Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
BOO! Here it comes again, the official (unofficial) holiday of Halloween! There is no doubt, it is beloved by children and adults alike. The costumes, decorations and freaky/fun tricks and treats are wickedly delightful for those who participate before colder weather changes activity opportunities. To ensure it is fun for everyone, set expectations – your goblins and ghouls should know the food safety rules ahead of time to set the stage for happy smiles versus scowls and howls. Here are some ‘tricks” for caregivers hoping for a howling good time!
- Eat before treat – some great Halloween treat ideas to set the stage are right here (with spooky music!) on Price Chopper YouTube and Pinterest boards. That will make it easier to create the plan that parents/guardians must check items before eating. We have treats for adults too – pumpkin everything and fall favorites to fuel your fun is right here!
- Children should be taught – only to accept treats that are commercially wrapped. Throw away anything that is torn, has pinholes, or looks unusual in any way. Fresh fruit, if accepted, should be carefully checked and washed before eating.
- If your child has a food allergy, you already know that treats are tricky. Verify Epi-pens are not expired and are readily available. Always check the labels of each item. Some homes may have a teal-colored pumpkin to signal they have some treats without some allergens, but adults must still check the individual items before eating. The same goes for gluten free candy – The Celiac Disease Foundation has published their 2023 Gluten Free Halloween Candy list – you can download and print the pdf here.
- Ages and stages – some candies are choking hazards for smaller children. Gum, hard candies, peanuts and even small toys could be a concern. Check treats are appropriate and stay present while they are enjoyed.
- Managing added sugars at Halloween doesn’t have to be tricky! How much and how often should be part of the plan and discussed ahead of time to keep the howls to a minimum. A national poll shows 78% of parents plan for about two pieces of candy per day. That helps children learn candy can be part of eating well. In 2017, the Partnership for a Healthier America and the National Confectioners Association partnered to help with portion control and front-of-pack labeling, resulting in over 90% of candy and chocolates labeled to help your goblins and ghouls enjoy treats. Learn more at here.
- Enjoy the Halloween season – Top 10 ways to celebrate Halloween!
- Flashlights, candy, party supplies and more are all at our stores waiting for you to create a “monster” good time. Happy Halloween!
BWAH HA HA HAAAAA!!!!!!!
Chocolate Now, Dinner Later!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by chocolate, chocolate, and once again…chocolate! It is the best time of the year to be creative and festive. Speaking of creativity, have you ever wondered how to make your own chocolate? We found a fun and easy chocolate recipe that would be a great activity for the family, or for you to try on your own!
Five main ingredients are needed to make your own chocolate:
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cacao Powder or Cocoa Powder
- 1/8 cup Dry Milk Powder
- 2 ¾ tablespoons Cacao Butter
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt
- Chocolate mold
- Sweetener (optional)
- Candy Pieces (optional)
Step 1: Add 1-2 inches of water to a medium saucepan. Next, insert a heat-proof bowl on top of the saucepan. Bring water to a simmer (not boil) and add tiny, proportional pieces of cacao butter into the heatproof bowl. The cacao butter should not be touching the water. Whisk the cacao butter frequently.
Step 2: Once the cacao butter is melted, add cacao or cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, dry milk powder, and any other add-ins to the heat-proof bowl. Stir these remaining ingredients until completely blended.
Step 3: Pour the chocolate mixture into the molding of your choice. Transfer to the freezer for 20-30 minutes.
Step 4: Try not to eat all the chocolate at once!
Not feeling up to making your own chocolate. We understand! At Price Chopper and Market 32, not only do we have fantastic chocolate dessert recipes, but we also have a wonderful Bakery Department that strives to go above and beyond for our customers. We have so many options to make your holiday season extra special!
Other digital sites where you can locate our chocolate-filled recipes:
Some holiday must-tries!
Chocolate Cinnamon Scones: Chocolatey, cinnamony, and festive! You cannot go wrong with these Chocolate Cinnamon Scones. Try pairing with your favorite PICS coffee blend or PICS hot chocolate.
Double-Chocolate Peppermint Bark: With only four key ingredients, these are easy to make and do not have to look any specific way. No pressure when making this delicious dessert!
Minty Hot Chocolate: Exactly how it sounds – This mint hot chocolate is everything and more! Be sure to give it a try.
Homemade Chocolate Source:
Cacao, Cocoa, and Chocolate: What are the Differences?
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
‘Tis the season for curling up by the fire while drinking a delicious cup of hot cocoa. Cocoa can be used for so many different food recipes, as well as in drinks. Before we get into that, what exactly is cocoa, and what is the difference between cacao, cocoa, and chocolate? Let’s dive in!
Cacao (pronounced kuh-kau) comes from the Theobroma cacao tree which is Native to South America, West Africa, and parts of Asia. Cacao and cocoa are essentially the same thing, but in different forms. Cocoa is made from cacao, to put it simply. Cacao is the natural form, whereas cocoa is more processed. Cacao tends to have a bitter taste compared to cocoa which is sweeter.
Now that we understand the difference between cacao and cocoa, where does chocolate fit into the picture? Chocolate is made from cocoa powder mixed with other products, such as milk, sugar, and cream. Depending on the type of chocolate and where you buy it from, there may be other ingredients mixed in, such as almonds, cranberries, sea salt, etc.
Check out some of our easy and delicious recipes! Happy National Cocoa Day!
Spinach, Black Bean, & Corn Salad with Chipotle-Cocoa Vinaigrette: Who says salads can’t be fun? Try this nutrient-packed salad with a cocoa twist!
Chocolate-Zucchini Muffins: Are you a fan of muffins? Try this super easy recipe for a breakfast on-the-go!
Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: It may be cold outside, but a warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream in the middle will make anyone’s heart melt!
10 Creative Chocolate Covered Treats for Valentine’s Day
It’s the week of Valentine’s Day and we can’t seem to get these “chocolate covered” thoughts out of our heads. After all, ‘tis the season for showing your love and appreciation through sweet treats. With this in mind, we thought we’d give you a roster of fun ideas for creative chocolate covered goodies this year.
Dip into our 10 chocolate covered treat ideas below!
- Chocolate Dipped Fruits: Our hand dipped in-store chocolate strawberries are an essential this time of year. Same goes for our chocolate covered pineapple. However, apple slices, orange slices, watermelon slices and bananas are also fantastic when covered in chocolate. You can’t go wrong with pretty much any sweet or tart fruit.
- Chili Peppers: The flavor of a chili pepper mixes beautifully with the savory taste of chocolate. A sweet pepper could be an interesting choice, but a spicy pepper adds a perfect contrast to the sweetness. Give it a try.
- Pie: Yes, pie. The whole pie. Whip up your favorite key lime pie recipe and cover it in chocolate. You’re at the top of the dessert game! Congrats.
- Potato Chips: This one’s easy. The saltiness of a potato chip combined with the sweet flavor of chocolate is addicting!
- NEW Market 32 Pretzels & Graham Crackers: We’ve introduced these before here on our blog, but seriously, we just can’t get over how satisfying they are! Get them before they’re gone!
- Pickles: This might seem questionable at first but the sweet and tangy flavors mix well. You have to try it yourself to fully understand!
- Filet Mignon: If you’re interested in going all out for Valentine’s Day why not combine dinner with dessert? It’s a thing. Trust us. If you try it, let us know what you think!
- Peanut Butter Crackers: Peanut butter crackers are a top tier snack by themselves, but dip them in some chocolate and you’ve added a dynamic star to your romantic snack game.
- Edamame: If you’re looking for a healthier treat to snack on for Valentine’s Day and beyond, try chocolate covered edamame. Edamame is a nice alternative to common salty snacks like chips, so it’s ok to go ahead and add some chocolate.
- Strawberry Cookies: Everybody loves chocolate dipped strawberries, but how about chocolate dipped strawberry cookies? It’s a simple, yet creative spin on a Valentine’s Day classic.
Chocolate treats are always in our minds around Valentine’s Day. We hope you enjoy these unique ways to try chocolate like you never have before. Need a chocolate mix to get started? Find it here.
Happy chocolate-covering!
National Chocolate Milkshake Day
Today, on National Chocolate Milkshake Day, we celebrate one of the world’s most satisfying desserts. You’ve probably enjoyed a chocolate milkshake before, but you may be unfamiliar with the story behind the tasty treat.
Milkshakes have been around for quite some time, originating all the way back in 1885 when they were an alcoholic beverage containing whiskey. However, the adult beverage version was short-lived, as by the turn of the century milkshakes were no longer alcoholic. Instead they were made with flavored syrups such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. In 1922, Ivan “Pop” Coulson added vanilla ice cream to a malted milk drink, inventing the first malted milkshake. The idea quickly spread, becoming very popular at soda fountains. By 1930, milkshakes were transformed to the sweet treat we love today, with ice cream, milk, and syrup all blended together.
Once the 1950s rolled around, milkshakes had become a staple in diners, burger joints, and lunch counters. In different parts of the country, shakes were known by different names, including “frappes,” “cabinets,” “velvets,” and “concrete,” which referred to a milkshake so thick, it wouldn’t even drip when flipped completely upside down.
Today, milkshakes are more prevalent than ever. Being sold in diners, fast food restaurants, and ice cream shops alike. Their continuous boom in popularity may be due to a larger variety of flavors, yet, the classic chocolate milkshake remains a favorite in the ice cream game.
Looking forward to celebrating? Stop by your local store for all of your chocolate milkshake necessities, and order your PICS chocolate ice cream here.
Happy National Chocolate Milkshake Day!
Source: https://www.sodajerks.net/blog/soda-shop/the-history-of-milkshakes/
TOFFIFAY
Toffifay has a long history and was recently launched in the United States with a brand new packaging and positioning. Toffifay is irresistible on so many levels! They spin chewy caramel into a little cup, drop in a whole hazel nut, cover it with chocolate hazelnut filling and top it with a drop of delicious chocolate. Each box has 12 pieces that can easily be shared with friends and also makes for the
perfect treat. “With Toffifay, you’re always in good company”.
Look for Toffifay in or near the Candy aisle Written by Jane N. Golub
Director In-Store Marketing Programs
HANS KISSLE QUICHES
Hans Kissle Products are made fresh daily with the same taste and freshness as in your kitchen.
Hans Kissle understands the value of delivering fresh high quality products to your table. All products are produced in their 112,000 square foot facility in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Their facility is USDA inspected and received the SQF (Safe Quality Foods) Manufacturer of the Year Award in December 2013.
Hans Kissle’s delicious Quiche have been a long time favorite. They use only the highest quality ingredients, just like you would. Fresh eggs, cream, crisp vegetables and high quality meats and cheeses insure perfection every time. These tasty ingredients are whipped and baked into a flaky buttery crust.
Hans Kissle’s fully cooked Quiches are perfect for breakfast, brunch or family gatherings and can be eaten hot or cold. Save yourself time and money. Hans Kissle’s handcrafted Quiche – in Lorraine, Broccoli and Spinach varieties – will be just as good as yours, they promise.
Look for Hans Kissle Quiches in the Deli Department.
HERSHEY’S SPREAD
Introducing HERSHEY’S Spreads. Spreads give you the rich, delicious taste of HERSHEY’S chocolate in a smooth creamy spread you can use in so many ways.
The HERSHEY’S brand has stood for delicious, high quality chocolate since 1894.
HERSHEY’S Spreads have the power to transform any snack into a delicious treat. Chocolate lovers want new, exciting ways to experience HERSHEY’S.
HERSHEY’S three flavors bring variety to the Spreads category. This is Chocolate Spread, Chocolate with Almond Spread and Chocolate with Hazelnut Spread. Look for all three HERSHEY’S Spreads in the Peanut Butter and Spreads section. Chocolate lovers know that HERSHEY’S delivers a smooth delicious chocolate taste. Looking for something sweet to give your Valentine this year? Stop by your local Price Chopper Bakery department to find hand crafted and uniquely designed, sweets and strawberries using genuine dark chocolate truffle!
BENEFUL MEDLEYS
New Hershey’s Instant Puddings are an easy way to enjoy a quick and tasty dessert treat for the whole family! Each mix makes 4 half cup servings of delicious pudding which is easy to make. There is no cooking required – just add milk, mix and pour! The Chocolate and Dark Chocolate mixes are made with real Hershey’s Cocoa. Hershey’s Instant Puddings are available in three flavors – Chocolate, White Chocolate and Special Dark. Be sure to take some home today so you can experience the notable Hershey’s chocolate taste in a deliciously simple-to-make dessert. Look for Hershey’s Instant Puddings on the Dessert Mix aisle! Written by Jane N. Golub
Director In-Store Marketing Programs
BROOKSIDE DARK CHOCOLATE
Brookside’s dark chocolate covered real fruit pieces are a delicious chocolate and fruit taste experience. Brookside’s patented technology delivers great tasting products containing real fruit juice centers. Combines smooth, rich dark chocolate and exotic fruit juice flavors. Brookside’s dark chocolate is a natural source of flavano
l antioxidants.
Available in three great flavor varieties:
- Dark Chocolate Pomegranate, Dark Chocolate
- Acai with Blueberry, Dark Chocolate
- Goji with Raspberry
Great taste just got bigger! Introducing Mama Rosie’s 24 oz. Four Cheese Jumbo Round Ravioli. A jumbo ravioli stuffed with a delicious blend of Creamy Ricotta, grated Parmesan, 100% imported Pecorino Romano and savory Asiago Cheeses.
Mama Rosie came to this country from Italy in 1908. Her delicious pasta recipes have been passed down through the generations. Mama Rosie’s products contain only the highest quality all natural ingredients with that wholesome home-cooked taste that you and your family will love.
Look for Mama Rosie’s 4 Cheese Jumbo ROund Ravioli in the frozen aisle.