Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing
What is a Sloppy Joe, and why was this sandwich given this name? Since today is National Sloppy Joe Day, it is only right that we answer your burning Sloppy Joe questions!
Sloppy Joes are a very popular, messy sandwich! Not only do they taste delicious, but the ingredients are generally inexpensive. Traditionally, the Sloppy Joe is made with ground beef, onions, garlic, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce or ketchup, and seasoning on a hamburger bun or roll. What a combo! Of course, there is no right or wrong way to make this sandwich. Some people have substituted beef for chicken, or a plant-based meat.
Now that we know what the sandwich consists of, why in the world is the name Sloppy Joe? Believe it or not, there are different stories on how the Sloppy Joe got its name. The first story takes place in Havana, Cuba. José García was the bar owner, and served ropa vieja to his customers. This is a type of Cuban-style pork. His customers would often joke with García that his restaurant was “sloppy,” hence the name Sloppy Joe’s.
The second tale originated in 1930 from Sioux City, Iowa. The story goes that a cook named Joe who worked in a popular restaurant would make sandwiches by dousing loose-ended meat with tomato sauce. Many believe this is how the name Sloppy Joe was born.
Which story is true? Well, that is up for you to decide. Either way, the Sloppy Joe we know and love is a delicious, warm, and filling meal. Stop by your local Price Chopper and Market 32 for the finest ingredients to make your next Sloppy Joe, or visit our website!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
How can one resist a delicious, crunchy bowl of cereal with freshly chilled milk? Cereal is so wonderful that it has been given its own day – March 7th! Although, everyday could be National Cereal Day in the United States, considering we are listed fourth in the world with cereal consumption! An average of 160 bowls of cereal are consumed per person in the United States each year, and 50% of Americans will start their day off with a bowl of cereal. I guess it is safe to say that cereal is a household favorite!
Here at Price Chopper and Market 32, we love cereal just as much as our customers! Did you know that we have a whole line of PICS brand cereals? That is right – we have a large variety of delicious PICS cereal as well as PICS milk and dairy-free milk that you must try! Click on the green button at the end of this blog to view all of our PICS cereal.
Cereal can be used for so much more than just your morning breakfast. Cereal has become a very popular snack on its own or mixed in with yogurt. Additionally, there are many recipes that call for cereal as an ingredient. Check out the recipes below that are not only fun and easy to make, but delicious, too!
Crispy Honey Baked Salmon with Almond-Fennel Salad: PICS Honey Nut Toasted Oats cereal as crumbs? Bet you have never thought of that before! This salmon recipe is irresistibly mouth-watering and flavorful, with a little bit of crunch of course!
Lucky Charms Frozen Yogurt Pie: Creamy vanilla frozen yogurt with cereal as the base. Now that is a fun dessert idea! The best part is, this recipe only calls for five items!
Savory Rosemary Snack Mix: This is a must for your next gathering! Be cautious though, this recipe is so good that you may not have any leftovers for yourself!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Who can resist the sweetness of strawberries? Strawberries are not only delicious and juicy, but they are a very popular fruit. According to a 2021 survey, strawberries are among the top favorite fruits for Americans. In fact, the average American will consume 3.4 pounds of strawberries per year, and 94% of United States households eat these delicate fruits.
While strawberries are a delicious snack on their own, there are many different ways to cook or bake with them as an ingredient. Some ideas include making smoothies or ice cream, creating a strawberry dressing, or even making your own jam or jelly. Whatever you decide to do with your strawberries this season, be sure to first stop by your local Price Chopper and Market 32 to pick out packages of these fresh fruits!
In need of some recipes? Check out a few fruity ideas from our website!
Strawberry-Rosé & Poppy Seed Shortcake: Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked biscuits on a Sunday morning. Serve with strawberries & PICS whipped cream to complete the meal!
Strawberry-Orange Smoothie: Whether you need a breakfast on-the-go or a quick pick-me-up, this smoothie will help power you through your day!
Strawberry, Arugula and Quinoa Salad with Asparagus & Feta: Fresh strawberries add the perfect amount of sweetness to this salad. Feel free to add in Market 32 chicken or turkey breast for a delicious addition to this meal.
Happy National Strawberry Day!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Even though today is National Pizza Day, we believe that everyday is Pizza Day! Pizza is a staple in most United States households, and nowadays there are many different varieties. Additionally, there are so many fun-pizza facts you may not have known. Take a look at a few below!
- More than 30 billion pizzas are consumed world-wide each year!
- Lombardi’s, located in Manhattan, was the first pizzeria in America. They opened in 1905.
- Deep dish pizza originated in Chicago.
- Mozzarella is the most common cheese used on pizza world-wide.
- Saturday night is the most popular pizza night.
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have all kinds of pizza ranging from vegan and gluten free pizza, to pizza loaded with a variety of meat. You can find our take-and-bake pizza with the freshly prepared meals in the deli, or our frozen pizzas in the frozen aisles. There is truly an option for everyone. Be sure to scroll to the bottom and browse a variety of our pizzas!
If you are looking for a fun pizza-night with the family, try making some of our favorite homemade pizzas below!
Pepperoni, Olive, & Feta Pan Pizza: Mozzarella and feta cheese? Yes, please! With the olives and pepperoni as well, this pizza will be a fan-favorite.
Frozen Buffalo Chicken & Cauliflower Pizza: Buffalo chicken is delicious, but Buffalo Chicken on pizza? Now that is out of this world!
Apple-Burrata Pan Pizza: Apples on pizza? Don’t knock it before you try it! The delicious sweet apples mixed with fresh cheese, smoky bacon, and crunchy pepita seeds will blow your mind!
Cauliflower Pizza Cups: Delicious mini pizzas made with the freshest ingredients. Try them, today!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
February 22nd is National Supermarket Employee Day! In any business, displaying exceptional customer service is the key to success. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have a lot to be proud of with our hardworking, dedicated teammates whose customer service goes above and beyond. They are the engine that drives our company day in and day out!
Today and everyday, we want to honor our fantastic teammates whose customer service does not go unnoticed. We thank them for all they do!
Read below about some teammates who have shown exemplary customer service in our Price Chopper and Market 32 locations!
Market 32, O’Neill Highway (Dunmore, PA) #135
Charmaigne E. Santiago, Front-End Teammate
Charmaigne started her career with Price Chopper/Market in December 2021. There was an instant connection and we knew we had a winner bringing Charmaigne onboard. If you look up the definition of customer service, you will find a picture of Charmaigne Santiago!
There isn’t a day that passes that Charmaigne doesn’t receive a compliment. One of our customers wrote in, “Charmaigne makes every person smile. She is a kind, hardworking, lovely woman. I always try to get in her line.” Her bubbly spirit is contagious, and she instantly puts customers and teammates in a good mood. She is dependable, charismatic, earnest, and a true asset to our company. Charmaigne is always engaged and challenges her teammates to do the same. We are proud to have Charmaigne on our team!
Price Chopper, Erie Boulevard (Syracuse, NY) #172
Tyler Burgess, Customer Service Assistant Team Leader
Tyler has been with the company for almost seven years. Tyler started with us as a Part Time Maintenance Teammate at store 199 in Cicero. During Tyler’s time at Cicero, he worked very hard and learned anything he could. He went from Maintenance to the Cash Register and then to Supervising the Front End in a high volume store. Last year, Tyler was selected for our Associate Development Program (ADP) where Tyler went on to further his skill set by leaving Cicero to train in other stores. Tyler trained with us at Erie Boulevard, store 172 and then went to Clay, store 182 to train in the Cash Office. Tyler successfully graduated the ADP program and returned to us at Erie Boulevard where he is currently acting as our Customer Service Assistant Team Leader.
In Tyler’s short time back to the store he has already exhibited his exceptional service by being mentioned as a “Wow Teammate” on our Helpful Experience Shops not just once, but twice!
In Tyler’s spare time he is an avid bowler. Tyler is not just passionate about Customer Service, Tyler and his girlfriend are also very driven to help animals in need, as they foster cats that need homes as well.
Price Chopper, Cortland NY #178
Morgan McDonald, PAC Teammate
Morgan is a great asset to our store and to our customers. She is there whenever a customer or teammate needs her and will answer questions for any department. Morgan often receives compliments from customers when working in the aisles as she helps them find item locations. She will often come up to assist the Front-End by running the register, helping customers with a carry out, or assisting with an Instacart order. Morgan is very artistic and created a customized sign for Cortland’s participation in Trunk or Treat this last fall. We appreciate Morgan’s dedication and willingness to go above and beyond!
Market 32, Sutton MA #244
Richard Laflash, Bakery Teammate
Here at Market 32 in Sutton, MA, we have an exceptional teammate in our bakery department. His name is Richard Laflash. Rich never fails to be punctual on a daily basis with a smile on his face. He has been with our store since we opened in 2015.
For YEARS, the bakery team in Sutton has been receiving scores of 100% on mystery shops because of Rich and his excellent customer service skills. It is no secret that Rich goes above and beyond for any guest in need anywhere, anytime. He is known for going out of his way to escort guests to specific products they may be looking for. If Rich doesn’t know the answer, you can be sure he’ll do anything in his power to find out!
Rich is not only great with customers, but an asset to his team as well. He is well known for keeping a pristine donut and bagel case, knowing that it is the first thing the customers see when they walk in the front doors. Rich gives so much of his time and effort to the company. He comes in early or stays late if needed. He will even periodically come in on days off to help.
Expressing how Richard Laflash is exceptional is an understatement.
Interested in joining our team? Check out career opportunities at careers.pricechopper.com!
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!
Life is Short - Eat the Spaghetti!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Pasta makes the world go round! Let’s face it – pasta can be paired with almost any meal, or be a meal of its own. At Price Chopper and Market 32, our focus today is specifically on spaghetti, because January 4th is National Spaghetti Day. Be sure to join us in celebrating today by trying some of our delicious recipes below. You can find a variety of pasta recipes on our Price Chopper Website and our Price Chopper Ready Website.
Did you know?
- The average Italian consumes about 62 pounds of pasta per year. That is the same weight as a female Golden Retriever!
- Sicilians created the first modern spaghetti noodles in the 12th century.
- Spaghetti today is about 10-12 inches long, but it was much longer when it was first invented.
- Spaghetti and meatballs are an American dish, not Italian.
- Spaghetti has evolved over the years. Today, you can find different varieties including gluten free, whole grain, protein, and veggie spaghetti.
Try some new recipes!
Anchovy Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti with Fried Capers: While this dish is drastically different from your traditional pasta and meatballs, you will not be disappointed. The fresh taste of olive oil, parmesan cheese, lemon, and crushed red peppers are sure to be nothing short of delicious!
Chicken Teriyaki Noodles: Quick, easy, filling, and tastes like a Hibachi restaurant!
Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Italian Sausage: Dinner ready in 16 minutes? Say less! Pair this meal with some fresh bread from our bakery.
Happy National Spaghetti Day!
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!
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!