemon juice, salt, and either Cayenne or Tabasco sauce. White pepper is traditionally added to this sauce as well, but because it is not a common staple in most home kitchens, it is often replaced by black pepper.
Bearnaise sauce is a variation of Hollandaise that is frequently used for Eggs Benedict, as well as for meat, fish, and vegetables. It can be made by substituting the lemon juice with white wine vinegar, and adding shallots and fresh herbs such as tarragon, chervil, and peppercorns.
Hollandaise can be kind of tricky sometimes. Because it is an emulsion sauce made of butter and eggs, it is prone to “breaking.” If this happens to your sauce, try one of these tips:
- Whisking in some boiling hot water, one drop at a time, off the heat.
- Put a tablespoon of boiling water into a bowl and slowly whisk the sauce in, small bits at a time.
- Add another egg yolk and whisk together, off the heat.
Experiment with this sauce by adding any of your favorite seasonings or switching up the acid! It is recommended that you make the Hollandaise base and fold your additional ingredients in at the end.
For a Vegetarian take
Try wilted or sautéed spinach and a grilled tomato to replace the meat and create Eggs Florentine! Or try one of the many meat substitutes stocked in our stores, such as Morning Star Farms veggie breakfast sausage patties (contains egg whites) or Tofurkey slices!
Or try an entirely plant-based version!
Replace the egg with firm or extra-firm tofu that’s been pressed and seasoned. Kala Namak, also known as black salt, will give the tofu and Hollandaise an “eggier” flavor. If desired, use a very small amount of Turmeric to give it that authentic yellow color.
To replace the meat, try Tofurkey slices, or take a shot at making faux bacon out of tempeh, eggplant, or even coconut! For a vegan Hollandaise, mix together a block of tofu (any firmness will do), the juice of one small lemon, ¼ teaspoon Kala Namak, and 1 tablespoon of vegan butter or neutral-flavor oil of your choice, in a blender. If it is too thick, add in water or oil in small amounts until desired consistency is achieved. When finished, warm in a sauce pan and serve.
Season with cayenne or Tabasco. This is a very basic recipe, so if you want to add extra flavor, consider any combination of these additions:
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tahini in place of the vegan butter/oil
Now get cooking! You won’t regret whipping up one of these delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.
Source:
https://simpleveganblog.com/vegan-eggs-benedict
https://www.abellecuisine.com/archives/Sauces/Basic%20Hollandise%20with%20Variations.htm
https://www.allrecipescom/recipe/84214/blender-hollandaise-sauce/
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/traditional-eggs-benedict-recipe-1958020
We’re big on home.grown.
Maple sugaring season is one of our favorite times of the year. We’re big on home.grown. maple: We team up with maple farmers and producers in each of our 6 Northeast states, and our PICS Pure Maple Syrup is produced in Vermont from the sap of Vermont maple trees! When it’s made or grown here, we get it here.
We’re excited to be sponsoring the Vermont Maple Festival again this year. This will be the 53rd installment of this sweet food and arts festival, featuring maple exhibits and demonstrations, entertainment and more! There’s nothing like tasting and experiencing fresh maple products, made within a pancake stack of home. Join us as we celebrate all things maple in St. Albans!
When: Friday April 26th through Sunday April 28th
Where: St. Albans, VT
Full Event Rundown: www.vermontmaplefestival.com
Making a stack of pancakes for dinner after all the maple action? Stop by our St. Albans Price Chopper after the festival. We’ve got all the goods, including (and most importantly) local maple syrup!
Hot sauce junkies, heat connoisseurs and spiciness fanatics: We’re comin’ in hot with our next monthly feature!
Each month we’re bringing you fresh stories on a different sauce brand, sharing some flavor insights, stories behind the brands and more. Travel with us on an adventure consisting of varying degrees of heat each month!
April’s Feature: Blue Top Brand!
A fairly new player to the hot sauce game, Blue Top Brand is comprised of food lovers, family and friends from Austin, TX and Dripping Springs, TX. They’re differentiator? CREAMY hot sauce.
The average hot sauce out there is a standard take on the condiment; spicy but without a lot of texture. Blue Top’s hot sauces are the best of both worlds: creamy and spicy. They’re beyond versatile as a condiment: Throw them on tacos, pizza, pork, sushi, shrimp, BBQ, and whatever else you can think of to top with sauce!
The Blue Top folks think of their product as a new type of condiment, and we have to agree; it’s like nothing we’ve tasted before. Unique varieties too, like Buffalo Cayenne, Curry Habanero and more.
Pick up a bottle at you local store, top your favorite dish with it and see what you think!
Turn up the heat with Blue Top this month, and tune in next month for our May Hot Sauce of the Month!
Our April home.grown. Brewer of the Month: Good Nature Farm Brewery and Tap Room
We love all things local, and one of our favorite sectors of local food is local beer. There are so many different brews, flavors, and styles, and so many stories to tell! That’s why we’re embarking on a new home.grown. adventure: to bring you fresh craft beer stories each month from our Northeast region; the best region in the United States if you ask us!
Up next: Good Nature Brewing!
As it is in our good nature to bring you the best local breweries each month, it’s in the good nature of the folks at Good Nature Farm Brewery and Tap Room to bring you the best local brews all year round!
Located in Hamilton, NY Good Nature was co-founded in 2010 by Carrie Blackmore. The company is a Nano-brewery that features a homegrown family-owned craft brewery & tap room. It is the first brewery in their county and among New York State’s first farm breweries. As a farm brewery, Good Nature is committed to sourcing their ingredients from New York State farmers to create a community enriching, good-natured product.
Good Nature provides a number of year-round brews as well as tasty specialty and series’ brews. Their Flagship Good Natured Blonde is a year-round favorite with a light and biscuity, yet bold and malty flavor. These days, they come out with a new limited release brew each month, in cans and on draft in their Hamilton hometown!
Interested in trying some Good Nature brews?
Check out our in-store tasting schedule below to sample Good Nature’s craft beer, take home some brewery swag and more.
Saturday 4/6, 11am – 2pm at our Hamilton Price Chopper
Saturday 4/13, 11am – 2pm at our Clifton Shopper’s World Market 32
Saturday 4/20, 11am – 2pm at our Route 50 Saratoga Price Chopper
Saturday 4/27, 11am – 2pm at our Glenmont Price Chopper
Interested in visiting the brewery?
Make the most of everything Good Nature Brewing has to offer! Visit goodnaturebrewing.com for taproom hours and menu, get info on brewery tours and more.
Good Nature’s Farm Brewery is located at 1727 NY-12B in Hamilton, NY. They also operate a tap room at 8 Broad Street in Downtown Hamilton. Check it out!
PICS Avocado Oil - New Item
PICS’ 100% Pure Cold Pressed Avocado Oil is extracted from the fleshy portion of the avocado fruit and is a great multi-purpose oil for general cooking and baking. It’s delicious mild flavor lends itself well to stir-fry, searing, BBQ, roasting and sauteing and its high smoke point makes PICS Cold Pressed Avocado Oil perfect for frying and high heat cooking.
But you don’t have to just cook with it – Avocado Oil can be used for many cold purposes too! Use it for salad dressings, soups and dips, or even to drizzle over pizza, breads and fruits.
Avocado Oil is naturally high in monounsaturated fats (healthy fats) and Vitamin E which can help lower blood pressure & cholesterol and improve your overall heart health. It also contains Lutein which improves eye health, and is a good source of various other nutrients and antioxidants.
Gluten Free, Kosher, and Non-GMO! – Bring home our delicious, multi-purpose, and heart healthy cooking oil today!
We’ve partnered with Instacart to offer you the convenience of grocery delivery. Instacart’s network of personal shoppers will grocery shop for you and deliver your order directly to your doorstep so you can spend more time doing what you love.
We’ve partnered with Instacart to offer you the convenience of grocery delivery. Instacart’s network of personal shoppers will grocery shop for you and deliver your order directly to your doorstep so you can spend more time doing what you love.
PICS CHEESE CURDS - NEW ITEM
Packed with protein and high in calcium, these all natural Cheese Curds are an excellent nutritious snack item for kids and adults alike! Try them fresh as a finger food, fried with a honey hot sauce as an appetizer, or with French fries and gravy for some poutine! If you’ve never tried a cheese curd, you’re missing out! They’re available in two varieties: classic cheese and garlic dill – look for them in the dairy aisle.
mmmmmm delicious
Try our new Cheese Curds today!
More from our dairy department
We’ve partnered with Instacart to offer you the convenience of grocery delivery. Instacart’s network of personal shoppers will grocery shop for you and deliver your order directly to your doorstep so you can spend more time doing what you love.
We’ve partnered with Instacart to offer you the convenience of grocery delivery. Instacart’s network of personal shoppers will grocery shop for you and deliver your order directly to your doorstep so you can spend more time doing what you love.