Ellie Moloney Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
We are back with a St. Patrick’s Day edition of our Value Meals! Take a look below at this week’s meal planning items:
Meal 1: Corned Beef & Cabbage
1 lb. Shannon Farms Flat Cut Corned Beef Brisket
5 lbs. bag Market 32 Red Potatoes
1 lb. bag Full Circle Whole Carrots
3 lbs. (about 1 head) Green Cabbage
Shop Corned Beef & Cabbage items here!
Meal 2: Reuben Sandwich
1 lb. Shannon Farms Flat Cut Corned Beef Brisket
1 loaf Market 32 Rye Bread
1 package PICS Sliced Swiss Cheese
1 jar (14oz) PICS Sauerkraut
1 jar (24oz) PICS Pickle Spears
Shop Reuben Sandwich items here!
There are a few weeks of the year when you know what you will be having for dinner, and in my family, this is one of those weeks! The ingredients are well-known and on sale this week, so classic this meal would almost make itself, if you don’t have a family recipe or a friend who always makes enough for the neighborhood. I, of course, have the best recipe – my Aunt Sheila’s, written down about 25 years ago on a now slightly crumpled, “well-seasoned” piece of paper. The ink is smudged, splashed by something at some time but rescued and dried and saved in the recipe box every year since.
Planning this blog got me thinking about meal traditions, how they connect us generationally and how they are reinvented over time – cooked in different pots and ovens, with spices or not, braised and baked and boiled – how many ways can this meal be made? Then I googled “Corned Beef and Cabbage” and got this: About 46,900,000 results!
That is impressive! As I scrolled through, the descriptions told the story of its travels over time -Grandma’s, Mom’s, Dad’s, slow cooker, Southern-style, Instant Pot, and more. Top 40 recipe collections for every food magazine or cooking show, fancy, saucy, and crispy. The corned beef and cabbage meal tradition we know in America has roots in Ireland, but was reinvented and expanded in New York City, when the migration of Irish to America exploded in the late 1800’s, and the community connection of Irish and Jewish residents in neighborhoods with kosher butchers restored access and enjoyment to this iconic meal. *
Meal 1: Corned Beef & Cabbage
There are so many ways to cook corned beef, I thought it would be best to share this link How Long Should I Cook Corned Beef and “season” the blog with hacks and tips.
In case you don’t have a family recipe, we have one for you try: Classic Corned Beef with Cabbage & Potatoes (beefitswhatsfordinner.com)
- Tip – Cook both briskets/roasts at once and store the second wrapped in the refrigerator for the Reuben Sandwich meal. For best results, do not slice the second roast until you are preparing the sandwiches.
- Hack – When the brisket is done according to your recipe, wrap it in foil and place in a small cooler or in an oven set on 150 degrees to rest and redistribute juices into the meat. Rest for at least 45 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours, checking to be sure the internal temperature doesn’t go below 140 degrees. When you are ready to serve, be sure to slice against the grain, or the meat will shred into a stringy (but still delicious) pile versus a juicy, servable slice.
Meal 2: Grilled Reuben Sandwich (or Panini!)
The Reuben is a classic – juicy, savory and succulent, it is an icon by itself. It is also easy to prepare if you already cooked the corned beef.
- From the pantry – PICS Thousand Island Dressing and PICS Unsalted Butter, softened.
- Utensils – Sharp chef’s knife, large, flat spatula for turning the sandwich, fork or tongs for the sauerkraut.
- Prepare a large frying pan with a flat base or a griddle with a spray of PICS Vegetable Oil. Keep a large pot top available to assist with heating the sandwiches and ensuring the cheese melts.
- Hack – warm canned PICS sauerkraut in a saucepan. Keep a large fork or tongs handy to place kraut on the sandwich.
- Slice the brisket against the grain, into thin slices.
Set up your sandwich ingredients – sliced rye bread, sliced corned beef, warmed sauerkraut, sliced Swiss cheese, dressing and butter. When you are ready to assemble, turn the burner heat to low-medium for the pan or griddle.
- Place 4 slices of rye bread on a counter or cutting board and spread 1 TBSP PICS Thousand Island Dressing on one side.
- Place a slice of Swiss Cheese on the dressing.
- Using the fork or tongs, place warmed, drained kraut (hold over the pot to drain for a few seconds) on the cheese.
- Place several slices of corned beef on the sauerkraut.
- Take the top slice of bread and spread 1 TBSP of PICS Thousand Island Dressing on one side. Place the dressing-side down on the sandwich.
- Butter the top side of the sandwich bread.
- Repeat the procedure for all 4 sandwiches.
When you are ready to grill, place some butter in the pan to melt. Carefully transfer the 4 sandwiches to the pan. Place the pot top over the sandwiches or pan to concentrate the heat and melt the cheese. Grill until golden brown on both sides, flipping the sandwiches after 3- 4 minutes. Serve with pickles, Cole slaw and LOTS of napkins! Enjoy!
*Accessed 3/4/2028; https://www.foodandwine.com/news/complicated-irish-history-corned-beef
Happy March! As we approach the end of winter, March provides us with warmer weather and . . . luck! Celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by indulging in the rich flavors of McCall’s Irish Cheddar cheese, the perfect accompaniment to honor the luck of the Irish! Price Chopper/Market 32 is thrilled to carry this creamy and buttery yellow cheddar cheese, made by the milk of cows that graze on lush, green pastures!
McCall’s Irish Cheddar is a robust nutty cheese that has a smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Of course, cheddar is the perfect cheese to snack on its own, but it pairs beautifully with cured meats, and a sweet side of jams, apples or pears! Enjoy your McCall’s Irish Cheddar with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or the taste of an English stout to elevate your cheese experience!
Happy National Peanut Butter Lovers Day! Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anywhere in between we can all celebrate this delicious pantry staple. There are endless ways to implement peanut butter into your diet, but we picked some of our favorites to show how we are celebrating this big day.
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins: Bite into these warm, fluffy Peanut Butter Banana Muffins. Great for breakfast or as a treat later on in the day.
PB&J Stuffed French Toast: This peanut butter and jelly stuffed French toast is a filling and delicious way to start the day. You may never look at French toast the same again.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Breakfast Tart: Move over store-bought pastries, this recipe will sure to be top on your favorites list!
Oatmeal Energy Squares: These Oatmeal Energy Squares are a tasty snack to give you a midday boost. Peanut butter, maple syrup, and blueberries all work together in these yummy squares.
Apple-Peanut Butter Breakfast Nachos: Who says you can’t have nachos for breakfast? This recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
Flank Steak Sate with Peanut Dipping Sauce: Looking to try a new steak recipe? Check out this out… you will not be disappointed!
Creamy Banana & Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie Bowl: In need of a good smoothie bowl? This Creamy Bananas & Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie Bowl is terrific.
Thai Shrimp Zoodle Bowl: This Thai Shrimp Zoodle Bowl uses peanut butter to make an excellent at home Thai food experience.
We love peanut butter and certainly enjoy all the things that can be made with it. If you’re a peanut butter fan check out some of these recipes for yourself! For all things peanut butter stop by your local Price Chopper & Market, or shop with us online.
Haleigh Eustis
Intern, Digital Marketing
Happy National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day! I’d like to tell you a joke about peanut butter . . . but you might spread it! We all love peanut butter for its nutty flavor and smooth or crunchy consistency. This household staple is perfect in a sandwich, cookie or paired with fruits and veggies, but did you know that peanut butter is in endless amounts of breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes? In celebration of National Peanut Butter Day, I have compiled a list of delicious recipes that are delectable and easy to make!
Granola Bites. The perfect grab and go snack that is easy to make! Packed full of oats, honey, dried fruits and coconut, these granola bites utilize peanut butter as the “glue” that holds the ingredients together. These bite sized treats are the perfect “pick me up” during the day and are stored in the fridge so the oats can absorb moisture.
Peanut Butter-Tofu Mousse Tart. Listen, I know what you’re thinking. Tofu in a dessert, will that taste good? The answer is yes! Tofu is a flavorless protein substitute that takes on the flavor of other ingredients . . . in this case: peanut butter! Tofu also creates a silky-smooth texture when blended which makes for the perfect mousse texture! Top this yummy dessert with chocolate chips or drizzle and serve!
Thai Shrimp Zoodles Bowl. Looking for a dinner that feeds lots of people and is incredibly tasty? Thai zoodles are the perfect option as they are simple to make and assemble. Utilize PICS peanut butter in the mouth-watering peanut sauce that the dish is served with. This recipe is filled with fresh and delicious ingredients and takes no longer than 15 minutes to prepare and serve!
These recipes are only a fraction of delicious meals that utilize peanut butter. And what about the people who can’t eat peanuts? Don’t worry! There are plenty of plant and nut butter options located at Price Chopper/Market 32 for each and every person’s dietary restrictions. We hope that you go nutty for our PICS peanut butter options!
Haleigh Eustis
Intern, Digital Marketing
Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one, taking on Galentine’s Day in style, or enjoying a night on your own, there’s nothing better than a delicious (and easy) dinner to make your day perfect! Of course, no dinner is complete without a drink and dessert. We have compiled the perfect Valentine’s Day meal utilizing Market 32’s extensive list of delicious meals, drinks and desserts!
Bourbon-Cherry Smash. Start your dinner off with a festive drink! This Bourbon-Cherry Smash is the perfect combo of fruity and sweet plus a bit of spiciness from the bourbon. This drink turns a beautiful shade of red that is wonderfully on-theme for Valentine’s Day. Delicious and quick to make, a Cherry Smash is the perfect choice to start your festive meal off strong!
Sweet & Spicy Salmon with Grilled Pineapple and Poblano Salsa. A delicious main course to impress anyone with your spectacular cooking skills! This robust meal is full of savory salmon accompanied with the tangy and acidic sweetness from grilled pineapple and fresh tang of poblano salsa. If you’re not a salmon lover, feel free to swap salmon for chicken.
Herb-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. No main course is complete without a side dish. Fingerling potatoes are the perfect side for our Sweet and Spicy Salmon. Bursting with an array of dynamic herbs and savory garlic, fingerling potatoes will always be an easy and quick go-to dish for any occasion!
Red Velvet Brownies with Cookies & Cream Frosting. Finish your Valentine’s Day meal with a sugary treat, of course! Chewy brownies are a classic dessert for an obvious reason. Easy to make and delicious to eat, they are the perfect holiday choice. These brownies are wonderfully festive as they are a deep ruby red color, topped with decadent frosting making each bite sugary and marvelously rich.
Enjoy Valentine’s Day with an easy meal plan that is as festive as it is tasty! Shop all your Valentine’s Day groceries, flowers, cards and chocolates at Price Chopper/Market 32!
FIshin' for Tacos
Fishing for new taco recipes? Consider seafood! These tasty recipes offer a wide range of variety and an experience packed with flavor and twists. If you’re a fan of seafood you’ll love these options. Check out some of our favorite recipes and celebrate National Fish Taco Day on January 25th with us!
Fast & Fresh Fish Tacos: Fast and fresh! Grab a lb. of Market 32 Mahi Mahi and a bag of Fresh Express Chipotle Cheddar Salad and you’re on your way to enjoying lovely fish tacos.
Grilled Fish Tacos with Cauliflower Tortillas: Break out the Tilapia Filets and the Cauliflower Tortillas for an epic ride of flavor.
Crispy Cornmeal Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw: This recipe calls for cod accompanied by a fresh, tasty citrus slaw that you won’t be able to resist. So good you’ll have to come back for more.
Beer Poached Mahi Mahi Tacos: These mahi mahi filets are boosted with fresh mango, onion, guacamole salsa and more. This recipe can make any day feel like summer.
General Tso’s Shrimp Tacos: Add some General Tso’s sauce and serrano pepper to your tacos for a wave of bold flavors. Perfect with shrimp!
Check out these video recipes…
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!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
While salads are a very common side dish at the dinner table, making a meal out of a salad can be just as quick, delicious, and even more filling. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have everything from salad starter kits in the produce section, as well as a wide variety of cheeses, nuts, vegetables, and meat. Not to mention, have you seen our aisle with the salad dressing? It is an understatement to say that there is an option for everybody! Check out some options below on what to put in your next salad.
Fruits &
Vegetables:
Tomatoes
Carrots
Edamame
Avocado
Corn
Peppers
Onions
Olives
Blackberries
Mandarin oranges
Blueberries
Strawberries
Apples
Proteins:
Chicken breast (Grilled or Fried)
Steak
Bacon
Salmon
Shrimp
Tuna
Tofu (Grilled or Fried)
Hard boiled eggs
Chickpeas
Beans
Nuts:
Slivered almonds
Chopped walnuts
Pecans
Pistachios
Sunflower seeds
Cranberries
Cheeses:
Shredded (any variety)
Goat Cheese
Feta Cheese
Blue Cheese
Gorgonzola
Mozzarella
Grains:
Rice
Quinoa
Barley
Toppings:
Croutons
Tortilla strips
Check out some fresh salad recipes!
Power Boost Salad: Need a boost? Try making this salad for lunch to power you through the day.
Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad: A mouthwatering meal you will love! For seafood lovers, try adding in a few pieces of shrimp as well.
Turkey Spinach Salad with Grilled Jalapeño Lime Dressing: Salad with some spice! If you have never tried this combo of ingredients, you need to ASAP!
Haleigh Eustis
Intern, Digital Marketing
Happy New Year! Did you know that January 1st isn’t the only day that is referred to as “The New Year?” Around the world, there are various New Years that are celebrated on different days. That being said, what is a better gift for the new year than flowers! The New Year symbolizes new beginnings and is commonly associated with a flower or plant. Celebrate the New Year while learning the flowers that are associated with different New Year’s celebrations globally!
Nowruz, The Persian New Year (March 21st): Celebrated in the spring, Nowruz is a 13-day celebration that symbolizes the end of winter. Because this holiday symbolizes rebirth and renewal, the Hyacinth flower is normally associated with Nowruz. This flower refers to renewal as well, which is perfect for the New Year celebration!
Russian Old New Year (January 14th): Celebrated across the world (but mainly in Russia), the Old New Year was first documented on the Julian Calendar. The Russian Old New Year is a holiday filled with winter festivals that embody Russian culture. Food, activities and family are all a large component of the New Year. Though it’s not a flower, the fir tree is the plant associated with the holiday. It’s a symbol of life, rebirth and value which makes it the perfect plant for the Russian Old New Year!
Diwali, Hindu New Year (November 12th): This Hindu New Year is a celebration of lights as it is filled with lanterns, fireworks, prayer and sweets. The rangoli flower is a symbol for Diwali. Though it’s not a physical flower that can be planted, mum flowers are used when creating this beautiful floral symbol. The mum represents death and rebirth at the same time which is a wonderful flower for the New Year as one is saying goodbye to the past and hello to a new beginning!
Chinese New Year (February 10th): Chinese New Year is a celebration that involves offerings to ancestors, fireworks, good food and beautiful decorations. A flower commonly associated with Chinese New Year is the orchid. It’s a beautifully classic flower that symbolizes fertility and wealth. These flowers are usually sold during Chinese New Year as they are used to decorate.
Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Years (September 15th): Celebrated in two nights, Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year which is observed after someone has blown the shofar. Considered a high Holy Day, Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with prayer, symbolic foods such as apples and honey and family. White lilies are usually associated with this New Year’s celebration as they represent peace and purity.
Though this list is small compared to the various New Year’s celebrations across the world, it’s a fun insight into the correlation that flowers have with holidays! While flowers are beautiful, they are much more than a decoration. Their symbolism runs deeper than many people would imagine! Shop all your floral needs at Price Chopper/Market 32 Floral Department!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Happy National Bacon Day to all our bacon-lovers out there! At Price Chopper and Market 32, we carry a large variety of bacon, including turkey bacon and plant-based bacon. We have an option for everyone. Whether you enjoy your scrambled eggs with a side of bacon or include it on your sandwiches, you can never go wrong with bacon’s delicious taste to add to any meal.
Fun facts about bacon!
- Bacon has its own Day – December 30th!
- Bacon is cut from a pig’s side or belly.
- More than two billion pounds of bacon is produced each year in the United States!
- The average American consumes 18 pounds of bacon a year!
- The country of Denmark consumes the most bacon each year.
- Turkey bacon is made by grinding up turkey meat, adding seasonings, and forming into bacon strips.
Want to try some new recipes that contain bacon? Check out the section below!
Spiced-Maple Bacon: Four-ingredient maple bacon? We think YES! Be careful though – this may become a serious fan-favorite in your household!
Penne with Vodka Sauce & Turkey Bacon: Pasta, red sauce, parmesan cheese, basil, and bacon – what a fantastic combo!
Jalapeño Popper Pizza: Looking to add some pop to your pizza night? Try this delicious homemade Jalapeño Popper Pizza with cut-up bacon!
Ricotta Toast Bowl: Give yourself a fresh start to the day with this hearty Ricotta Toast Bowl!
Happy National Bacon Day!