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/
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!
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!
Mango Mania!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
Did you know there is an entire day dedicated to celebrating mangos? That day just happens to be today, July 22nd! Happy National Mango Day to all our mango-loving customers!
The History of Mangos in India:
Mangos flourish in sub-tropical regions and were first grown 5,000 years ago in India. While many of us eat mangos as a delicious snack or in a recipe, there is a much deeper meaning to mangos in India. Mangos are a symbol of love in this country and giving a basket of mangoes is a gesture of friendship. Today, India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes!
Mango Varieties – When are they in season?
When you go to your local Price Chopper or Market 32 to purchase mangoes, you may not realize that there are hundreds of different mangoes! Even more interesting, not all mangoes grow in the same season. Check out a few below!
Honey Mangos:
Honey mangoes are a vibrant yellow that turns a deep golden color when fully ripe. The taste is super sweet, and, well, has a honey flavor of course!
Peak Availability: Between March and July.
Rainbow Mangoes
Rainbow mangoes can grow up to seven inches long with a thin, multicolored skin. They are very sweet and turn a blush red color when ripe.
Peak Availability: Spring to early summer
Haden Mangoes:
When eating this type of mango, you can expect a sweet, yet, bitter aftertaste. These mangoes are bright red with green undertones which turn yellow as they ripen.
Peak Availability: March to May
Ice Cream Mango:
Yes, you read that right! Ice cream mangoes are about five to six inches long. The flavor is sweet and resembles a mango sorbet flavor.
Peak Availability: June and July
Keitt Mangoes:
Popular in Asian countries, Keitt mangoes are sweet and fruity. Unlike many other mangoes, this type stays green even when ripe.
Peak Availability: March to April, August and September
Interested in more ways to eat mangoes? Check out a few of our recipes below!
This delicious meal will have you coming back for seconds! A few main ingredients in this recipe include tilapia, mango, cayenne pepper, and PICS white rice.
This is the perfect Sunday-morning breakfast that your family will love!
Change up your next “Taco Tuesday” with these pulled chicken tacos. The sweet and salty combination is a must-try!
Happy National Mango Day!
Are You Ready For Your Summer Getaway?
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
Nothing says summer like a nice, relaxing vacation with friends and family. Whether you are a lake or a beach person, Price Chopper and Market 32 want to make sure you have everything you need for your trip! If you are looking for new places to vacation this summer, you are in luck. Check out some great getaway spots below!
Lake George (Lake George, NY): Located in Upstate New York, Lake George has a variety of fun options. Whether you want to lounge by the beach, challenge your athletic abilities at Adirondack Extreme, or take a boat cruise of the lake, Lake George has an option for everyone!
Cape Cod (Cape Cod, MA): Cape Cod is booming with things to do, which makes this location a very popular destination in the summertime. Be sure to try out some amazing lobster rolls and other seafood restaurants while you are there!
Crystal Lake (Barton, VT): Located in the beautiful state of Vermont, Crystal Lake is three miles long and one mile in width. This destination has a variety of “outdoorsy” activities ranging from boating, paddle boarding, picnicking, and fishing.
duBois Beach (Stonington, CT): Located right outside of Mystic, Connecticut, duBois Beach is perfect for your family. You will find that this beach is in close proximity to the downtown shops and restaurants. While you are here, don’t forget to watch the sunset. It will take your breath away!
Hampton Beach (Hampton, NH): Hampton Beach is a family-friendly beach with many different activities. You can rent a cabin or campfire right online! Make sure to pack your marshmallows!
Lake Wallenpaupack (Stroudsburg, PA): Lake Wallenpaupack is a gorgeous, 13-mile-long lake in Pennsylvania. Whether you want to hangout in the sand, play a round of miniature golf, or visit Costa’s Family Fun Park, this lake is perfect for your next trip!
Wondering what to pack for lunch and snacks while by the water? Check out some of our favorites below. Just make sure you don’t forget the ice when packing your cooler!
Last but certainly not least, bug spray and sunscreen are a must! Check out Price Chopper and Market 32’s collection below to find exactly what you need for your big trip.
Shop Lake and Beach Vacation Essentials
Fun Father's Day Recipes!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
With Father’s Day right around the corner, we want to show all fathers, grandfathers, and uncles our love and appreciation for all they do, and there is no better way than by cooking up some of our favorite recipes! Check out these hearty meals as well as snack and dessert recipes!
Breakfast & Brunch
Spring Sausage & Vegetable Strata: Eggs, sausage, cheese, and vegetables? What better breakfast combo! This recipe has fresh, delicious ingredients and the best part is, substitutions can be made to suit all needs while keeping this meal bursting with flavor.
Eggs Benedict – Your way! This delicious meal will guarantee an egg-celent start to your Father’s Day celebration!
Buttermilk-Bacon Pancakes with Bourbon Maple Syrup: Check out these pancakes with bacon cooked within! Pair this meal with fresh fruit or a cold glass of PICS orange juice.
Lunch & Dinner On the Grill!
Grilled Orange-Teriyaki Steaks with Grilled Scallions & Bell Peppers: Nothing says Father’s Day like steak on the grill! Check out this recipe paired with fresh scallions and peppers that can be found in our produce department.
Grilled Drunken Shrimp and Jalapeño Skewers: Not only is this recipe flavorful, it is super easy to make! Be sure to pick up PICS shrimp, herbs, and honey in your local Price Chopper or Market 32.
Grilled Patty Melts: Fire up that grill for these juicy, cheesy burgers!
Snacks:
Barbeque Chicken Pizza Dip: A pizza dip? We think yes! This dip will be a favorite at your Father’s Day celebration!
Savory Rosemary Snack Mix: Warning: This snack is difficult to stop eating after the first bite! The Goldfish and Chex Mix combo will be sure to bring back some childhood nostalgia.
Tortellini, Pepperoni, & Olive Kabobs: This easy-to-make salty snack that will be a hit at your party!
Desserts:
Brookie Muffins: Chocolate and peanut butter both taste delicious, but how about when you combine them? Unreal! Check out our baking section for the brownie mix of your choice!
Double Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Sandwiches: Dad will love these ice cream sandwiches! Pick up his favorite PICS ice cream in our frozen foods section.
Lemon Surprise Cake: This cool and refreshing cake is the perfect end to your Father’s Day.
Check out our YouTube page for more tips and tricks to make your Father’s Day meals spectacular!
Happy Father’s Day!
What We're Grillin' for National Burger Day
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
‘Tis the season for grilling! Warmer weather calls for burgers on the grill, and what better way to celebrate National Burger Day than by grilling up a delicious, juicy burger. Make National Burger Day exciting by pairing your burger with fresh toppings of choice. Whether you enjoy beef or vegetarian burgers, we have you covered. Check out some Price Chopper and Market 32 recipes below on making National Burger Day fun for everyone in your household!
Aloha Burger: We’ve heard of pineapple on pizza, but what about on your burger? This delicious sweet and salty combination of pineapple, vegetables, Swiss cheese, and Canadian bacon is a must-try! Next time you are in our store, be on the lookout for whole, fresh pineapple or pre-cut pineapple rings.
Cobb Burger: This heavenly, filling burger is the perfect mix of vegetables, eggs, and blue cheese. Be sure to stop by the deli section at your local Price Chopper and Market 32 for the finest selection of cheeses that are perfect for your burger!
Easy Black Bean Burger: Beef isn’t your thing? Check out this mouthwatering Easy Black Bean Burger that is perfect for any occasion, especially National Burger Day! This recipe includes PICS brand oats, walnuts, and Mexican blend shredded cheese as well as a variety of vegetables.
Want to learn the secret to grilling the “perfect burger?” Head to Price Chopper and Market 32’s YouTube page for tips and tricks!
Happy National Burger Day!
Red, White and Blue Recipes for Fourth of July
One of the biggest days of the summer is upon us and we’re excited to celebrate! In the spirit of Independence Day we put together a list of some our go-to red, white and blue recipes. Not only are these ideas festive for the Fourth, they also make for fantastic summertime treats.
Red, White and Blue Trifle: Our recipe for Red, White and Blue Trifle has everything you need for a summer celebration. A cool, refreshing dessert with holiday spirit!
Cherry, Bacon & Blue Cheese Salad This tasty summer salad adds some red, white and blue to your greens. The flavors of cherry, bacon, and blue cheese mix perfectly in each bite.
Firecracker Popsicles: These popsicles may not be a full-blown recipe, but they are certainly a key factor in celebrating Fourth of July. They’re great for cooling down in the summer heat.
Stars & Stripes Cheese Board: What’s a celebration without cheese? This Stars & Stripes Cheese Board from our YouTube channel is an awesome game plan.
Pound Cake: This pound cake dish from our Pinterest page is another lovely Fourth of July treat. Made with Chobani® Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt, this pound cake makes for a fun addition to the menu! It’s just one of many awesome options on our Pinterest boards.
These are just a few creative ideas for the Fourth of July this year! After all, food can be fun and preparing festive dishes adds a certain pizazz to any holiday. Try any of these options or come up with your own creative meal. Either way visit your local Price Chopper/Market 32 or shop with us online for everything you need!
Happy Fourth!
What is in Your CANtry? Five Fabulous Recipes Starring PICS Canned Foods!
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN Senior Nutritionist
Canned foods have flown off the shelves lately as folks prepare to cook more at home over the next few weeks. Canning was a transformative food preservation advance, a process invented in the late 1700s, in response to a call from Napoleon Bonaparte, who was looking for a way to safely store and transport food to feed his army. It was perfected in the early 1800s, with the first commercial canneries starting up in England and America in 1812 and 1813, respectively. Ironically, the can opener was not invented until 1858! Though it was clear heat was key to the process, it was not understood why until Louis Pasteur demonstrated the presence of microorganisms and the temperatures that killed them in the late 1800s. Foods lose nutrients, quality and appeal as time passes, canning was a game changer for home cooks and commercial food service, and remains a great way to create recipes that are delicious and convenient.
The benefits of canned foods are many – fruits and vegetables are usually canned within a few hours of harvesting, capturing their nutrients and flavor right at the peak, and preserving them for a minimum of about two years, sometimes longer. Most canned items are single ingredient, no other additives necessary to maintain flavor, color and texture. Canned foods are budget and time-friendly, prepped and ready to use. Cans are also one of the most recyclable containers – made of 100% recyclable steel, important to sustainability efforts.* Finally, adults and children who regularly eat canned foods have a better intake of fruits, vegetables and fiber than those that do not.
PICS canned fruits, vegetables, tuna, chicken, beans and soups are top quality – you will love exploring the wide variety and flavors. Check these great recipes out – we are powering up the protein and produce content with a focus on canned beans. Beans are a rising star as families become focused on eating more plant-based and plant-forward foods. Let kids add the beans and some of the ingredients while you supervise – they love eating what they help preparing, and it is a positive way to connect them to food skills. Combining beans and other proteins is a budget-smart way to add benefits and a fresh twist to old favorites. Better meals are in the can!
Cowboy Caviar – A versatile recipe that comes together in just a few minutes! Dress it up with chopped mango or canned pineapple, use it as a dip, a side or a salsa on fish or chicken – delish!
For more canned food recipe ideas check out…
*Ref. Canned Food Alliance
Celebrate Easter Traditions…Just A Bit Differently
Maureen Rowan Murphy
Manager Consumer Trends, Nutrition, and Lifestyles
Viewed as the most important religious feast for Christians, Easter is a time of rejoicing and rebirth. On Easter Sunday, many families attend religious services, gather for Easter egg hunts and sit down together to enjoy a special meal. This year we’ll all be home adhering to local, state and federal guidelines in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus. During these challenging times it’s more important than ever to have some sense of normalcy, and treasured traditions can provide that especially for children. While unable to be physically together with some of our loved ones we can still connect thanks to Zoom, Skype, etc… Many churches will be offering virtual religious services, and families can have a virtual celebration so that grandparents and others can join in the fun.
We are all in this together, and we’re here to help you in planning your family’s Easter by providing recipes, fun activities and games for all to enjoy whether together or virtually!
Ham takes center stage at Easter, and we have a variety of hams to help you find one that best meet your family’s needs. Choose from butt or shank portion hams, boneless, spiral and canned hams, and flavored ham steaks for those looking for something small.
Brunch is an Easter tradition for many, whether enjoyed at home or restaurant. Although dining out for brunch isn’t an option this year, dining home is easy with a Smithfield Flavored or Cure 81 Vermont Maple Spiral Ham or this delicious Make-Ahead Hash Brown Egg Bake Make-Ahead Hash Brown Egg Bake . Serve with your favorite fresh fruit or this Citrus-Glazed Fruit Salad, full of flavor and packed with nutrients!
Pick up your favorite muffins from our bakery department or you can bake these Berry-licious Muffins, bursting with colorful berries.
For many Italians, (and non-Italians too) a time-honored Easter tradition is Italian Easter Pie. While not as quick to prepare as the other dishes, you’ll discover this meat and cheese pie is worth the extra effort once you taste it!
Dinner tends not to be as popular as Easter brunch, but for those who prefer it Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus and Mini Croissants (available in the bakery department) is a simple, but delicious menu. If you’ve never prepared scalloped potatoes, you’ll be surprised how easy they are to make!
Scalloped Potatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
4 T. PICS butter
4 T. PICS flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 1/2 cups PICS whole milk
6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Cook onion in butter until tender, but not browned. Stir in flour and cook until lightly browned. Add salt and pepper. Add milk and cook, stirring until slightly thickened. Place one quarter of potatoes in greased 3-quart casserole; pour ¼ of sauce over potatoes. Continue layers ending with sauce. Bake in a 350° oven for 1 hour or until browned on top and potatoes test tender. Serves 8-10.
Egg Decorating
Children love coloring and decorating eggs for Easter, and it’s fun to see just how creative they can be!
If you are dyeing eggs for fun or for an egg hunt keep in mind these basics for safety:
- Wash hands following the recommended CDC guidelines
- Use only eggs that have been refrigerated and discard eggs that are cracked or dirty
- After hard cooking eggs, dye them with food-safe coloring and return them to the refrigerator within 2 hours
- For an egg hunt, eggs should be hidden in places that are protected from dirt, moisture, pets, and other sources of bacteria
- Total time for hiding and hunting eggs should not exceed 2 hours
- “Found” eggs must be washed, re-refrigerated and should be eaten within a week.
There are so many ways they (and you) can decorate Easter eggs. Choose what works best for your family. You can check out our Kids Cooking Club egg decorating video below.
Purchase a kit – Today egg decorating kits come with stickers, holders, etc., holders etc.
Make your own food color dyes – Using a container deep enough to hold the eggs, combine ½ to 1 Tbs. of food coloring with 2 tsp. vinegar, and fill half way with water. Carefully place eggs in the container. The longer they are left in the dye, the darker the color shade. Remove eggs from the dye, pat dry with a paper towel and place in a holder.
*Eggs may also be colored on before placing in the dye with swirls, shapes, etc. The wax will resist the dye and the colored design will show through.
Make your own natural dyes –Combine one of the following dye sources from the color chart below with ½ Tbs. vinegar with some cold water in a saucepan. Add raw eggs (make sure there’s enough water to cover the eggs) and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. The longer you simmer, the darker the color will be, but simmer at least 8 minutes so that the eggs cook thoroughly.
Color chart:
Yellow – turmeric or saffron
Red – cranberries
Purple – beets, red onion skin
Green – spinach
Blue – blueberries
Color with crayons – This may be a perfect option for little ones since they can simply color the eggs with crayons.
Paint – Undiluted food coloring and a cotton swab can be used to paint on hard boiled eggs.
Chocolate Easter Egg Nests – Delight the kids with this easy DIY for their Easter baskets!
Easter Games – Fun for mom, dad and kids!
Easter Egg Roll
You will need:
Large area either inside or outside with a slight slope or incline
Big spoons
Start and finish lines
How to play:
- Each player gets a decorated Easter egg and a spoon
- Players place the egg in front of them and position spoon behind it
- When told to begin players use the spoon to move their egg down the grass towards the finish line
- The winner is the first person to cross the finish line with their egg
Easter Egg Toss
You will need:
One empty decorated Easter egg for each team of two playing (or uncooked eggs – with care!)
- Each team member stands approximately 15 feet apart from each other
- One person tosses the egg to their partner. If they catch the egg and it doesn’t break, they move a few feet further apart and the partner tosses the egg back
- If an egg breaks, then the pair is out of the game
- Each team keeps moving further and further apart until all eggs are broken
- The team left with an unbroken egg is the winning team
While it is difficult for all of us not to gather, we need to be safe and keep our loved ones safe so that we can be together again soon. We wish you and your family a Safe and Happy Easter!
Looking for more Easter inspiration? Check out our Pinterest board here for a basketful!
