Tips for A Happy and Food Safe Halloween
BOO! Here it comes again, the official (unofficial) holiday of Halloween! There is no doubt, it is beloved by children and adults alike. The costumes, decorations and freaky/fun tricks and treats are wickedly delightful for those who participate before colder weather changes activity opportunities. To ensure it is fun for everyone, set expectations – your goblins and ghouls should know the food safety rules ahead of time to set the stage for happy smiles versus scowls and howls. Here are some ‘tricks” for caregivers hoping for a howling good time!
- Eat before you go out – some great Halloween treat ideas to set the stage are right here (with spooky music!) on Price Chopper YouTube and Pinterest boards. That will make it easier to create the plan that parents/guardians must check items before eating. We have treats for adults too – pumpkin everything and fall favorites to fuel your fun.
- Children should be taught/shown not to accept treats that aren’t commercially wrapped. Throw away anything that is torn, has pinholes, or looks unusual in any way. Fresh fruit, if accepted, should be carefully checked and washed before eating.
- If your child has a food allergy, you already know that treats are tricky. Verify Epi-pens are not expired and are readily available. Always check the labels of each item. Some homes may have a teal-colored pumpkin to signal they have some treats without some allergens, but adults must still check the individual items before eating. The same goes for gluten free candy – The Celiac Disease Foundation has published their 2022 Gluten Free Halloween Candy list – you can download and print the pdf here.
- Ages and stages – some candies are choking hazards for smaller children. Gum, hard candies, peanuts and even small toys could be a concern.
- How much and how often should be part of the plan – a national poll shows 78% of parents plan for about two pieces of candy per day. That helps children learn candy can be part of eating well.
- Flashlights, candy, party supplies and more are all at your local store and online waiting for you to create a “monster” good time. Happy Halloween!
BWAH HA HA HAAAAA!!!!!!!
Happy Octoberfest!
In 1810, Munich, Germany held its very first Oktoberfest festival. Originally a celebration of the marriage between King Louis I and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, the annual party has made its way across the world. Now, in the United States, each year we highlight seasonal beers, foods, and activities all in the spirit of Oktoberfest. Here are some of our favorites!
Pretzels: Soft pretzels are a prized possession at Oktoberfest. In 610 A.D., as the story goes, Italian monks made the first pretzels from leftover bread-dough scraps. The twisted knot shape was meant to symbolize arms folded in prayer, and in Europe they became considered a holy food with healing powers. This explains its presence at such a large European gathering. Eventually pretzels made their way to America and we fell in love with them, especially with a Dark Lager, IPA, Brown Ale, or even German Märzen beer! Check out the video below for our Bavarian Soft Pretzels recipe.
German Märzen / Oktoberfest Beer: Speaking of German Märzen, what exactly is it? It’s essentially the beer of Oktoberfest and the style that breweries in the United States refer to as Octoberfest. For a great-tasting take try Samuel Adams Octoberfest. For a tasty, authentic food pairing outside of soft pretzels try Beer Mustard Crusted Pork Loin, Pork Schnitzel, or German Potato Soup!
Würstl or Sausages: Whether it’s Bratwurst, Weisswurst, or any of the many other varieties, sausage is a major player in German and Oktoberfest cuisine. Of course, most often served with a generous amount of mustard and sauerkraut. If you’re looking for the perfect beer to pair with your sausage, a good tip is mildly spiced sausages work well with sweet malt flavors and light hops, compared to the spicier varieties which pair with darker and heavier brews.
Desserts: No festival is complete without dessert. At a typical Oktoberfest celebration, Strudels and Kuchen, the German word for cake, are appropriate. In America, seasonal pies are also fitting for the occasion. All excellent while paired with a nice Märzen!
Pumpkin Beer: Although it’s more American than German Oktoberfest, everything is pumpkin in the fall, including the beer. It’s a signature seasonal flavor that truly brings the essence of October to your tastebuds. We carry a number of different options in our beer aisle. Looking to enjoy pumpkin beer with a meal? We recommend slow-cooked meats, chicken and waffles, or chili. Maybe some pecan or apple pie for dessert. YUM!
Oktoberfest has taken off since the original festival in Munich. It’s inspired many across America and given us a number of awesome seasonal flavors. We love celebrating this annual tradition and hope you join us by trying one of these delicious food and beer pairings. For everything you need to enjoy your own Octoberfest visit your local store, or shop with us online!
Shifting Into Soup Season!
Fall is here and soup season is upon is, and this year we want to take full advantage of it. We’ve put together a list of our favorite soup recipes that will keep your tastebuds excited all season long. Soups, bisques, stews, it’s all in on the fun!
Cheeseburger Soup: Nothing hits the spot like a good cheeseburger, let’s make the soup version. Ground chuck, American cheese, onions, and all the extras make this hearty soup delicious and filling.
Pork & Navy Bean Soup: This Pork & Navy Bean soup is everything that makes soup great. Creamy tomato with basil soup complimented beautifully by pork and beans.
Jalapeño, Chicken & Pumpkin Soup: This recipe is packed with flavor. If you’ve never considered jalapeño and pumpkin in the same dish, this recipe will open your eyes.
White Cheddar & Ale Soup: This White Cheddar & Ale Soup is fantastic. Flavors of white cheddar and your favorite pale ale combine into a blissful meal.
Creamy Sausage & Mushroom Soup: Sausage and mushroom work in perfect harmony in this recipe, and the creaminess of the dish elevates it to a whole different level.
Sweet Corn, Crab & Vegetable Chowder with Spicy Shrimp: This chowder is packed with taste. Sweet corn, crab, vegetables, and spicy shrimp all in one mouthwatering bowl.
Carrot-Tomato Bisque with Parsnip Crisps: We love the addition of carrot in this tomato bisque. Top with parsnip crisps for the perfect crunch.
Chicken, Spinach & Quinoa Soup: Chicken, spinach, and quinoa make a great trio in this recipe. Guaranteed to fill you up and to become a dish you rely on.
Crushed Red Lentil Soup: This is one of our favorite takes on lentil soup. Full of flavorful ingredients that will keep you coming back for more.
Beef & Butternut Squash Stew: Finally, we can’t forget about a good stew. This recipe celebrates the return of butternut squash to our table as it makes a beautiful entrance in this beef stew.
For more soup recipes and everything you need to make delicious soup at home, visit our website.
Happy Soup Season!
Game-Winning Food Plays for Sunday's
We’re pumped to have football back! One because we love watching the games and two because of the epic gameday recipes and platters that go along with them. Join our huddle and figure out the best gameday eats to put into action this year. We think we’ve got a great gameplan!
Ole Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: Tough to beat an old-school Philly Cheesesteak while watching the game. These sliders are a major crowd-pleaser.
Chipotle Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Pulled pork is another great gameday option. This tasty recipe adds a chipotle twist for more flavor and more fun.
Popcorn Steak Bites with Buttermilk-BBQ Dip: These Popcorn Steak Bites are a standout in the appetizer game. Paired with Buttermilk-BBQ Dip they are SO good and might just become a favorite of yours this season.
Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions: Classic sausage, pepper, and onions on an Italian roll. Oldie but a goodie for gameday.
Jalapeño Popper Pizza: Pizza is a perfect football food. This recipe heat things up with the addition of jalapeño.
Tortilla Chip Sheet Pan Nachos: Our list wouldn’t be right without a good nacho recipe. We love these Tortilla Chip Sheet Pan Nachos while watching the game.
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs: How about some BBQ Meatballs from the slow cooker? Yes, please. Great gameday eats.
Grilled-Cola Chicken Wings: Chicken wings are another must-have during football season. Try these Grilled-Cola Wings for a fun play.
Fresh Cherry Salsa: Every football season deserves a nice salsa recipe, this Fresh Cherry Salsa recipe is refreshing, and one of our go-to’s this year.
Slow Cooker Carne Asada Cubed Steak Chili: It may not be quite chili season yet but keep this recipe in your back pocket for the colder weather games. It hits like a game-winning field goal at the buzzer.
Also, we are writing this on National Eat A Hoagie Day. Hoagies are another great option for gameday success. And we have plenty of them. Check out our catering & platters service to provide your watch parties with all the food you need to keep family and friends happy!
Enjoy the games this year and we wish your team the best of luck!
Sandwich Inspiration for Back-to-School
Well, Labor Day has passed and it’s time to head back to school. Of course, this means lunch and meal planning is back in full force. One of the best ways to do lunch is a tasty sandwich, and we’ve got some new ideas for this year that may not have been on your lunchbox menu in the past. Check them out and give them a try!
Grilled Chicken Pesto Wraps: You can throw these Grilled Chicken Pesto Wraps on the grill for the best results. Pesto, tomatoes, chicken, kale, and cheese fill up the grilled tortilla wraps for a wonderful lunch.
Egg Pesto Melt: Sticking with pesto, this Egg Pesto Melt recipe from Weelicious is awesome! The whole family will love them, but they are great for a lunchbox.
Grilled Chicken BLT: Try your classic BLT but add grilled chicken to the mix! It provides the extra brain power needed for the second half of the school day.
Chicken & Apple-Kale Slaw Wrap: These Chicken & Apple-Kale Slaw Wraps are full of flavor and easy to make! A perfectly light lunch wrap.
BLT Waffle Sandwiches: Add a fun twist to your BLT with waffles rather than bread. Whole-grain or multigrain waffles create a whole new BLT experience.
Open-Faced Turkey Melt: This Open-Faced Turkey Melt is another great choice for lunch. Turkey breast lunch meat and granny smith apples make a great combination. With other flavorful ingredients added to top it off.
Apple Pie Panini: This Apple Pie Panini is a fall favorite! Plus the kids will enjoy how its like dessert for lunch.
Pizza Sub: Back in the day Pizza Day was a big hit in the cafeteria. Well, make any day pizza day with this Pizza Sub recipe!
Have a great school year! And try out these new recipes to keep school lunch exciting!
Sources: https://weelicious.com/10-best-back-to-school-sandwich-recipes/
How to Make Ice Cream at Home
Ice cream is an amazing treat! Especially on those beautiful summer nights. But stopping buy your local shop can add up throughout the season. That’s why sometimes it’s nice to make your own homemade ice cream. It can sound intimidating, but it can actually be super easy. Here’s our guide to making ice cream at home!
The easiest way to make ice cream takes only four ingredients, a mason jar, and just a bit of elbow grease. 1 cup of heavy cream, 1.5 tablespoons of granulated sugar, .5 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt is all it takes. Add these ingredients to a mason jar, twist the lid on tight, and shake. This is where the elbow grease comes in. The mixture needs a good shake for 4 to 5 minutes, if you can call in some backup or other members of the household that will certainly help. Just tell them they will be getting ice cream out of the deal!
Once it’s nice and shaken, the mixture will have doubled in size and nicely coats the back of a spoon. Once you’ve reached this point you know you’re ready for the next step…freezing! Store the jar in the freezer and in about 3 hours, you should have created firm, scoopable ice cream. This is the simplest way, but definitely add in your own flavorings to the base or toppings to the final ice cream product.
You can also make ice cream in plastic baggie at home. Add the same ingredients to small, resealable plastic bag, make sure all the excess air is out and the bag is sealed tightly. Meanwhile, combine salt and ice in a large resealable plastic bag. Place the small bag inside the large bag and shake, elbow grease again, but this time for 7 to 10 minutes, until the ice cream hardens. Remove from the bag and enjoy!
Sources:
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a54721/ice-cream-in-a-bag-recipe / https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/how-to-make-simple-homemade-ice-cream
S'more Summer Fun
S’mores are the star of summer campfires and backyard cookouts. Everyone loves the classic s’more, a harmonious sandwich of marshmallow and chocolate, stuffed between graham crackers. However, today we are suggesting more for your s’mores! Check out some of our favorite creative, next level s’more recipes to try at your next summer night hang out.
Rice Krispie Treat S’mores: Is there anything better than marshmallows and chocolate? Well yes, marshmallows and chocolate AND Rice Krispie treats. Rice Krispie treats will elevate your s’mores to an elite level of crispiness.
Candied Bacon S’mores: Candied bacon brings a wonderful sweet and savory mix. This is at the top of our list.
Roasted Berry S’mores: Berries pair wonderfully with chocolate, why not add them to your s’mores for a refreshing twist? We love roasted berries for a campfire aesthetic in the summer.
Salted Caramel S’mores: Decadent, gooey, and delicious Salted Caramel S’mores can become very addicting.
Tropical S’mores: These tropical s’mores will have you in vacation mode in your own backyard. Add some grilled pineapple, maraschino cherries, and toasted coconut to your s’mores and replace the graham crackers with white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. Paradise.
Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores: This idea is simple, but oh-so delicious. Pack your s’more between your favorite chocolate chip cookies for more chocolaty goodness.
Elvis S’more: We all love a good Elvis sandwich, but how about an Elvis s’more? Peanut butter, banana, and bacon added to your s’more. Yum!
Grasshopper S’mores: This minty fresh recipe features dark chocolate mint, like an Andes, rather than your regular s’mores chocolate. A fun, tasty twist.
PB&J S’mores: Did you think we were done remixing sandwiches? Nope. Peanut butter and jelly s’mores are the best thing since sliced bread.
Caramel Apple S’mores: Last but not least, caramel apple s’mores. We recommend using a granny smith apple topped with a warm caramel drizzle.
This summer, we will be enjoying these different recipes at our campfires and highly recommend you do the same. The best part? All of your s’mores needs are conveniently located at your local Price Chopper & Market 32 or on our website.
The Rise of Avocados
Until recently, the avocado was fairly unknown, met with tons of questions and not enough answers. Now it’s eaten every day across the county in a plethora of different ways. So how did the avocado become so mainstream? On this National Avocado Day, we decided to look back at the avocado and how it became the superfood sensation that it is today.
The rise of the avocado took quite the marketing effort. Consumers weren’t always familiar with the fruit and the best ways to enjoy it. Part of this was because it wasn’t always known as an avocado. At first, they were given the Spanish name “Ahuacate,” derived from Aztec origins, but that wasn’t the easiest to pronounce. They were also called the “Alligator Pear” because of their bumpy, olive-colored skin. However, that name was both unappealing and misleading, given the many differences between pears and avocados. Finally, in 1915 a group of farmers put their heads together and came up with a new name: the avocado.
By the time the 1980s came around, U.S. dietary guidelines recommended a low-fat diet. Continuing into the 90s, the trend was tough on the avocado industry, despite their efforts to educate the public on the health benefits of avocados. Of course, up until that point, avocado producers had not done much to educate the public on how to eat an avocado, nor did they promote them in the context of Latin American cuisine where these fruits shine. Therefore, folks had no idea how or where to add avocado.
Finally, in the 90s, the California Avocado Commission hired Hill & Knowlton a public relations firm who introduced “Mr. Ripe Guy” a mascot used to educate and promote all things avocados. Mr. Ripe Guy got the ball rolling on what turned into an all-out campaign to promote these superfruits. Hill & Knowlton worked to showcase avocados on the ultimate stage, the super bowl, getting big time NFL stars to share their favorite recipes, and market guacamole to fans around the country.
Avocado sales quickly skyrocketed with its crop value spiked by nearly 70%, turning the avocado from an anomaly to a household grocery item. Now guacamole is one of the go-to Super Bowl Sunday snacks. Today, avocados are featured in endless amounts of recipes and people pay extra to have some avocado thrown in their salad, added on their sandwich, or even spread on their toast.
For some awesome avocado recipes and inspiration check out our website. Don’t forget to stop by your local Price Chopper & Market 32 or shop with us online for all your National Avocado Day needs. It’s time to celebrate the emergence of this awesome superfruit!
home.grown. Corn: How Sweet It Is!
Sweet corn is a seasonal treasure. It’s one of our favorites to enjoy all summer long, especially in peak growing season here in the Northeast! We’re proud to source sweet corn locally when the season rolls in, but did you know that this crop takes a sourcing journey all the way up East Coast each year, before our region’s annual bounty hits?
May
Warmer weather typically hits our region in full force by mid-May, and the people of the Northeast hit their backyards. Early in what we like to call “grilling season,” we’re usually tapping into Florida’s sweet corn season, as our Northeast farmer’s plant, water and tend to their fields.
June
By June, the summer season is officially setting in. Around here, the weather heats up, the sun stays out and our sweet corn starts to come a bit closer. We move our map pin from Florida to Georgia and begin bringing in Georgia-grown sweet corn for a while. Northeastern cornstalks have sprouted by the end of the month, in preparation for harvest in a few weeks. We can hardly wait.
July
Weather factors heavily into almost all of the crops we source locally each year, and sweet corn is no exception. While we prepare for the mid-July checkered flag on our beloved local sweet corn, we source our corn in parts of North Carolina and Delaware, where local corn season has set in. It’s delicious, as was the Floridian and Georgian corn, but we’re chomping at the bit for corn from our backyard!
It’s Here!
Sometime between mid and late July each year, our favorite point in the local agriculture season hits: sweet corn season. Our Produce teammates smile from ear to ear, pun intended, as crates from friends like Shaul Farms in Fultonham, New York, Paul Mazza Farms in Colchester, Vermont, and more start to arrive. This amazing season seems to go by in the blink of an eye, much like the holidays do, and typically lasts until mid-September. Our local farmers deliver consistently during this time, and we can’t get enough!
Want to read more about home.grown. produce season in the Northeast? Visit our blog and check out our Ready Magazine.
New Items: Frito-Lay Lays Layers
For more than 75 years, Lay’s® – one of the marquee brands from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division – has consistently brought its fans unique innovations that explore different flavors and textures, delivering smiles and joy to generations of potato chip fans. Shoppers are always on the hunt for new snacks, and America’s favorite potato chip brand is giving them something in 2022 that they’ve never seen before with the introduction of a brand-new product line: Lay’s Layers.
Lay’s Layers are not your ordinary chips. They are multi-dimensional, one-of-a-kind potato bites with layers of delicious crispiness. Bite-sized, flavorful, and unlike anything Lay’s has unveiled before, they deliver a truly new snacking experience.
“Lay’s fans are known for finding joy in the every day – no matter what life throws their way – and this multi-faceted approach to life helped inspire Lay’s Layers,” said Melissa Miranda, senior director of marketing, Frito-Lay North America. “Lay’s Layers is a new offering in the Lay’s portfolio that is just as multi-dimensional and flavorful as our fans’ lifestyles.”
The new Lay’s Layers product line will feature two delicious flavors fans know and love:
- Three Cheese: A tangy and cheesy blend of cheddar, parmesan, and gouda
- Sour Cream & Onion: A savory blend of onion and sour cream