Price Chopper and Market 32 are so excited to announce a new Cheese of the Month program! Since we have so many specialty cheeses, you may not even realize that a bunch of our cheeses are made locally, like September’s Cheese of the Month – Adams Reserve Cheddar. Let’s take a look at why we love this cheese, and more importantly, what it pairs well with.
About Adams Reserve Cheddar:
In the small town of Adams, New York, milk from the finest dairy farms is transformed daily into this mouth-watering Cheddar. The ideal agricultural conditions found in upstate New York are a key part of what gives Adams Reserve Cheddar its distinct flavor. This is a place where Old World craftsmanship is blended with modern technology to produce this award-winning cheese.
Adams Reserve Cheddar continues to win awards at the World Cheese Championship and US Championship- proudly made by the finest dairy sources, and naturally aged for more than 12 months. This creamy, bold and full-bodied New York Extra Sharp Cheddar is sure to satisfy any cheese enthusiast’s palate.
Pairs beautifully with:
- Salami
- Prosciutto
- Green olives
- Berries
- Pepper Jelly
- Wine: The sharp, creaminess of Adams Reserve Cheddar pairs beautifully with a deep red, or even a smooth, slightly sweet and crisp rosé.
Interested in learning more about Adams Reserve? Check out their website!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
‘Tis the season for pumpkins, and that means it is time to start digging out the recipe books for your fall baking! While Price Chopper and Market 32 offer a variety of pumpkin puree, have you ever contemplated experimenting with a genuine pie pumpkin in your recipes? If this idea has crossed your mind, you might be seeking guidance on the proper approach. Fear not! We have some answers on which pumpkins to choose and proceeding steps.
Sugar Pumpkins:
Choosing the correct pumpkin is crucial. While those massive pumpkins you see outside our stores are perfect for carving scary faces, they are not ideal for baking. These pumpkins have a higher water content and are stringy inside. Sugar pumpkins are your go-to for baking. These pumpkins are much smaller, drier, and a deep orange color. Oh, and most importantly, they are very sweet which make them perfect for baking.
In addition to choosing a sugar pumpkin, you will want to ensure that the stem is very sturdy, intact, and dry. These pumpkins should be stored in a cool, dry place prior to baking. Avoid sugar pumpkins that appear to have rotting stems.
Let’s Bake!
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Step 2: Cut sugar pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, and place on a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Step 3: Allow the pumpkin to bake for approximately 35 – 40 minutes, noticing how the flesh naturally separates from the skin during this process.
Step 4: Once baked, proceed to puree the flesh until it achieves a smooth consistency.
Step 5: To keep the pumpkin puree fresh, store it in the refrigerator.
Super easy, right? Make baking this season a fun, beautiful memory.
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: This spice cake is sure to be a hit!
Pumpkin Soup: Where are all the soup lovers out there? Try out this recipe today!
Pumpkin Cheesecake: Thanksgiving just got a whole lot sweeter! Your guests are sure to love this delicious recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Roll-ups: With only seven ingredients, this recipe is easy, delicious, and full of flavor.
Mia Teal
Marketing Cordinator, Paid Media
Summer came and went in what seemed like a matter of seconds. The air is slowly starting to get cool, the leaves are turning all different shades of red and orange, and your student is beginning yet another school year. Fear not! Here at Price Chopper and Market 32, we want to make your back-to-school season a smooth transition. We have put together some lunch box essentials as well as some easy lunch recipes that your child will love! Take a look below.
Protein: Protein is essential for growing bodies and minds! Examples include chicken, turkey, eggs, peanut butter, and beans.
Whole Grains: Choose whole grain options like whole wheat bread, crackers, and wraps.
Produce: Eat the rainbow! To make eating fruits and veggies more fun, try having your student pair an apple or banana with peanut butter or carrots with ranch.
Snacks: There are so many options for snacks. Your student may enjoy yogurt, cheese sticks, peanut butter or cheese crackers, nuts, seeds, or granola bars. Additionally, having treats in moderation will also make lunchtime more fun. The possibilities here are endless!
Drinks: Remember to include a bottle of water in your child’s lunchbox to keep them hydrated throughout the day.
A well-prepared lunch box sets the tone for a productive day of learning. By including a variety of nutrient-rich foods, you provide your child with the fuel they need to stay focused and engaged in their studies. Remember, variety is key—mix and match different food groups, flavors, and textures to keep lunchtime exciting and satisfying.
Check out some quick & easy snacks & meals!
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
Flowers are as beautiful to the eye as they are to the soul! Did you know that flowers and plants affect your mental health in numerous positive ways? If you didn’t, that’s okay, that’s why I’m here to explain. There are various ways that flowers aid your mental health, which is in part why we love them so much here at Price Chopper/Market 32. According to Texas A&M University, surrounding yourself with plants, foliage and nature has many benefits that range from stress reduction, increased creativity and even reduction of depression. Though flowers can aid mental health, there are a wide variety of flowers, and it may seem overwhelming to understand certain flowers and their abilities. Here is a breakdown of flowers’ specific roles in impacting mental health:
LAVENDER: This flower is popular for its infamous stress reducing properties! Primarily, we utilize lavender in essential oil and candles. According to the NIH, smelling the floral scent of lavender can reduce stress as the scent relaxes the brain thanks to the Linalool within the plant. Linalool is an aromatic alcohol found in plants that is used in many beauty products. It is a natural therapeutic and can most likely be found in many essential oils. Lavender is suggested for all types of stress, but especially insomnia and post childbirth stress. Smelling this scent before you go to bed, or during a restless night of childcare, has been proven to aid stress reduction and happiness levels over the course of four or five weeks. Click here for all-things lavender!
SUNFLOWER: A fan favorite in August, the sunflower is known to increase a positive outlook as well. Much like mums, these are the perfect flower for happiness due to their bright colors and health properties. Their oils can help reduce stress and, henceforth, put you in a much better mood. Thanks to NIH we understand that along with its stress reducing benefits, sunflower oil consists of an abundance of essential amino acids, vitamin B and minerals. Click here for all-things sunflower seeds!
ROSES: Are you looking to reduce stress, but you don’t like the scent of lavender? Don’t worry, roses serve the same purpose. According to the NIH, inhalation of rose essential oils can be used to reduce stress and act as a natural antidepressant as the flower has a strong floral scent that releases endorphins in our brain that makes us feel relaxed. Along with its stress reducing properties, roses also are used as a natural muscle relaxer as you can use the oil topically. Both lavender and rose can aid in overall stress levels and positive moods. Click here for roses!
While distinct flowers offer particular health benefits, Rutgers University has substantiated that the mere presence of any flowers can promptly enhance positive emotions. Although this insight provides only a glimpse into the world of flowers and their connection to mental health, it’s a wonderful insight into flowers’ benefits and all they provide to us.
Shop all your floral needs at Price Chopper/Market 32 Floral Department!
Little Falls, NY
The Little Falls Youth & Family Center, one block north of the Little Falls, NY Price Chopper, provides 80 fitness, educational and community services programs annually to approximately 100,000 residents of Little Falls and surrounding communities. Our store team was excited to present the center with a check for $5,000 in support of updates to its program facility at 15 Jackson St.
Pictured left to right are:
Tony DeLuca, Executive Director
Deborah Kaufman, Campaign Chair Little Falls Youth & Family Center
Bob Kennedy, Zone Director
Mike Natoli, Store Manager
Massena, NY
In 2022 the Norfolk Concert Series in Norwood, NY presented its first season of 10 performances with the overwhelming support of the local community. The small structure where the concerts are held is unprotected from the elements and less than suitable for musicians, with a cracked foundation and no storage area. Our Massena store teammates recently presented the first of 2 checks for $5,000 to Norwood Concert Series president Christine Paige, in support of the Build-a-Bandshell Fund Drive.
Pictured below left to right:
Shannon Russell, store teammate
Christine Paige, Norfolk Concert Series
Robert Butler, store teammate
Brenda Paige, Norfolk Concert Series
Brian McAfee, zone director
Heather Donnelly, store teammate
Melissa Farmer, store teammate
Mickayla Streeter, store teammate
Hopkinton, MA
Since its founding in 2017, Provision Ministry has provided food, clothing, footwear, hygiene products, school supplies, and home goods to grass-roots, nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping underserved children and families, veterans, those struggling with addiction, mental illness, food insecurity, as well as the homeless. Our Hopkinton, MA store team proudly presented the ministry with a $1,000 check in support of their mission.
Pictured left to right are:
James Carlson, Zone Director
Tom Slicklen, Founder and CEO Provision Ministry
Terry Broderick, Store Manager
Valerie Powell, Floral Manager
Written by our friends at Green Mountain Energy
Do you love summer farmers’ markets but wish you could use those flavors for a Thanksgiving cobbler? Wish you could reduce the waste from store-bought canned goods? Did your backyard garden give you way more produce than your household can possibly eat before it turns? It’s time to get canning!
Canning isn’t just for your grandparents anymore, but they were certainly onto something—it’s the greenest way to take your pantry to the next level. Home-canned food offers plenty of benefits, like:
– Seasonal produce year-round. Fresh fruits and vegetables found at the height of their season at your local farmers’ market in the summer can make a tasty appearance on your table any time of year.
-Knowing what’s in your food. Since the only thing in your canned food is what you put into it, it’s a good way to avoid artificial additives.
-Room for creativity. You can try out new recipes for jams, soups, salsas and more.
-Eco-friendliness. Canning cuts down on food waste, reduces emissions from transporting food, and minimizes single-use plastics.
-Saving time. Too rushed to make dinner from scratch? Reach for that yummy homemade soup or pasta sauce you canned in advance.
Before you get started, make sure you have the basics on hand:
This is just an overview of the canning process. Check out more detailed information from the National Center for Home Food Preservation. We hope you have a great time getting creative and cutting down on food waste with this time-honored activity!
More ways to live sustainably:
Canning is an excellent (and tasty) way to cut back on food waste and plastic use, but your green efforts don’t have to stop there! Since you’re on a roll, see our other simple tips for cultivating an Earth-friendly lifestyle on our blog here.
Our favorite way to live greener is also one of the easiest: choosing to use clean electricity in your home. We’ve partnered with Market 32 to make going green even more rewarding, featuring 100% renewable energy plans that let you save at the checkout line. Learn more here.
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
August 22nd is World Plant Milk Day, and we are here to celebrate! There are many different types of plant milk that Price Chopper and Market 32 carry, including almond, cashew, oat, soy, and coconut milk. Additionally, we also carry non-dairy creamers, cheeses, yogurts, and ice creams that are sweet, creamy, and downright delicious! Let’s take a closer look at what is so special about plant-based milks.
You might question the choice of milk substitutes over traditional cow’s milk, but numerous factors contribute to the rise in popularity of plant-based milks. Individuals that have a vegan diet or those with a lactose intolerance find non-dairy alternatives essential. The best part is, there are many different options and flavors out there that will suit anyone’s needs and preferences.
Many people who do not experience a lactose intolerance may still choose plant-based milks for other reasons, including taste and environmental benefits. Plant-based milk could be favored over cow’s milk in preparations like smoothies and other recipes. Additionally, plant-based milk requires less land, less water, and produces fewer carbon emissions.
If you are interested in cooking or baking with a milk alternative, take a look below!
Instant Pot® Chocolate Soufflé Cakes with Strawberry Sauce: This is a delectable dessert that combines the rich and velvety flavors of chocolate with the airy and delicate texture of a soufflé, topped with strawberry sauce.
Stuffed French Toast Rolls: Nothing beats French toast, but stuffed French toast? Now this is a recipe you must try!
Fruit & Baby Kale Smoothie: This smoothie is a popular choice for those seeking a convenient and delicious way to incorporate more fruits and leafy greens into their diet.
Brownie Batter Dessert Hummus: A recipe so delicious, you’ll question if this is actually brownie batter!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
For this week’s #ChillinWithChopper theme, we are exploring the beauty of salad. Salads have truly evolved from simple side dishes to culinary delights. With a blend of fresh ingredients, imaginative combinations, and a dash of creativity, you can transform an ordinary salad to a wonderful, filling meal.
Oftentimes, we may think of salads as being boring, but in reality, there are so many ways we can create a balanced, nourishing dish. What are we waiting for? Let’s build a salad together!
Step 1: Choose your base.
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have so many options for your leafy greens. Try laying down either romaine, spinach, kale, arugula, or shredded lettuce. Better yet, try combining two or more to see how you like that!
Step 2: Throw in some fruits or veggies.
The options are endless here. Some produce to consider adding in include carrots, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, corn, avocado, olives, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, apples, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, and oranges.
Step 3: Decide on a protein.
To create a filling salad, we need to add in some protein. Options here include chicken, steak, ground turkey, deli meat, shrimp, salmon, hard boiled eggs, tofu, or tempeh.
Step 4: Add in the fun stuff!
Similar to produce, there are so many options for this step. Try adding in cheese, bacon, beans, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, quinoa, rice, pasta, chickpeas, tortilla strips, or croutons.
Step 5: Let’s dress the salad!
Price Chopper and Market 32 have so many salad dressings that you may have a difficult time picking one out! Some to consider include ranch, honey mustard, caesar, blue cheese, Italian, balsamic, raspberry vinaigrette, poppy seed, thousand island, and so much more. Additionally, we sell many varieties of low fat or fat free dressing.
Still need some inspiration? Check out a few salads below!
Rainbow Baby Greens Bowl: The name is fitting for this salad. With a variety of color and a ton of vegetables, this is the perfect summertime salad.
Chicken Tender & Baby Kale Salad: If you have a picky eater in the house, then look no further. With freshly baked chicken tenders, vegetables for color, and bacon ranch dressing, this dish will be a new favorite!
Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Salad: Talk about a filling salad! This one has all the finest ingredients to help fuel you throughout your day.
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
Happy August! Even though summer is slowly starting to wrap up, weddings are still going strong this month. Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially not knowing how to decorate in a “trendy” way. There’s such a push to have unique wedding decor, but inspiration to decorate and collect out of the box ideas can be difficult! What if I told you that creating wedding décor that is out of the ordinary is far easier than you may think?
Floating candles are a novel way to have add an elegant flare to your wedding; they are eye-catching but reserved. Though floating candles are beautiful, they can tend to feel boring depending on the theme and selection of decor you may have. That being said, there is a very simple way to fix this issue!
Let’s Make Floral Floating Candles!
What You Need:
- Flowers! Make sure the flowers you use won’t immediately brown when submerged into water (avoid African violets!)
- Flowers I recommend: Roses, Water Lilies, Orchids and Daises.
- Glass vase (The size is completely up to you, but make sure it is as tall as your flower and there’s extra room on the top for the candle.)
- Flower frog (Check out the link below for the Flower frog. These are used to keep bouquets upright in the vase!)
- Accent gems or rocks (See link below!)
- Floating candles (See link below!)
- Hot glue gun
Let’s Begin!
Step One: Take your flower frog and flowers. I recommend using a maximum of four flowers (all differing in height) for this or else the vase may be too crowded. Using the stems of the flower, place them in the flower frog until you find a look that you like! If you need help using a floral frog, click here for a great video to help you out.
Step Two: Once you have created your bouquet, place a dollop of hot glue on the bottom of your flower frog and place it into the bottom of the vase. Let this cool completely before you continue the rest of your DIY.
Step Three: Once your bouquet is in the vase, take your rocks or accent gems and very carefully place them on the bottom of the vase. You’ll want to completely cover up your flower frog when this is over!
Step Four: Once your flower frog has been covered you will want to take water (room temp or cold water is preferred) and submerge the entire flower. Make sure your vase is tall enough to submerge the entire flower while leaving room for your floating candle!
Step Five: Once you’ve filled your vase with water, take your candle and place it on top of the water. Make sure you have a few back up candles. If they get wet, they won’t light up again! Now, you can light your candle and admire your beautiful floral floating candle!
With unique decoration ideas wedding season doesn’t have to be a hassle! Buy all your floral needs at Price Chopper/ Market 32 Floral Department!
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.