Cold Weather Comfort Meals!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
For many of us, we have a love/hate relationship with the changing seasons. Even if you ski or snowboard, there may be days where you just need to be warm, whether that is curling up under the covers, binge watching your favorite show, or making a delicious comfort food meal.
What exactly are “comfort foods?” Comfort foods are any type of rich or indulgent foods that bring a sense of happiness and security. In fact, the Oxford Dictionary added this term in 1997!
No two people are the same, therefore, comfort foods can be different for everyone. For some, this may be indulging in an ice cream sundae, loaded fries, chili, or even a big bowl of macaroni and cheese. The best part is, there is no right or wrong! Here at Price Chopper and Market 32, we want to give you some delicious comfort meals to try out this fall and winter. Check out a few warm recipes that will make the cold weather seem not so bad!
Baked Beef & Lamb Meatballs: With a few key ingredients like beef, lamb, basil, and marinara sauce, your taste buds will be jumping for joy!
Gourmet White Mac & Cheese: Nothing screams, “Comfort Meal!” like this creamy, filling Gourmet White Mac & Cheese.
Cheeseburger Soup: Sure, cheeseburgers on the grill are great, but what about cheeseburger soup? This is a fun and different comfort meal to add to your recipes.
PB&J Stuffed French Toast: Take your French toast to the next level! Be sure to grab your favorite PICS peanut butter and PICS jelly the next time you head to your local store.
Oven-Baked Nashville Sliders: Change up your normal chicken sandwiches for lunch and dinner with these Oven-Baked Nashville Sliders!
Fall Chicken Pot Pie: This chicken pot pie is warm, hearty, and extremely satisfying. This meal is a must-try!
While the temperatures keep dropping, stock up on ingredients for your favorite comfort meals, or better yet, try out a new comfort meal recipe!
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Happy Organic Month!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
September is Organic Month, and here at Price Chopper and Market 32 we have an abundance of organic products including produce, cereal, spices, dairy, meat, and more! If you are interested in incorporating more organic products in your recipes, then you have come to the right place. Keep reading to discover what organic products are, and new recipes with some organic ingredients to incorporate at mealtimes.
What are Organic Animals and Plants?
Organic animals and plants are fed naturally and heavily regulated by the USDA to ensure only strictly enforced methods and approved substances are used when foods are grown and processed. The USDA is the regulating agency for Organic. For plants, that would include using organic seeds, managing weeds by tillage and cultivation practices and enhancing soil health via crop rotations and cover crops. For animals, it includes using 100% organic feed and maximizing pasture/outdoor access.
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we are proud to sell Full Circle Organic products. Full Circle’s Mission Statement is as follows:
“Our mission is to change the food system by providing a healthy, fresh alternative to industrial food. Large-scale agriculture often uses pesticides, herbicides, genetic modification and employs risky monoculture practices. Fresh, organic produce tastes better, is brimming with nutrients, and preserves our soil, our water, and the entire ecosystem. That’s why Full Circle fills every box with food that’s real and genuine.”
Check out our recipes that include some organic products:
Kicked Up Green Smoothie: This recipe is packed with delicious organic produce and dairy for an energizing smoothie!
White Chicken Chili: This hearty meal is bursting with flavor! Be sure to include Full Circle Oregano as well as other Full Circle spices.
Make-Ahead Hash Brown & Egg Bake: With the kids going back to school this Hash Brown and Egg Bake will be sure to power them through the morning!
Earn 3x Bonus Points on all organic purchases through Saturday, October 1st. And be sure to use promo code ‘ORGANIC’ at checkout when shopping on the Price Chopper website for $5 off your order of $50 or more thru 10/1.
home.grown. Hooray for Honey!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
We’re proud to partner with a variety of local honey farms and apiaries in our region, like Ole McDonald’s Honey Farm in Fonda NY, Kutik’s Honey Farm in Norwich, NY, The Beekeeper’s Daughter in Plains, PA and more. When it’s made or grown here, we get it here!
Ole McDonald’s Honey Farm: Fonda, NY
The Ole McDonald family is passionate and energetic. This family farm offers a wide variety of 100% natural products including lip balm, soap, candles, lotion, and of course, honey! Additionally, they offer bee removal from cars and buildings.
We are proud to partner with Ole McDonald’s Honey Farm!
Kutik’s Honey Farm: Norwich, NY
When Chuck Kutik received two bee hives as a Christmas present, his love and fascination for bees took off. The family business has been up and running since 1978, and extraction and bottling of honey began in 1979. In 2001, Kutik began pollination services for cantaloupes, watermelons, cucumbers and squash in South Carolina where he lived. Their mission is to honor the honey bee and everything they have to offer!
We are proud to partner with Kutik’s Honey Farm!
The Beekeeper’s Daughter: Plains, PA
William Perry Sr. started the family honey business in 1950. However, what started as a small family business developed into something much, much bigger.
Hannah, founder of The Beekeeper’s Daughter, began her business in 2010 when she noticed there was a high demand for local honey. Hannah started bottling honey to local farmers, but The Beekeeper’s Daughter eventually took off. Today, she sells honey throughout the United States and online.
We are proud to partner with The Beekeeper’s Daughter!
Fun Honey Facts!
- Honey can be traced back to 8,000 years ago in Ancient Stone Age paintings.
- Not all honey looks the same. The color of honey varies from all shades of yellow and amber.
- The flavor of honey is determined by the plant in which the nectar is extracted.
- The average American consumes one pound of honey per year, or 1 ⅓ cups.
- Honeycombs are commonly sold as a delicacy.
Whether you enjoy honey in tea, drizzled on your oatmeal, or baked in recipes, the sweetness of honey can be used for almost any meal. Check out some delicious recipes below!
Three Seed Honey Bars: These bars are the perfect on-the-go snack! With the kids back in school, they will love these Three Seed Honey Bars at lunchtime.
Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Honey-Orange BBQ Glaze: These ribs are not only delicious, but they are easy to make and only require six ingredients! Check it out!
Crispy Honey Nut Baked Salmon with Almond-Fennel Salad: Take your salmon dinner to the next level with this recipe!
Create the Perfect Charcuterie Board!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
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!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Summer came and went in a blink of an eye. With schools back in session, you may find yourself running back and forth from sporting events, school concerts, parent-teacher conferences, and so on. When in the world can you even find time to grocery shop? Do not worry, that is what we are here for! Let us do the shopping for YOU at Price Chopper and Market 32! Not only will this alleviate some stress, but it will save you an abundance of time.
Grocery pickup has taken off in the past few years with the pandemic really proving how effective and efficient online grocery shopping is. You can save so much time during your busy day by allowing us to shop for you. We have trained, skilled, and compassionate team members who are very familiar with our stores. Our team members see different varieties of food all day long, so they are able to locate items in a timely fashion as well as choosing great replacement options. If an item you have requested cannot be located and must be replaced, our team members can message you directly through the app to see what your preference would be. Another great feature of online grocery shopping for pickup is that you can make as many changes to your order as needed until it is checked out.
When placing orders for pickup, our loyalty points system and e-coupons work exactly the same as if you were to shop in-store. You still accumulate AdvantEdge points for the items you buy and can now redeem your points in more ways than ever before. You are currently unable to redeem points for online orders, however. For e-coupons, as soon as you clip the ones you want and add the items to your cart, you will see the discounts in your cart in real time. Even if you forget to clip an e-coupon and add items to your cart, the cart will tell you whether any e-coupons apply. How convenient!
The whole point of grocery pickup is to save you time, so our teammates strive to keep your wait under five minutes upon arrival. It is important that you park in our designated pickup spots right in front of the store so our team members can find you as quickly as possible. Oh, and we cannot forget to mention that you do not even have to get out of the vehicle! We will load your groceries right in the car for you.
The next time you find yourself scrambling to find time to grocery shop, remember that you have Price Chopper and Market 32 to do the shopping for you!
How To Place a Grocery Pickup Order:
- Create an account on our website if you do not already have one.
- Choose your store of choice.
- Select items.
- Choose a day and time slot for pickup.
- Submit your order.
- Receive notification that a teammate has started your order, any replacements that need to be made, and that your order has been completed.
- Notify us via app or phone call when you arrive. Park in a designated parking spot in front of the store (There will be green signs indicating where to park).
Take Your Morning Cup of Joe to the Next Level!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
When we think of coffee, we often think of the energizing drink we make in the morning. However, have you ever wondered what exactly coffee is and where it comes from? What about recipes that can be made with coffee? Coffee can be used for so much more than just your daily caffeine intake, and a few may even surprise you!
What is coffee? People recognize coffee as a bean or ground, and that bean we see comes from the seed of the fruit known as the coffee cherry. The coffee cherry grows on the coffee plant that can live up to 100 years! Yes, there is a coffee plant! How cool is that? These plants are the most productive between the ages of 7 to 20 and can grow to be as tall as 10 meters.
Coffee Uses:
Drinks and Desserts: There are an abundance of drinks and desserts that can be made from coffee. Even if coffee is not your go-to drink, the recipes below may just give your taste buds something to smile about!
Paint: Did you know that you can paint using coffee? Combine coffee grounds and room-temperature water to give you your newest paint color!
Meat Tenderizer: As you will see in the recipes below, coffee can be used to tenderize meats. Due to the enzymes found in coffee, the meat will become more tender when marinated in coffee. Marinate your meat of choice for up to 24 hours for an incredible flavor.
Make chocolate-covered coffee beans: This is super easy to make. Just melt PICS dark chocolate chips over low heat, stir in espresso beans, and let cool on parchment paper.
Décor: Coffee beans can be used as a very elegant décor in your home. Simply put coffee beans in a jar or vase with a candle or fake flowers on top.
Interested in taking coffee to the next level? Try out some of our fantastic recipes below!
Coffee-Rubbed Beef Brisket: Have you ever tried beef rubbed with coffee? Be sure to check out this easy yet delicious recipe for your next beef dinner!
Coffee Caramelized Onions: When you try out the Coffee-Rubbed Beef Brisket recipe, be sure to add on these coffee caramelized onions that coffee fans will love!
Super Chili: The next time you want to make chili, consider spicing it up with this Super Chili recipe! While the coffee taste is not overwhelming, there is enough in the recipe to make this chili more exciting.
Iced Caramel Vanilla Latte: Feeling low on energy? Try this scrumptious latte with PICS whipped cream!
Vanilla-Raspberry Ice Cream Tart With Brownie Crust and Mocha Drizzle: The name says it all! This dessert is perfect for your next family get together!
Mocha-Almond Meringue Cake: This cake is divine! There is the perfect balance of mocha and almond for a dessert that will take your break away!
Shop Coffee!
Back-to-School Allergy Planning - What You Need to Know
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN
Food allergies are a very stressful issue for children and families. Given how diverse our food supply is, and the potential for foods to be ingredients or potential exposure to allergens in kitchens and prep areas means every mouthful is meaningful.
There are nine food allergens identified as having significant prevalence that must be clearly labeled by law. The Food Allergen Labeling and Protection Act [1]was rolled out in 2004 and has been an important tool for those navigating these issues. The original eight allergens are: milk, soy, peanut, fish, shellfish, wheat, (tree) nuts, and eggs, and sesame was added to the federal list in the Spring of 2021.
One of the most common and most concerning is peanut allergy. Sensitivity can range from slight to life-threatening, and the issue may not be on the radar until a frightening health episode. For many with peanut and other severe allergies, it is critical to maintain and carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of accidental exposure. Family, childcare providers, friends, school nurses and teachers should all be trained to read food labels to avoid allergenic foods, understand signs of exposure and have an emergency response plan. To ease this process, Food Allergy Research and Education, a non-profit supporting those with allergies, has an emergency plan resource document.
The Price Chopper/Market 32 Pharmacy Team is conducting an awareness campaign about epinephrine auto-injector management, ask your pharmacist to assist with keeping these vital devices ready if they are needed. Work with your healthcare provider to ensure an emergency plan is in place.
There is some good news – strong research[2] has shown it is possible to avoid developing a peanut allergy. Infants that show early signs of possible allergy issues, including family history, eczema and egg allergy may be on the road to a peanut allergy as well. If identified early, and coordinated/supervised by an allergist, pediatrician and registered dietitian-nutritionist, it has been shown that peanut allergy development can be mitigated/reduced with very controlled micro-doses (6-7 grams) of peanuts over time, and timing of that intervention is key. Ideally, the process should start when the baby is just starting on foods, at about the 6-month mark. It should NOT be attempted without coordination and supervision of experienced healthcare providers. It is a recent development in allergy prevention and care, discussion of any concerns should occur at one of the first pediatrician visits, so risks can be assessed as soon as possible. Early and medically supervised intervention could offer significant health and quality of life benefits if peanut allergy can be avoided.
[1] https://www.fda.gov/food/food-allergensgluten-free-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/food-allergen-labeling-and-consumer-protection-act-2004-falcpa
[2] Togias A, Cooper SF, Acebal ML, et al. Addendum Guidelines for the Prevention of Peanut Allergy in the United States: Summary of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-Sponsored Expert Panel. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2017;117(5):788-793.
https://farrp.unl.edu/for-consumers
Leftover Strategies - Do Not Let Your Food Go to Waste!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Do you ever find yourself throwing out food because you made too much? Maybe you are unsure of how to properly store leftovers, so the easy option is to just toss the food. While it may seem convenient at the time, this can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. Even more alarming is that each year, approximately 108 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States! What can you do to avoid this? We came up with how to save your leftovers and ways to make a meal out of a meal! With the kids going back to school, this will save you an abundance of time in your busy schedule.
First, let’s discuss your freezer. Before we can start freezing our leftovers, it is a wise idea to clean out what is already inside the freezer and check to see if older items are freezer burned. Foods that are freezer burned will appear grainy in texture, may lose its flavor, and have a grayish-brown hue. Once the freezer has been gutted, now it is time to store your leftovers. You may be surprised at how much you buy can be frozen!
Meats and Seafood:
Meats can be stored raw or frozen. Keep in mind, it could take up to 24 hours to defrost meat, so be sure to plan ahead. Seafood on the other hand can also be frozen. However, if you plan on freezing your seafood, it may be a smart idea to buy the fish frozen because it will last up to six months in the freezer. Seafood that is purchased already thawed will lose its quality after being refrozen. Both meats and seafood should be stored in an airtight freezer bag.
Bread and Baked Goods:
Breads and baked goods can be frozen, and this is especially important around the holidays when you will most likely have a ton of leftovers. Cookies and cakes are best frozen without any icing, as it can get sticky. However, just because there is icing on your baked goods does not mean that they must be thrown out. Additionally, if the kids are home on a holiday break and not as much bread for sandwiches is being consumed, it would be ideal to freeze that bread for the following week.
Dairy and Eggs:
Dairy items including butter and cheese are best frozen between six and nine months. These items should be stored in an airtight freezer bag or container. Higher fat cheese like cheddar will freeze better than soft cheese with less fat, like goat cheese. Whether you are cooking with butter or using cheese on your child’s school lunch, freezing dairy is very cost effective.
When freezing eggs, it is best to first crack the eggs in a bowl and scramble them. From here, add ⅛ teaspoon of salt OR sugar per egg. This will ensure that the yolk does not thicken while in the freezer. Pour the liquid eggs into a muffin tin or ice cube tray and freeze for 4-6 hours. Once frozen, they can be transferred to a container or freezer bag. The eggs will last up to one year frozen. If you want to save yourself time in the morning and make a meal out of the eggs, try adding in some veggies of your choice to make mini omelets before freezing!
Beans:
Beans can be frozen once drained from the can and rinsed. Beans should be placed in a Ziploc bag or container and then filled with water. Once completed, beans are ready to go in the freezer! What a great way to save time and money in the future if you are making a soup, chili, dip, or salad!
Fruits and Vegetables:
Almost all fruits and vegetables can be frozen. Fruits can become soggy once thawed, so it would be best to make a smoothie out of your leftover frozen fruit. Vegetables can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. Be wary of potatoes and lettuce as they do not freeze well.
While freezing food is a fantastic way to save, leftovers can also be used for your lunch or dinner the following day. Another option is making a meal like soup out of your leftovers and then freeze the soup! Check out a few recipes below that are quick and easy to make with your leftovers.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Ham Soup: Whether you made ham for your family’s dinner or have a ton left over from a holiday gathering, try making this Split Pea Ham Soup with veggies of your choice.
Spinach, Black Bean, & Corn Salad With Chipotle-Cocoa Vinaigrette: Add in some leftover meat of your choice if you choose, and there you have a very quick and easy lunch!
White Chicken Chili: This easy meal is the perfect fall lunch or dinner made with your leftovers!
Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups: Have some leftover zucchini from the garden? Try these delicious roll ups!
Happy Saving!
Vegetable Storage Hacks!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
If you are someone that enjoys growing a garden in the summer and is dedicated to taking care of it, you may be experiencing an overflowing volume of vegetables. While having a surplus is a good thing, you might be running out of people to share your vegetables with! We have some tips and tricks on how to store your vegetables to extend their lifespan, as well as delicious recipes that can be made. After all, summer is winding down and we would hate to have you lose all your hard work.
When storing your produce, you first need to consider what types of vegetables you have and whether it should be stored in a room-temperature area or in a refrigerator. For example, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, garlic, tomatoes, and onions should be stored at room temperature, like a counter or kitchen table. Additionally, these types of produce should not be covered by a bag to allow them to breathe.
On the contrary, vegetables that should be refrigerated and stored in a sealed container or Ziploc bag include leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes and carrots. By refrigerating produce in a sealed Ziploc bag, the cool moisture is held in. Additionally, ensure that the green tops of the radishes and carrots are removed prior to storage.
When storing your produce, be wary of what items you store next to each other. Apples should not be refrigerated directly next to leafy greens, broccoli, or cabbage due to ethylene gas that apples produce. This type of gas begins the ripening process and as apples begin to ripen, more ethylene gas is produced. Leafy greens are sensitive to ethylene gas, and by placing these next to produce like apples, you may lose your lettuce sooner than expected!
It is important to note that regardless of how well you store your produce, they will only last approximately one to three weeks depending on what type of vegetable it is. That is why you should always use your instinct to judge whether or not your vegetables should be consumed or thrown out.
Another great option is to try a new recipe using your fresh produce. Check out the recipes we have created below!
Spinach & Apple Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette : This combination of fresh apples, tomatoes, and spinach mixed with pecans and Gorgonzola cheese is the perfect side salad at dinner!
Instant Pot® Tortellini & Vegetable Soup: While this recipe calls for frozen vegetables, replace it with vegetables of your choice from the garden!
Air Fryer Loaded-Taco Baked Potatoes with Guacamole: This baked potato is filling, healthy, and delicious for even the pickiest of eaters! Be sure to stop by your local Price Chopper or Market 32 for PICS cheese and sour cream.
Open-Faced Butternut Squash and Kale Omelet: This hearty and healthy breakfast is delicious and easy to make! All you need are PICS eggs and bacon, your garden vegetables, and spices of your choice.
Happy Gardening!
Tools For Schools Launching Soon!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
Whether you are a parent, current student, or former student, it is no secret that school supplies can get very expensive. For families that have more than one child going back to school, the cost can be overwhelming and quite terrifying. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have a simple way for customers to support their school of choice each time they swipe their AdvantEdge Card. We will soon be launching our Tools for Schools program which is an incredible way to help local schools earn their share of $350,000 in educational supplies. The kickoff for the program will take place on Sunday, August 21st. Who knew that by just buying groceries, you can support local schools and their students!
