Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Happy National Pancake Day to all our pancake lovers out there! From buttermilk to candy-filled pancakes, each pancake is unique. National Pancake Day is a time to indulge in this beloved breakfast delight and celebrate the joy it brings to people of all ages. Fire up the griddle and let’s get cookin’!
Explore some fun pancake add-ins & add-ons you can try!
Fruit: Plump blueberries, juicy strawberries, or sweet bananas allow for a fruity twist to your morning!
Candy: We all know chocolate chip pancakes are a classic, but what about M&Ms, caramel, hershey syrup, or even cereal? Oh, and you cannot forget to add PICS Whipped Topping!
Nuts: Walnuts, hazelnuts, or even slivered almonds allow for a delicious crunch and extra flavor in your flapjack.
Spreads: Drizzled nutella, peanut butter, almond butter, jam, and jelly are great additions to add in or on your stack of pancakes.
Spices: The fall is a perfect time of the year to explore different spices in your pancakes, like cinnamon, pumpkin, gingerbread and nutmeg.
Still in need of some ideas? Don’t worry, we have you covered. Check out some of our recipes below, and be sure to browse our pancake selection!
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes: Calling all pumpkin-spice lovers out there! Pair these pancakes with our PICS Pumpkin Spice Coffee and thank us later.
Buttermilk Pancakes with Bourbon-Maple Syrup: This recipe takes a twist on your traditional buttermilk pancakes. Be sure to pick up PICS Bacon the next time you shop with us!
Gingerbread Pancakes with Cranberry-Maple Syrup: Remember when we said gingerbread is a good spice idea for pancakes? Yeah, this recipe is why! You will not be disappointed.
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
Eye health is an often-overlooked issue (no pun intended) until something happens to impact or change vision. Loss of vision is a substantial health challenge with significant impacts on quality of life, and the most common diseases have a long, slow development timeline, leaving many not realizing they are headed for vision issues. Nutrition has been a target for research and consumer interest in this field. Research shows some important nutrient roles in maximizing vision functions, but connecting specific nutrients to specific roles in prevention and management of vision issues has been more challenging than expected.
The good news is that we can connect recommendations for eating more produce, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, and enjoying foods that are part of a Mediterranean style of eating to reduced likelihood of chronic vision challenges such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma. There is a significant linkage between ensuring heart and artery health is maintained, because all nutrients that have a relationship with protecting vision also need to reach those tissues via a strong cardiovascular system.
Orange flags produce that offers significant amounts of Vitamin A, essential to ensuring eyes can see light and color – carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and apricots are on the menu for this critical nutrient. Vitamin A also protects against dry eye and has a role in the quality of tears. Antioxidant Vitamin C, found in red peppers, oranges, strawberries, and more, has been correlated with prevention or delay of macular degeneration.
Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids also have roles in eye health, along with bioactive compounds lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in leafy greens, tomatoes and eggs, and are critical to the health of the macula, which is the center of vision function in the eyes. Most of these vitamins and compounds are fat-soluble, meaning they need some healthy fats in food to be absorbed well, which opens the door for delicious foods like avocado, nuts, seafood and olive oil – hopefully, they were all on your grocery list already!
Supplements also have some supportive data and are most beneficial for those with macular degeneration or at risk for it. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 found supplements with specific amounts of the vitamins highlighted have positive benefits when used in conjunction with recommendations from your health care provider. Learn more about that here Vitamins for AMD – American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org).
Bottom line – plant-forward, nutrient-rich foods are important to eye and overall health throughout your life. Enjoy them as part of your vision of a healthy future!
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
Hydration is always a “hot” topic in the summertime – it is an essential element to staying well and at being at our best, whatever the season. Here are some tips and hacks to ensure you and yours are hydrated and happy!
Why is it essential? Every cell in the body, all our tissues and organs, and most of our functions, like blood pumping, breathing, moving and sweating – all require water. In fact, our body is 50 – 70% water. Water also supports brain function, skin health, and waste removal – all critical body systems are impacted by hydration.
To ensure we can maintain those systems, our body can extract water from many foods – humans get about 20% of their water intake from foods, including produce, proteins, and dairy. See the chart below for some high-water content produce – all of their energy and antioxidant benefits and water to support absorption – win win!
Each age and stage of life has a recommended range for the types and quantities of beverages that can support healthy hydration. You can find information about children’s needs here: Choose Water for Healthy Hydration – HealthyChildren.org. Keeping water handy and encouraging them to sip frequently will help them stay hydrated and build a good habit for health. Older adults may be at risk for dehydration and not realize it – lower activity or reduced awareness of thirst can set up a domino effect that can impact balance, memory, and chronic health issues. Learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatments for dehydration at the National Library of Medicine resource page: https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html.
Enjoy more of these great produce picks as part of your hydration plan – many are in season right now!
High Water Content Fruits
Watermelon and strawberries contain about 92 percent water per volume. Other fruits with high water content include grapefruit with 91 percent, cantaloupe with 90 percent and peaches with 88 percent water. Fruits containing 87 percent water by weight include pineapple, cranberries, orange and raspberries. Apricots hold 86 percent water, while blueberries and plums contain 85 percent water. The water content for apples and pears is 84 percent. Cherries and grapes contain an average of 81 percent water.
High Water Content Vegetables
On top of the vegetables list are cucumber and lettuce, consisting of 96 percent water. Zucchini, radish and celery are comprised of 95 percent water. Ninety-four percent of tomato’s weight is water, and green cabbage is 93 percent water. Vegetables that contain 92 percent water include cauliflower, eggplant, red cabbage, peppers and spinach. Broccoli is 91 percent water by weight. Additional healthy hydrating foods include carrots with 87 percent water and green peas and white potatoes with 79 percent water.
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Week three of #ChillinWithChopper brings our focus to luscious, sweet fruits. Throughout history, fruits have played a crucial role in sustaining human life. Whether indulging in the sweetness of ripe berries or savoring the zesty kick of citrus fruits, the diverse flavors they provide are truly delightful. For those aiming to add more fruits to their diet, worry not, as we have you covered. Check out some of our tips below!
- Add fresh fruit slices to meals. It’s not as challenging as you might believe. If you like yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal, consider adding some berries to enhance the taste. For your lunchtime salad, try incorporating orange slices or watermelon chunks for a delightful twist. Moreover, there are numerous recipes that include fruits as ingredients, such as our Cranberry-Apple Stuffed Pork Chops.
- Try having fruit with each snack. Many peanut butter lovers will put peanut butter on their bananas or apples. Enjoying fruits with peanut butter not only enhances the taste but also balances the snack to keep you full and satisfied.
- Make a fruit smoothie. There are so many delicious ways you can make smoothies. Common fruits people add in are bananas, raspberries, kiwis, strawberries, and blueberries.
Need more inspiration? Take a look at some of our recipes!
Strawberry, Arugula, and Quinoa Salad with Asparagus & Feta: The perfect summertime salad is right here! Nothing beats fresh strawberries paired with feta cheese.
Curried-Mango Fish: If you enjoy tilapia, then you must try this recipe!
Chocolaty-Orange Smoothie: This smoothie is a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the zesty tang of oranges!
Roasted Grape & Goat Cheese Bruschetta: This is a delightful and sophisticated appetizer that combines the sweet and savory flavors of roasted grapes and creamy goat cheese on a crispy baguette!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Happy June and happy (almost) summer! It is safe to assume that the warm weather is now here to stay. We want to introduce you to some incredibly delicious summertime recipes that we think will be a hit at your parties this season. Below you will find eight popular summertime flavors and a mouthwatering recipe to go along with that. If you are interested in more recipes, be sure to check out our website, YouTube channel, and Price Chopper Ready website.
Flavor #1: Cherry
This cherry dessert has the consistency of a smoothie due to the vanilla yogurt. It is very refreshing on a warm summer day! Try adding in Triple Sec or Grand Marnier to take this to the next level.
Flavor #2: Berry
Oh, how berry nice this dessert is! Only five simple ingredients, too? How sweet! Be sure to follow the instructions carefully when making this.
Flavor #3: Cucumber
Three ingredients for flavor #3! This plant-based recipe is perfect for an appetizer or snack this summer.
Flavor #4: Orange
Now this is what you call refreshing! All you need are clementines, oranges, coconut water, and dark chocolate.
Flavor #5: Lemon
While lemon is a popular flavor year-round, we have a delicious lemon recipe for you below. Whether you are baking for Father’s Day, 4th of July, or just having a barbecue, this dessert is sure to be a hit.
Flavor #6: Coconut
Coconut is one of the most popular summertime flavors. From piña coladas, coconut cream pie, coconut shrimp, and everything in between, coconut is a very versatile ingredient.
Flavor #7: Peach
Peaches are back in season! Bring on all the goodness that peaches have to offer!
Flavor #8: Watermelon
Last but certainly not least – watermelon! This sweet and refreshing fruit pairs well in salads, on meat, or with cheese.
Enjoy the beauty of summer and all the recipes it has to offer!
Cherishing Cherries
February is National Cherry Month! In our opinion, one of the more underrated fruits out there is the cherry. They are sweet, snackable, and refreshing for any time of year. They are great alone or an important ingredient in endless tasty recipes. That’s why we cherish this awesome stone fruit.
To start, there are two different types of cherries: tart and sweet. Tart cherries are good for cooking and baking, while sweet cherries are the type you buy to eat as a snack. When purchasing these sweet snacks, look for the firm and plump ones that appear bright and glossy. Sweet cherries are mainly grown in California, Washington, and Oregon, while tart cherries can commonly be found in Michigan and Wisconsin. Some popular types of sweet cherries are Bing, Lambert, and Rainier. The most common type of tart cherry is the Montgomery, best when used in baking as they hold their shape better than their more snackable relatives.
At Price Chopper & Market 32, we love using cherries in our recipes. And not just the classic cherry pie. Check out some of these delectable recipes!
Create the Perfect Charcuterie Board!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
What is better for snacking than a big, beautiful charcuterie board? Whether you are having a friend and family gathering, holiday party, or some sort of celebration, a charcuterie board is a great option. The best part is, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to create one, and you can theme the board to match the occasion.
What exactly is a charcuterie board? A charcuterie board typically contains some type of assortment of the following: Meats, cheeses, crackers, artisan toasted bread, fruits, veggies, olives, nuts, dips, desserts and whatever else you choose! Of course, you tailor your board to what you and your guests prefer. Additionally, with the holidays right around the corner, there are many fun desserts you can sprinkle onto your board.
Unsure of where to begin? We have you covered. The volume of items you need depend on how many guests you are providing for. Here are a few popular items for each category:
Meats: Prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, ham, smoked salmon
Cheeses: Goat cheese, Feta cheese, Swiss cheese, blue cheese, Brie Cheese
Crackers: PICS Oil & Herb Crackers, Wheat Thins, Ritz Crackers, pretzels
Artisan Bread: Ciabatta, sourdough, French, rye
Fruits: Grapes, blueberries, raspberries, apricots, figs
Veggies: Carrots, celery, snap peas, grape tomatoes, broccoli, pickles
Olives: Castelvetrano olives, Kalamata olives
Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, pecans
Dips: Hummus, cream cheese, salsa, guacamole, honey, fig spread
Desserts (for holidays or any occasion): Chocolate covered strawberries, jellybeans, mints, candy corn, Hershey kisses, mini cookies, mini candy canes, peppermint bark, M&Ms
Charcuterie boards are a fun way to let your creative mind flow, as well as giving your guests something to admire. Enjoy!
home.grown. Prolong Your Garden with Pickling!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
Summer is the best time of year for fresh produce. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we partner with a wide variety of local farmers in the region, but we know that many Northeasterners enjoy growing their own produce. If you fall into this category, your garden may just be overflowing, and you can only give away so many tomatoes! Pickling could be a good alternative for you and your veggies. We have exactly what you need from mason jars and lids and other canning and pickling essentials like large-size vinegar. Read below on how to pickle if this is new to you, and then stop in your local Price Chopper or Market 32 to get the supplies you need!
What exactly is pickling, and is it just for cucumbers?
Pickling is the process of preserving food in a brine solution in order to extend its shelf life. By brining certain foods, bacteria are not allowed to grow. There are so many food products that can be pickled, and just a few are listed below. Some may even surprise you!
Cucumbers, garlic, pork, beets, carrots, eggs, strawberries, blueberries, radishes, shrimp. onions, squash, peppers, beef, and mangoes.
History of Pickling:
Pickling foods is nowhere near a new concept. According to archeologists and anthropologists, they believe that ancient Mesopotamians pickled. Later, pickling was a necessity for families to have food throughout the winter months and was crucial for sailors on long voyages.
How to Pickle Your Garden Veggies:
Fresh vegetables without bruises from your garden are ideal to pickle. The shape you choose to cut your produce is up to you, but cherry tomatoes are best when left as a whole and carrots work well when cut into spears.
- Prepare your mason jar by washing it with warm, soapy water and then rinsing out completely. Dry thoroughly with a towel.
- Cut your vegetables into the shape of your choice and trim the ends. Add in any spices if you choose or garlic.
- Pack your vegetables tightly in the mason jars. Ensure that there is some room from the top of the vegetables to the rim of the jar.
- Prepare your brine by following the steps below:
- Combine: 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar of choice, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Poor into a small pan over high heat and bring to a boil
- Continue stirring to ensure the salt and sugar dissolve
- Pour brine into mason jars
- Let vegetables cool for at least one hour before enjoying. The longer they sit in the brine, the better.
Happy Pickling!
Shop Pickling Necessities
Happy Hydrating with 2Natural Blends!
Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN Senior Nutritionist
GoGo Squeeze Gimme Five
At GoGo Squeeze, quality is at the heart of everything they do. They source all of their fruits and veggies from evolved farms that use only the best practices to grow and harvest. Their pouches are made with nothing but real, fresh fruit and veggies and a splash of juice. Their proprietary manufacturing process can get an apple into a pouch in about an hour. There is no added sugar, no HFCs and no other added color or flavors. GoGo Squeeze products are vegan and have been certified as GMO-free by the
non-GMO project, North America’s only independent verification for products made according to best practices for GMO avoidance. They made applesauce on the go, yogurt on the go and Fruit and Veggies on the go – all packaged in convenient pouches that are sold in 4 packs, 12 packs and 12-pouch variety packs.
You can find all the GoGo Squeeze products in the Canned Fruit aisle.