Ellie Wilson

MS, RDN,CDN, FAND

The world our children are growing up in is busy, noisy, distracted and overwhelming. Parents and caregivers work so hard to maximize their children’s activities, manage phone and computer usage, and reach for the best new ways to nurture balanced, happy, and healthy children and teens. The secret to making it all work may not be new at all – the humble family meal and eating more meals and snacks together has been shown to bring an abundance of benefits to families, one bite at a time!

Family Meals Deepen Relationships and Build Social Skills

Research has time and again shown that family meals have a unique and surprising power to support a range of holistic, positive skills and abilities that allow our children to become their best selves. Family meals literally make families stronger. Eating together fosters family closeness and togetherness, supports intellectual and early literacy skills, and develops language and social skills. In fact, a specific finding of a recent survey about family meals uncovered that over 75% of the families polled described family meals as an ideal setting to have and teach respectful interactions, a critical skill builder that requires this unique time and safe setting to discuss concerning topics and develop problem solving competence.   

Family Meals Improve Mental and Physical Health

Eating more family meals together has huge benefits for health. Research shows that families that eat together more often enjoy more fruits and vegetables, have more healthful weight and other positive health behaviors, such as more physical activity and better sleep habits. All those elements facilitate better mental health across the lifespan – those smart habits carry over into adulthood and sustain good health through the inevitable ups and downs of life.

Family Meals Bring Fun to the Family Table!

It is not hard to make eating together a fun time that everyone looks forward to! Have a picnic indoors, play ISPY, have a “kid’s choice” meal each week, or have your teenagers pick the music to play in the background. Family meals can be a time to share family stories, talk about the favorite thing that happened that day, tell a silly joke, and build food skills through favorite family or culturally relevant dishes or holidays. When parents and caregivers “play” with their children, mealtime becomes a treasured time you can all look forward to!

How about our busy, noisy, distracted lives? It can be hard to get regular meals on the table!

We get it, and we are here to help! Every week, we share ideas for meals that can be made from the items on sale in the ad – we call them Value Meals,  because we know time and budgets are stressed, and inspiration can be hard to muster at the end of a busy day. They don’t have to be perfectly healthy, or pretty, or complicated – the secret sauce is literally your time eating together, a practice that nourishes you all.  Try to get one more meal together each week, and watch your children bloom!

#FamilyMealsMovement

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National Seafood Month

Ellie Wilson

MS, RDN, CDN
Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness

Celebrating #NationalSeafoodMonth is a great time to celebrate family meals! #FAMILYMEALSMOVEMENT. The Family Meals Movement is a national cross-sector initiative to help families enjoy more meals together, which supports healthy growth and weight, better family relationships, less risky behavior, better mental health, and more. ₁ Time is always short for busy families; seafood is a go-to for quick meals that can get on the table in as little as 10 minutes – even if it is coming right out of the freezer! Bonus – seafood is a smart way to add up nutrition benefits that support brain and heart health. ₂ Choices that are high in omega-3’s can help you level up your family meal – learn which seafood items can make dinner a seafood power meal! Find out more here.

Some parents and caregivers may not know how easy it is to cook seafood – it is one of the comments we hear the most from customers who want to eat more but need some tips to get them started. We can make it very easy – our Seafood Teammates can steam your seafood for free! Then, you can take it home and try a sauce or serving ideas:

  1. Pantry Power – easy Mediterranean mix-up topper for any Seafood – PICS Capers, PICS Sliced Olives and Culinary Tours Sundried Tomatoes are easy to toss together and top any seafood meal.
  2. Sauce savvy – Tour the Flavors of the World with Culinary Tours Sriracha Ranch, Thai Chili, Tikka Masala, Sesame Teriyaki. Seafood is mild and easy to season – and variety makes it easy to please everyone at the table.
  3. Pair with your favorite salad kit for a quick prep and clean up meal.

Keeping meals easy and delicious makes magic happen – for everyone, including the cook. Sheet pan meals are a one-pan wonder, savory and satisfying, and quick clean-up. We are sharing some amazing recipes below, with some special ideas for children.

Sheet Pan Orange-Ginger Salmon Foil Packets

Sheet-Pan Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Tuna Crescent Rolls: Perfect for Toddler Food – This was developed for toddlers, but is a good idea for every age, and with a few ingredient trades, could be a great snack or appetizer. How about “Salmon in a Blanket”? Bite size and fun, they are tempting and tasty! See the recipe below – we kept the yum factor and better-for-you benefits together with reduced fat dough and sodium smart seasoning recommendations.  

Fish Dippers with Lemon-Chive Dipping Sauce – A delicious idea for your little seafoodies!

Family favorite in my house – we use Boboli Thin Crust pizza shells and top ours with sliced fresh scallions. Yum! Shrimp Pesto Pizza 

#FallinLovewithSeafood – Perfect for Fall – Salmon

The budget battle is always a factor, and eating seasonally is one strategy to shop smart. This Butternut Squash, Salmon and Rice Bowl puts seasonal, savory savings on the table!

Look for seafood sales and recipes on our website, and #EatSeafoodAmerica!

 Salmon in a Blanket (adapted from the Seafood Nutrition Partnership)

  • Fresh or frozen Market 32 Salmon Filets (defrosted in refrigerator), cut into bite-size pieces.
  • PICS Reduced Fat Crescent rolls, each crescent cut in half to make 2 triangles (16 pieces)
  • Salt free seasoning – look for options from PICS, Mrs. Dash, Badia, Kinder in the spice section.)
  • Additional options: PICS Maple Syrup OR PICS Honey

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Prepare a sheet pan with a light coating of olive oil, or parchment paper. Unroll the dough and separate each crescent. Slice in half to create 2 triangles. Cut salmon into bite size pieces – approximately 1.5 inches square. Place salmon pieces on the smaller crescent triangles. Season with a dab of honey on each bite, or a sprinkle of fresh or dried herbs. Following the crescent dough rolling directions, roll the salmon into the dough and place on the prepared sheet pan. Cook at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Internal temperature should be 145°F, and dough should be cooked and light brown.

Experiment!  This could also be done with frozen/baked phyllo cups or cooked in an air fryer (follow air fryer recommendations for time and check internal temperature for doneness.) Enjoy! 

Price Chopper/Market 32 is a recognized #FAMILYMEALS Partner

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Additional Sources:

  1. Family Meals are the Foundation for a Healthy Nation
  2. Eat Seafood: All the Reasons You Need

A Festive Family Feast!

Time to celebrate! Christmas and Chanukah have food traditions that bring us together in so many ways. Revel in this amazing time of year with family favorites and fresh takes on history and heritage. We will help you create some memorable meals!

Keep Monday’s last minute mad dash under control with a simple Chef’s Menu solution – sauté your way to a quick and delicious mix-and-match stir fry meal from the Meat Department. One-pan clean up keeps you on track as you wrap packages and tie ribbons. A fresh veggie platter adds color and crunch to the nibbling and noshing that will go on this week!

On Christmas Eve, put tradition on the table with the Feast of the Seven Fishes! Last week, we shared the history and some recipes and serving suggestions for creating this time-honored and delicious meal – check out the blog to create your version of this wonderful dinner. In addition to the freshest lobster, crab legs, shrimp and scallops, Price Chopper’s Seafood Team has made it so easy with Bacon-Wrapped Scallops and Crab, Shrimp and Salmon Cakes on sale and ready to heat and eat! Finally, make merry with this Crab Legs with Dipping Sauces idea – so special!

Still have room in those stockings? Stuff them with some sweet and healthy treats, like Halo Clementines, Clif, Luna or Kind Bars, and packets of Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa! Your older “kids” might love some Green Mountain Coffee or Kcups, and PICS Holiday Popcorn!

 Four Berry Hazelnut Crisp will light up their faces Christmas Morning! Keep the recipe quantities the same but use any combination of berries you like.

Or, keep it classic with Eggland’s Best Eggs, PICS Bacon and Thomas’s English Muffins. Don’t forget the PICS Egg Nog!

We hope your day is Merry and Bright!

Spending time with friends and family, sharing a family recipe, connecting in ways large and small – all are part of the experience of eating together – these are a few of our favorite things. This is especially true during the holidays – so much fun to be had creating and enjoying special treats and heirloom eats. As the holiday rush gets into full swing, these quick meals and snack ideas will keep you and your family fueled well for all the season’s festivities!

Check out the Family Meals page for solutions and serving suggestions that focus on sale items this week, like One-Pan Garlic Chicken and veggies, easy to make and clean up; family (and office party!) favorite, fresh Corner to Corner pizza; oldie but goodie Tuna Melts and a quick salad kit, and versatile, heat and eat Ham on sale,  paired with fresh green beans and Market 32 Gourmet Potatoes. Yum and Done!

How many times has this happened – you have a busy week, not sure you will be able to get everything done, and then – the weather slows you down (or stops you completely), or someone gets sick, and your whole plan is out the window? We can help you restore some of the balance to your week with grocery delivery or click and collect pick up! A few minutes shopping with us online could get back on track with your busy holiday season. And, if you are trying to stay focused on your giving and gifting, check out our meal ideas to make that cyber shopping even faster!

The weather outside may be frightful, but these meals are just delightful! Keep everyone happy at the table with tender Certified Angus Beef Braciole, substitute Botticelli Pasta Sauce for the tomatoes and spices in this recipe for Slow Cooked Beef and Mushroom Braciole, paired with a Fresh Express Salad Blend and Bakery Italian Bread to kick off the week. Leftovers, (if you have any), make a great lunch for work the next day. Keep the second loaf of bread and jar of sauce handy for an easy, cheesy dinner made with frozen PEDE Ravioli, made right here in Schenectady County by one of our home.grown. local partners.  The Botticelli Sauce and Bakery Italian Bread will get everyone to the table in a flash! In between, enjoy some NEW fresh stuffed fish – salmon, cod and haddock options mean something for everyone. Tender and quick cooking, each with a savory filling, paired with fresh asparagus or baby carrots is a seafood and produce power play. If you don’t have time to cook fresh, frozen is right there waiting – PICS Steambag Veggies, Green Giant Boxed Frozen Veggies, or Pict Sweet Farm Favorites. Double up servings of your favorite frozen produce for an easy way to eat more vegetables – only 1 in 10 of us get enough! Eating more seafood and produce are both smart moves – together they bring you closer to meeting nutrition recommendations for children and adults alike. 

It’s that time again, friends and family are making plans for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving. But what’s a fun holiday together without delicious food? That’s where our Family Meals Movement comes in. As you look ahead to the holidays, you can relax knowing we will continue to provide yummy snack and meal ideas for you and your loved ones; all season long!

During the holidays, together is better, even before the meal. One of the best ways to gain quality time with family is by preparing the food as a team. It’s a fun way to get the kids involved in the action as well. Check out the “Holiday Helpers” section of the family meals page family meals page for tips and tricks to share the joy of cooking with children of different ages. Matching responsibilities to age and skill level ensures that everyone plays a helpful role in the holiday experience. Plus, it’s a never a bad idea to get an early start learning your way around a kitchen!

Now, onto the food, starting with breakfast! The holidays are super busy; from the moment you wake up life is filled with nonstop action and preparation.  However, it’s essential to save time for breakfast. For a quick, easy start, pick up a pack of 24 count Eggo Waffles from your local store. Top with fresh berries or one of our favorites, frozen Wyman’s Berries, and you’re off on the right foot.

As all of us in the Northeast know, this time of year is COLD! And there’s nothing like a delicious family meal to keep your spirits warm. We’ve put together a few easy options for dinner this week and throughout the holiday season.

 

• Try Market 32 meatloaf mix with PICS frozen veggies, complete with a Kings Hawaiian Dinner Roll on the side.

• Sheet Pan Skinless Market 32 Chicken Thighs or Tenders are also a great option. They’re perfect with a side of Little Potato Company Gourmet Potatoes. Simply oil the pan and dust the chicken and potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder and sweet paprika. Serve with a Fresh Express Salad Blend.

• Sheet Pan Roasted Ham Steak with Apples and Martin Farms Cut Butternut Squash is a satisfying holiday meal for the whole family. If you’re seeking optimal flavor, drizzle with PICS Maple Syrup.

In between meals, it’s important to keep your body moving with some healthy snacks. Give Market 32 Nut Tubs a try, or use Sabra Hummus as a dip for your fresh cut veggie tray. Otherwise, make your own fruit cup with fresh cut fruits.

Finally, we always leave some room for dessert. We love this easy, seasonal recipe for apple dumplings. The best part about this recipe is that even the kids can help! Check out the video below, and if you don’t have time to make dough, pick up a package of Refrigerated Wewalka Pie Crust.

Family laughing around a good meal in kitchen

Family Meals – Fresh and Fast

Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN Senior Nutritionist

September is a time the majority of us hit the reset button, pull out the calendar and get back to school and work routines. No doubt, many of us find we are already overcommitted before we even get started! Catching up around the dinner table is a great way to reconnect after these busy days, but getting that organized can be one more thing on that already long list. Don’t worry, we have your back with #TimeBetterSpent solutions to kick off National #FamilyMealsMonth, an annual celebration of all of the benefits every occasion you can eat together with family and friends can bring.

Sunday – Get ahead and power up Monday breakfast with a delicious, easy overnight oats and berries recipe (see below). September is also #WholeGrainsMonth! Give everyone the protein and #wholegrains they need for brain power, and know some morning time eating together will get the week off to a great start!

Monday – Go Can Crazy with a quick family and budget friendly chili recipe. Crunch some #wholegrain chips or fresh baked corn bread from the bakery and get all the news of the day at dinner.

Tuesday – First night for sports, Scouts, homework – way too many things to think about cooking too! Rustle up a fresh Rotisserie Chicken, bagged Fresh Express salad,  and the leftover corn bread. Fresh and fast!

Wednesday – Mac and Cheese please (see below)! Comfort food that connects the dots – time and kid-friendly, make it with #wholegrain PICS whole wheat rotini so they get what they want, and you get what you want – healthy, happy kids!

Thursday – Dinner is in the bag! Seal and Cook fresh seafood meals made daily in stores include cut fresh vegetables, 4 different seafood choices, and are made with or without garlic butter. They can be steamed in the store, microwaved or baked at home. Seafood is brain food, smart families are enjoying more with this no muss, no fuss solution!

Friday – Rotisserie Turkey (Bonus AdvantEdge points!) or chicken and bagged Fresh Express salad close the week with a fresh family favorite.  

#TimeBetterSpent on #FamilyMeals pays off with a lifetime of benefits for your whole family. Learn more about #FamilyMealsMonth at https://www.pricechopper.com/time-better-spent/. You bring the kids, and we’ll bring you the meal solutions!

Overnight Oatmeal and Berries by Jodie Fitz

 2 1/2 cups PICS Greek plain or vanilla yogurt 

2 cups PICS old-fashioned rolled oats

¼ cup PICS honey

1 teaspoon Full Circle cinnamon

1 cup PICS frozen blueberries or strawberries

In a large bowl, stir the yogurt, oats, honey and cinnamon together.  Divide the mixture among 4 airtight containers*.  Add the frozen berries on top.  Seal the containers and let sit overnight in the refrigerator.  Grab and go in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast!

*Small canning jars work great!

Macaroni and Cheese

8 oz. PICS whole wheat rotini

4 T. PICS unsalted butter (1/2 stick)

4 T. PICS all-purpose flour

2 cups PICS milk

Salt and pepper to season

Pinch Full Circle organic nutmeg

2 cups PICS shredded macaroni and cheese blend

1 cup crushed PICS snack crackers

2 T. PICS melted butter

2 tsp. smoked paprika

Cook pasta until tender, drain and rinse.

Meanwhile, melt 4 T. butter in a sauce pan and add the flour to make a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the milk and whisk until smooth. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded cheeses.

Toss the pasta and sauce together to coat well. Spoon into a lightly greased casserole dish or 4 individual ramekins.

Combine the crackers, 2 T. melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle over macaroni and cheese, and place in a preheated 375° oven and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serves 4.

Family Mealtimes Matter – All Year Long Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN Senior Nutritionist   fmm-logoToday marks the original CASA Family Day, promoted by the Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) and Price Chopper since 2001, when their research showed the positive link between more family meals and less negative behavior in at risk teens. Since then, the research keeps showing that eating together is the glue that keeps kids healthy and families strong. The Family Mealtimes Matter and National Family Meals Month campaigns technically wrap up this week, but they will keep going, in your house and in ours! You will always find great meals and snack solutions in our stores. Did you know, Americans are getting more than 50% of their calories from snacking, making snack time another great time for busy families to eat together. Snacks can help parents add more plant-based items to the foods they serve their children, promoting good habits and good health. It doesn’t have to be fancy, or at a specified time, or even served on a plate! Please, join us at the table whenever you can find time with your family – Family Mealtimes Matter! #familymealtimesmatter #familymealsmonth Family Mealtimes Matter Saturday Event!   fmm-logoSeptember is National Family Meals Month ™, and we are celebrating in stores throughout upstate New York with our friends from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Eat Smart NY! Information, education and some great recipes will be shared – check out Pizza Hummus for a fun twist on a smart snack! We have fresh, delicious meal solutions all around the store that can help you spend more quality time with your family, and reap the many benefits of family meals. Children who eat more meals with their family have better grades, social skills, talk with their parents more and enjoy better health – that is a pretty powerful package for something we know you already love to do! Join in the fun on Saturday 9/16 at one of the following New York locations from 10 AM to 2 PM, or grab the handout at the Guest Services desk in your store all month long. #FamilyMealtimesMatter #NationalFamilyMealsMonth #eatsmartny #Timebetterspent http://www.eatsmartnewyork.org/ https://www.pricechopper.com/family-mealtimes-matter?q-family-meals-matter= September 2017 Family Mealtimes Matter Event Locations: