Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
December 24th is National Eggnog Day, which is very fitting for this time of year. Eggnog can be purchased in the Dairy Section at any of our Price Chopper and Market 32 locations. If you want to try and make your own eggnog this holiday season, then this is the article for you! We have all of the fresh, delicious ingredients for this festive drink. Be sure to browse through our Price Chopper Website and our Price Chopper Ready for more holiday recipes.
What is eggnog? For those of you who may have never tried this drink, eggnog is a creamy, sweet mixture of milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and spices. Often, people may mix rum, bourbon, or brandy in eggnog as well. There is always an option for everyone, and there are many ways to make your eggnog dairy-free or vegan.
Ingredients needed:
3 cups PICS whole
1 cups PICS heavy cream
2 PICS large eggs
½ cup PICS granulated sugar
1 teaspoon PICS vanilla extract
½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
½ cup Dark Rum (optional)
6 Cinnamon sticks (optional)
Step 1: Heat milk and cream on medium heat until steaming. Whisk occasionally.
Step 2: Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl. Carefully add in ⅓ of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk combination to temper the eggs. Be sure to keep mixing.
Step 3: Transfer the milk & yolk mixture into the pot on the stove, and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes, or until mixture reaches 165°). Whisk continuously. At this point, you can add in alcohol for a spiked eggnog drink, OR wait until the very last step to beat in alcohol.
Step 4: Strain eggnog through a fine-mesh strainer and whisk in vanilla and nutmeg. Refrigerate eggnog for at least two hours.
Step 5: If you did not add in alcohol in step 3, you can beat it now on medium speed. Otherwise, pour into glasses, add some PICS whipped cream, and enjoy!
Dairy-Free Eggnog:
There are many different add-ins and recipes for dairy-free eggnog, but there are some key factors that stay the same throughout all dairy-free eggnog recipes: Omit the regular milk and cream and use almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk. People often use 2-4 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey in dairy-free eggnog.
Check out the full recipe here!
Vegan Eggnog:
Vegan eggnog calls for plant-based milk as well as the option to add in 1 tablespoon of canola or vegetable oil for a creamer drink. All of the spices stay the same.
Check out the full recipe here!
We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!
Happy Pumpkin Spice Season!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
What a beautiful time of year this is! The weather is cooler, the leaves are falling, and there are pumpkins wherever we look. Even better, it is officially pumpkin spice season! Pumpkin spice items line the shelves at Price Chopper and Market 32, local coffee shops are advertising pumpkin spice lattes, and maybe you have even started carving pumpkins. We are surrounded by pumpkin spice, but how can one complain? Pumpkin spice has become so popular in the last two decades that Merriam Webster put the term “pumpkin spice” in the dictionary! Surprisingly enough, pumpkin is actually not in pumpkin spice. It is the lovely blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves that give us a feeling of happiness, warmth, and most of all, nostalgia.
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have a variety of pumpkin spice products ranging from PICS pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin spice coffee creamer, and pumpkin spice baking products. Be sure to check out some pumpkin spice recipes we love below.
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: The aroma of this delicious spice cake will fill your hearts (and bellies) with love! Be sure to grab spice cake mix and other PICS baking goods in our baking aisles!
Pumpkin Soup: This creamy, filling soup is the perfect fall lunch or dinner. Pair with Market 32 bread from the bakery section.
Pumpkin Pie Roll Ups: Whether you need an easy dessert for your guests or want to surprise the kids with a fun breakfast, these pumpkin pie roll ups are a favorite!
Pumpkin Shandy: All this talk about pumpkin foods, but how about this pumpkin drink? This easy five-ingredient drink is perfect for your guests, or just a relaxing night at home.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes: These mini pumpkin cheesecakes are the best dessert for any fall party!
Harvest Chili: Hear us out on this one…pumpkin pie spice in your chili. Don’t knock it ‘till you try it! Besides, what’s better to have on a cold fall night than warm chili?
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Happy National Coconut Day! Yes, coconuts actually have their own day – June 26th. This tropical fruit may have you dreaming of being on an island, piña colada in hand, and not a care in the world. Whether you are reading this in your office building, by a pool, or a tropical beach if you are lucky, we have everything coconut-facts and tropical fruit recipes!
A question that many may wonder is whether a coconut is a fruit, nut, or seed. While the word “nut” is in “coconut,” that can be misleading. Coconuts are considered a fruit that have a hard shell enclosing the coconut seed.
Coconuts need high humidity and frequent irrigation to grow and survive which is why they flourish in tropical regions. Today, the Philippines are the largest producers of coconuts, with Indonesia and India closely behind. In the United States, coconuts grow in Hawaii and Florida. While the origin of coconuts is still up for debate, there have been fossil records of coconuts found in New Zealand dating back to 15 million years ago!
Another surprising fact about coconuts is that there are different varieties of them. A few of many are listed below!
- Malayan Yellow Dwarf Coconuts: These coconuts were first found in the Malaysian area between 1800 and 1900. When they are still immature, these fruits will appear a pale green but eventually turn a pale yellow to brown color.
- Fiji Dwarf Coconut: Popular in Florida, the Fiji Dwarf Coconut tree is known to grow copious amounts of coconuts while being remarkably short in size.
- VHC1 Coconut: This coconut tree is incredibly large and produces the fruit once every four years!
- Macapuno Coconut: The meat of this coconut is jelly-like due to natural mutations and are primarily grown throughout Asia. Interestingly enough, the Macapuno Coconut is considered a delicacy where they are grown in Asia and are much higher in price compared to other coconuts.
Coconut is widely used in baking and cooking, and coconut water has some great health benefits. Coconut flour is a great alternative for those that are gluten free and coconut milk works for those who are lactose intolerant. Additionally, many yogurts, creamers, and whipped cream are now made with coconut milk. When it comes to cooking, many people use coconut oil for cooking and frying, and there are even varieties of coconut spray to coat the bottom of your frying pan for a lower calorie option.
While coconut meat is relatively high in calories and fat and should be eaten in moderation, coconut water is great for the body. Many athletes drink coconut water for rehydration after an intense workout, but there is no evidence that supports the fact that coconut water is more hydrating than plain water. Also, coconut water has between 45 to 80 calories per eight ounces. Unsweetened and unflavored coconut water tends to have less calories than its counterparts.
Today, many beauty products are made from coconuts to moisturize the skin and hair. Who knew that these little fruits could have so many benefits other than just being delicious!
Interested in incorporating coconut in your cooking and baking? Check out some fun recipes below!
Coconut-Ginger Key Lime Bars: These cool, refreshing bars are the perfect way to celebrate National Coconut Week!
Tropical Daiquiri: Nothing screams “National Coconut Week” like this Tropical Daiquiri! Be sure to pick up PICS coconut milk. Honey, and ice at your local Price Chopper or Market 32.
Magic Brownie Bars: Name a better combo than coconut and chocolate. Well?
Instant Pot® Coconut-Curry Lentils with Tofu & Vegetables: This is the best time of the year for fresh produce! Mix your veggies in with tofu, coconut milk, lentils, and more for this hearty lunch or dinner.
Happy National Coconut Day!
Mocktails - Fruity, Flavorful, and Alcohol Free!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
National Mocktail week in January? That is correct! Mocktails are so delicious that they have their own week. While the weather has been dull and rainy, a mocktail will surely brighten up your day! Just about any regular cocktail can be made without alcohol and still taste just as great. The drink will still look the same, and you will still taste all the amazing, fruity flavors. We have a few fantastic recipes you can make for your next gathering, or just for yourself. See what we have in store for you!
Cucumber-Mint-Mock-jitos: The fresh taste of summer! Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. We still have a few months until the warm weather sets in, but for now, we can pretend we are drinking this on a beach!
Cos-Mocktails: With only six ingredients, this mocktail is beyond refreshing. Give it a try today!
Happy National Mocktail Week!
Emerging COVID-19 Treatments
COVID-19 continues to remain prevalent and affects people daily across the globe. Fortunately, there are some FDA-approved treatments and Emergency Use Authorization medications available to treat COVID-19. Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) treatments are medications that are not FDA-approved but are allowed to be used under certain conditions in the US.
FDA-approved Treatments
The FDA has approved an antiviral drug called Veklury also known as remdesivir. This drug is administered intravenously (IV) and is for adults and certain children with COVID-19. Remdesivir works by stopping the virus from replicating in the body.
Another drug that is approved by the FDA for certain hospitalized adults is called Olumiant also known as baracitinib. This drug is an oral medication that works as an immune modulator that helps to block the virus from entering and infecting lung cells. Baracitinib is also used as an EUA medication in certain hospitalized children with COVID-19.
Emergency Use Authorization Treatments
There are several treatments available for adults and children called monoclonal antibodies that are IV medications. Monoclonal antibodies work by helping your immune system recognize and respond to the virus.
Two oral medications are available for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Both medications are antiviral medications that help to prevent the virus from replicating.
One of the medications is called Paxlovid also known as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Paxlovid may be used in adults and children older than 12 years old who weigh at least 88 pounds. The other oral antiviral medication is called Lagevrio also known as molnupiravir. This medication is only used in adults.
Which treatment is right for me?
If you develop symptoms that could be COVID-19, get tested immediately. If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible for any treatments. Some people may not qualify for certain treatments. Your healthcare provider will be able to determine which treatment option is best for you.
Fabulous, Fudgy Brownies & More!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
There is nothing better than taking a bite out of a warm, fudgy brownie with creamy vanilla ice cream on top. Brownies are so good that not only do they have one national day, but they have two! December 8th is National Brownie Day and February 10th is National Have a Brownie Day. Since today is December 8th, Price Chopper and Market 32 have so many ways for you to celebrate that you may not even realize. Some of our options include freshly baked brownies from the bakery, brownie mixes in the bakery aisle, brownie ice cream, brownie energy bars, and more! Be sure to check out our fantastic brownie recipes at the bottom of this blog.
For those of you that may be interested in making your own brownies either from scratch or from a mix, did you know that there are so many add-in options? While walnuts are the most popular addition to brownies, take a look at some other choices below!
Nuts: Chopped Walnuts, pecans, and almonds add the perfect amount of crunch to the gooey-goodness! Sprinkle in coconut for some extra flavor and sweetness.
Morsels (Milk/Dark/White Chocolate or Peanut Butter): Morsels are a great addition to add on top of the brownies or directly in the batter. If you are feeling like taking your brownies to the next level, try adding in all four morsel flavors above!
Candy Pieces or Candy Bar Chunks: You cannot go wrong with adding in candy pieces or candy bar chunks. Try M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, peppermint pieces (perfect for the Holidays!), heath bar pieces, etc.
Peanut Butter: Name a better combo than peanut butter and chocolate…If you are a peanut butter lover, try adding in ½ cup of melted peanut butter either in your brownies, on top of the brownies, or both. Microwave for no longer than 30 seconds. There is also the option of chopping up Reese’s Peanut butter cups for the batter.
Nutella: Adding Nutella to your brownie mix is a must! Just like adding peanut butter, microwave ½ cup of melted Nutella for 30 seconds and add in the batter or on top of the brownies.
Cookie Pieces: Crush up some cookies and add to the mix. Crushed Oreos work perfectly in or on top of brownies.
Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are perfect to add in your brownie mix or to place on top of the batter before baking. Please keep an eye on the marshmallows as they bake – You do not want them to brown or burn!
Caramel Syrup: If you have never had caramel in your brownies, stop what you are doing and pick up some caramel syrup and brownie mix! It will not disappoint.
Frosting, Powdered Sugar, or Fruit: We have so many frosting options in our baking section. If you rather keep it simple, powdered sugar and fruit are great add-ons as well!
Magic Brownie Bars: Only five ingredients? Yes, please! The mix of chocolate with nuts will instantly bring a smile to your face!
Brookie Muffins: On a time-crunch? All you need is your favorite brownie mix, nonstick baking spray, and peanut butter cookie dough!
Red Velvet Brownies with Cookies & Cream Frosting: Bring some holiday cheer in your home with these delicious Red Velvet Brownies!
Creative Cookies for the Holidays!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Cookies, cookies and more cookies! The holidays are quickly approaching, but do not panic! Whether you are baking cookies for a holiday party, an office cookie swap, or getting your baking out of the way now and freezing everything, Price Chopper and Market 32 have you covered. We have all the best ingredients needed to make cookies from scratch. However, we understand that finding time to make homemade cookies can be troublesome. Not only do we have an abundance of cookie mixes in our baking aisles, but we also have a wide variety of gourmet cookies from our bakery department. Our bakery teammates are readily available to assist and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to check out our outstanding variety of cookies that are out on display. The collection of our gourmet cookies is located at the end of this blog.
Considering today is National Cookie Day, we want to provide you with some delicious cookie recipes from our website. These are perfect for the holidays, or just to try something new. Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s celebrate National Cookie Day the right way – by enjoying our favorite cookies of course!
Hot Chocolate Cookies: Can these cookies get any cuter? Tip: Pick up PICS hot cocoa mix to enjoy while serving these cookies!
Almond Macaroons: With just six ingredients, these macaroons are simple, nutty, and a great addition to your cookie platter!
Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies: What’s a holiday without decorating sugar cookies? Be sure to grab icing, sprinkles, and any other candy the kids will love in our baking aisles.
Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze: Pumpkin and fresh orange are the perfect pair. Surprise your guests with a different type of cookie this holiday season.
Cranberry, Lemon, & Pistachio Shortbread Holiday Cookies: The flavors in this cookie are unmatched. Click on the link to watch a short clip on how to make this incredible recipe!
Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, & Dried Cherry Cookies: There is a lot going on in this cookie! To add even more to the batter, feel free to roll in chopped walnuts or pecans.
Happy holidays from Price Chopper and Market 32!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
The days are getting shorter, nights are longer, and the air is much colder. This time of year can be tough, but we have a way to bring some color to your home! At Price Chopper and Market 32, we take pride in our beautiful floral department and have incredibly talented teammates that are readily available for assistance.
We have a wide variety of flowers and colors available year-round, including Pompons, Poinsettias, Sunflowers, Roses, Bouquets, and much more. Whether you are celebrating the holidays, a birthday, anniversary, or another milestone, these flowers also make for the perfect gift. With the proper care, our flowers last for a couple weeks at a time and are sure to bring some happiness to your home this winter season!
Pompons:
We have an array of pompons in our floral section. Colors include purple, lavender, yellow, pink, white, green, and tie-dye. Interestingly, pompons bloom in various forms. Some can resemble daisies and others can look like buttons. They are the second most-sold flower worldwide, only outsold by roses. Be sure to stop in today for your fresh bunch of poms!
Roses:
Show your love this holiday season with a fresh bouquet of roses! Did you know that we also sell single roses? Well, now you do! Stop by your local Price Chopper and Market 32 and be sure to check out our beautiful rose options with varying colors.
Bouquets:
We have stunning bouquets that can be given for any occasion, or just to add some joy in your home. If you cannot find what you are looking for, our florists can create custom bouquets as well.
Don’t wait any longer! Head to our Floral Page to browse through our stunning selection of flowers.
How to Avoid Winter Colds
Cold season is right around the corner and there are several ways to avoid getting sick. If you do get sick, there are ways to get you feeling better too.
Preventing Transmission
-The best way to prevent colds is with good hand hygiene. Be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds frequently during the winter months.
–Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands to prevent the virus from entering the body.
-Stay away from people who are sick. Being in close contact to others who are sick can easily spread the virus to you.
If You Get a Cold
-The best thing to do is to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
-Supplements such as zinc, vitamin C and elderberry may help reduce the length of a cold. Zinc lozenges have shown to be effective at reducing the length of a cold when started within 24 hours of symptom onset.
Let Us Bake the Cake!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
With Thanksgiving all wrapped up, it is time to start thinking about your next holiday celebration. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we are proud to have a fantastic Bakery Department at all of our stores that produce the finest baked goods, including custom cakes for any celebration. Since today just happens to be National Cake Day, we wanted to give a special shout to our incredibly talented and dedicated bakery teammates who make this all possible!
What type of cakes will you find in our bakery? We have an array of bakery cakes including sheet cakes, specialty cakes, cupcake varieties, ice cream cakes, cheesecakes, and cookie cakes just to name a few. Be sure to browse our bakery cake collection below, or speak with a bakery associate for a customized cake!
If you are looking to be more adventurous this holiday season, take a look at some of our mouth-watering cake recipes below. They are sure to be a hit!
Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake: Yes, you read that right – A cake made with olive oil! The combination of cinnamon and orange is sure to have your guests in awe.
Dried Cherry-Lemon Tea Ring: This dessert would be perfectly paired with a hot cup of tea. Be sure to include red, green, & white icing to make this cake super festive!
Spiced Apple Coffee Cake with Pecan Oat-Streusel: With only six ingredients, your tastebuds will be jumping for joy this holiday season!
Eggnog Poke Cake with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: What’s a holiday without eggnog? Well, have you ever had an eggnog cake? Now that you have this easy recipe, why not give it a try?
