New Year, New Recipes

We’re on a mission to keep expanding our library of recipes and our at-home menus. The new year is a wonderful time to add some new options to our repertoire. Whether it’s foods we haven’t tried before or new variations of old favorites, new dishes keep life fresh and exciting! We’ve put together a list of recipes for you to try in 2023. Check it out and enjoy!

Chicken Banh Mi Bowl: In Vietnamese cuisine, Banh Mi is a short baguette with thin, crisp and soft crust. Typically served as a sandwich, where chicken is a popular variety. This recipe turns that popular sandwich into a bowl, with all the common features of a delicious Banh Mi.

Chicken & Roasted Beet Harvest Salad: If you’re looking for a fresh, new salad recipe this Chicken and Roasted Beet Harvest Salad is the answer. Roasted beet adds a delicious flavor to the dish and compliments chicken beautifully.

Slow Cooker Farro & Garbanzo Mujadara: Mujadara is a staple dish in Arabic culture. Consisting of lentils cooked together with sauteed onions and grains, in this case farro. Try it for a tasty twist to your normal routine.

Moroccan Turkey Meatballs with Barley & Lentils: Experience meatballs like never before, featuring Moroccan flavors that will make your mouth water. Meatballs offer a variety of options when it comes to flavoring and this may be one you have yet to try.

Chili Lime Portobello Fajitas: These Chili Lime Portobello Mushroom Fajitas make for an epic taste adventure. Plus, they’re a lovely alternative if you’re looking to fill your fajitas with something other than chicken or steak.

Baked Zucchini Fries: Need a good appetizer to add to your skillset? Try these Baked Zucchini Fries. They’re so good and they add a unique variation into the fried foods game.

Garlic Shrimp Over Parmesan Grits with Bacon & Pepitas: Elevate your shrimp & grits with this superstar recipe! Parmesan, bacon, and pepitas blend beautifully and take this already delicious dish to a whole new level.

Grilled Swordfish Kabobs with Peanut Chili Sambal: Need some new seafood recipes? We’ve got you covered. Try these Swordfish Kabobs with Peanut Chili Sambal. Yum!

Indian-Spiced Cauliflower with Garbanzo Beans and Tomatoes: Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that often doesn’t get taken to its full potential. Try this Indian-Spiced Cauliflower for an example of the wonder’s cauliflower can do for your taste buds.

Pepper-Crusted Steak with Red Wine-Shallot Sauce: Last but not least, give this Pepper-Crusted Steak a try! Complimented with a delicious Red Wine-Shallot Sauce this one is sure to please for a lovely evening at home.

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Life is Short - Eat the Spaghetti!

Mia Teal

E-Commerce Marketing Department

Pasta makes the world go round! Let’s face it – pasta can be paired with almost any meal, or be a meal of its own. At Price Chopper and Market 32, our focus today is specifically on spaghetti, because January 4th is National Spaghetti Day. Be sure to join us in celebrating today by trying some of our delicious recipes below. You can find a variety of pasta recipes on our Price Chopper Website and our Price Chopper Ready Website.

Did you know?

  1. The average Italian consumes about 62 pounds of pasta per year. That is the same weight as a female Golden Retriever!
  2. Sicilians created the first modern spaghetti noodles in the 12th century. 
  3. Spaghetti today is about 10-12 inches long, but it was much longer when it was first invented.  
  4. Spaghetti and meatballs are an American dish, not Italian. 
  5. Spaghetti has evolved over the years. Today, you can find different varieties including gluten free, whole grain, protein, and veggie spaghetti.

Try some new recipes! 

Anchovy Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti with Fried Capers: While this dish is drastically different from your traditional pasta and meatballs, you will not be disappointed. The fresh taste of olive oil, parmesan cheese, lemon, and crushed red peppers are sure to be nothing short of delicious!

Chicken Teriyaki Noodles: Quick, easy, filling, and tastes like a Hibachi restaurant! 

Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Italian Sausage: Dinner ready in 16 minutes? Say less! Pair this meal with some fresh bread from our bakery.

Happy National Spaghetti Day!

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Ellie Wilson

MS, RDN Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness

January rings in the New Year and inspires us to evaluate targets and goals that will bring positive results to our lives. There is one change that would bring more wellbeing benefit to more people than almost any other – eating more fruits and vegetables! Only one in ten Americans eats enough to meet daily guidelines for health. We also see shoppers are seeking more organic items for many reasons, particularly because they know that since 2002, organic items meet strict USDA certification standards.

The USDA certification offers production insights and confidence to shoppers.  As quoted in Food Insight’s “What is Organic” article, USDA notes that “organic products must be produced using agricultural production practices that foster resource cycling, promote ecological balance, maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, and conserve biodiversity.” This is right in line with shopper aspirations to eat more mindfully, consider production impact and sustainability along with taste and health value.

You can always find high quality produce, proteins, and grocery items in our stores, including a huge selection of organic items. To help you enjoy more, now through January 28th, earn 3X AdvantEdge Rewards points on organic purchases that can help families bring more benefits to your table.

Organic product tags on our website can help you select organic items for pickup or delivery and explore products across our site that fuel your wellness routine. Check out our weekly flyer each week this month and look for our special organic shelf tags to find out which simple, seasonal organic items are ready for you to enjoy! 

Happy New Year!

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Introducing Barilla Al Bronzo: Pasta With Extraordinary Sauce Grip

New from Barilla is Al Bronzo pasta,  a line of premium pasta made with a reserve batch of non-GMO durum wheat and expertly crafted using innovative micro-engraved bronze dies for a robust texture and extraordinary sauce grip.  You can find Al Bronzo in the pasta aisle in 6 delicious shapes: Spaghetti, Bucatini, Linguine, Mezzi Rigatoni, Penne, and Fusilli. 

Try Al Bronzo in these two delicious recipes.  Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni with Tuscan Ragout is a hearty recipe made with three kinds of meat that will leave you and your family craving more. The homemade pasta sauce features beef, pork and lamb simmered with fresh plum tomatoes, garlic, rosemary and sage. The wide opening of the Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni is the ideal shape for capturing the meat sauce.  Al Bronzo Bucatini with Lemon, Ginger, Parmigiano & Thai Basil features an amazing combination of ingredients where the fresh lemon and ginger are balanced by the Parmigiano cheese and the Thai Basil leaves. Served over Al Bronzo Bucatini, this recipe is the perfect weeknight meal.

Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni with Tuscan Ragout

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 25 Minutes

Total Time: 40 Minutes

Ingredients:

  1. 1 box Barilla®
  2. Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni pasta 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  3. 1 white onion chopped
  4. 2 leaves fresh sage
  5. 1 sprig
  6. fresh rosemary
  7. 1 clove garlic gently pressed
  8. ¼ pound ground beef
  9. ¼ pound ground pork
  10. ¼ pound ground lamb
  11. ¼ cup red wine
  12. 2 fresh plum tomatoes
  13. 2 cups chicken stock
  14. Salt and black pepper to taste
  15. Romano cheese to taste grated 
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet; add onion, sage, rosemary and garlic; allow the onion to sweat for 10 minutes over low heat.
  3. Add beef, pork and lamb; cook until the meat begins to stick to the bottom of the pan; deglaze with red wine and continue cooking until the liquid is reduced well; discard the rosemary, sage and garlic.
  4. Meanwhile, blanch and peel tomatoes, remove the seeds and cut the pulp in dices; add to the meat sauce along with chicken stock; simmer until the liquid is evaporated; season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and toss with the sauce.
  6. Finish with cheese and remaining olive oil.

Al Bronzo Bucatini with Lemon, Ginger, Parmigiano & Thai Basil

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Total Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

  1. 1 box Barilla® Al Bronzo™ Bucatini pasta
  2. 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  3. 1 clove garlic, minced
  4. 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  5. ½ lemon, zested
  6. 1 lemon, juiced
  7. ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
  8. ½ cup Thai basil leaves, julienne
  9. Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  1. Cook pasta three minutes less than package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, in a skillet sauté garlic and ginger in 2 tablespoons olive oil for a minute, add lemon juice and 1 cup pasta cooking water, bring to a simmer.
  3. Drain pasta and toss with lemon juice mixture over high heat, add pasta and more pasta cooking water as needed.
  4. Turn off heat, finish with remaining olive oil, cheese, lemon zests and black pepper. Top with basil before serving.

For more recipe inspiration, please visit https://www.barilla.com/en-us/al-bronzo.  

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Chocolate Now, Dinner Later!

Mia Teal

E-Commerce Marketing Department

Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by chocolate, chocolate, and once again…chocolate! It is the best time of the year to be creative and festive. Speaking of creativity, have you ever wondered how to make your own chocolate? We found a fun and easy chocolate recipe that would be a great activity for the family, or for you to try on your own!

Five main ingredients are needed to make your own chocolate:

  1. 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cacao Powder or Cocoa Powder
  2. 1/8 cup Dry Milk Powder
  3. 2 ¾ tablespoons Cacao Butter
  4. 1/8 teaspoon Salt
  5. Chocolate mold
  6. Sweetener (optional)
  7. Candy Pieces (optional)

Step 1: Add 1-2 inches of water to a medium saucepan. Next, insert a heat-proof bowl on top of the saucepan. Bring water to a simmer (not boil) and add tiny, proportional pieces of cacao butter into the heatproof bowl. The cacao butter should not be touching the water. Whisk the cacao butter frequently. 

Step 2: Once the cacao butter is melted, add cacao or cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, dry milk powder, and any other add-ins to the heat-proof bowl. Stir these remaining ingredients until completely blended. 

Step 3: Pour the chocolate mixture into the molding of your choice. Transfer to the freezer for 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Try not to eat all the chocolate at once!

Not feeling up to making your own chocolate. We understand! At Price Chopper and Market 32, not only do we have fantastic chocolate dessert recipes, but we also have a wonderful Bakery Department that strives to go above and beyond for our customers. We have so many options to make your holiday season extra special!

Other digital sites where you can locate our chocolate-filled recipes:

Price Chopper Homepage 

Price Chopper Ready Recipes

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Some holiday must-tries!

Chocolate Cinnamon Scones: Chocolatey, cinnamony, and festive! You cannot go wrong with these Chocolate Cinnamon Scones. Try pairing with your favorite PICS coffee blend or PICS hot chocolate. 

Double-Chocolate Peppermint Bark: With only four key ingredients, these are easy to make and do not have to look any specific way. No pressure when making this delicious dessert!

Minty Hot Chocolate: Exactly how it sounds – This mint hot chocolate is everything and more! Be sure to give it a try.

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Homemade Chocolate Source: 

How to Make Milk Chocolate

Tea Up for Well-Being

Ellie Wilson

MS, RDN

As the evenings turn cooler, our beverage choices also shift to warmer temperatures and more comfort and health-oriented drinks. Tea is the most popular beverage in the world, second only to water, and has a range of flavors, benefits, and culinary applications.

Tea has a simple recipe – water and some form of the leaves of the Camelia Sinensis bush, it is most often made with hot or warm water, but can be made with cool water, such as “sun tea”. That simplicity earns it a spot on the list of whole foods, or more accurately, whole food-derived drinks.  Interesting to note that America is the primary country where tea is enjoyed cold – the demand for functional beverages that are portable and personal has created a unique opportunity for tea as a grab-and-go beverage. Approximately 75 – 80% of tea consumed in America is iced. ¹

The first written records of tea as a medicinal beverage were found in China, around the 3rd century A.D. Modern research has been able to identify specific compounds that may have health benefits, including polyphenols such as flavonoids, theaflavins and catechins, all antioxidants. Observation studies connect 2 -3 cups of tea per day to reduced risk of premature death, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.  More research must be done to define intake and specific health impact, but tea has a place on the table for traditional teetotalers and health seekers alike.  

Generally, caffeine content of a cup of tea is 50 mg or less, half the content of an 8 oz cup of coffee. ² Time brewing and form of tea also impact caffeine content. Tea assists with hydration, and contains the amino acid theanine, which research hints supports brain health. This makes it a perfect beverage for that afternoon energy-seeker, busy parents recharging between work and evening family activities, or an end-of-day stress soother. 

Tea is also riding the innovation wave as more functional beverages that include nootropics, ingredients that enhance energy, focus, and relaxation, or added vitamins and minerals. Culinary innovations include using flavored teas (such as green tea with lemon) as a poaching liquid for seafood or chicken, or macha (green) tea powder as an ingredient in baked or dessert items. Tea is even in barbeque sauce!

I had the opportunity to see a tea plantation and enjoy a tea ceremony in Japan. The evergreen shrubs were beautiful and carefully tended. Tea grows at higher elevations in many Asian countries – it was a beautiful landscape and is where I was first introduced to green tea.  

Tea flavors are shaped by the terroir or soil/climate/altitude of the place it is grown. ³ They are also defined by the part of the plant that it is made from, and the types of processing those plant elements are subjected to. Finally, they may be enhanced by essential oils, or combinations with other plants, such as herbs or spices (such as Chai, a tea spiced with cardamom and cinnamon). Tea truth – beverages made with herbs, spices, flowers and other plants that do not include the Camelia Sinensis leaves are not teas – they are tisanes. That term is more technical – “herbal tea” is a more consumer-friendly description and has become the more common term used for those brewed beverages.

Take some time to explore the amazing world of tea with the many varieties and flavors you can find in stores. You will find yourself in good company – 159 million Americans enjoy tea each day! ⁴

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¹, ⁴https://www.teausa.com/teausa/images/Tea_Fact_2021.pdf

²IFIC, accessed 9/7/22, https://foodinsight.org/coffee-and-tea-can-hydrate-too/

³Tea Aroma Formation https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221345301500018X

Cacao, Cocoa, and Chocolate: What are the Differences?

Mia Teal

E-Commerce Marketing Department

‘Tis the season for curling up by the fire while drinking a delicious cup of hot cocoa. Cocoa can be used for so many different food recipes, as well as in drinks. Before we get into that, what exactly is cocoa, and what is the difference between cacao, cocoa, and chocolate? Let’s dive in!

Cacao (pronounced kuh-kau) comes from the Theobroma cacao tree which is Native to South America, West Africa, and parts of Asia. Cacao and cocoa are essentially the same thing, but in different forms. Cocoa is made from cacao, to put it simply. Cacao is the natural form, whereas cocoa is more processed. Cacao tends to have a bitter taste compared to cocoa which is sweeter.

Now that we understand the difference between cacao and cocoa, where does chocolate fit into the picture? Chocolate is made from cocoa powder mixed with other products, such as milk, sugar, and cream. Depending on the type of chocolate and where you buy it from, there may be other ingredients mixed in, such as almonds, cranberries, sea salt, etc.

Check out some of our easy and delicious recipes! Happy National Cocoa Day! 

Spinach, Black Bean, & Corn Salad with Chipotle-Cocoa Vinaigrette: Who says salads can’t be fun? Try this nutrient-packed salad with a cocoa twist! 

Chocolate-Zucchini Muffins: Are you a fan of muffins? Try this super easy recipe for a breakfast on-the-go!

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: It may be cold outside, but a warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream in the middle will make anyone’s heart melt!

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Emerging COVID-19 Treatments

COVID-19 continues to remain prevalent and affects people daily across the globe. Fortunately, there are some FDA-approved treatments and Emergency Use Authorization medications available to treat COVID-19. Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) treatments are medications that are not FDA-approved but are allowed to be used under certain conditions in the US.

FDA-approved Treatments

The FDA has approved an antiviral drug called Veklury also known as remdesivir. This drug is administered intravenously (IV) and is for adults and certain children with COVID-19. Remdesivir works by stopping the virus from replicating in the body.

Another drug that is approved by the FDA for certain hospitalized adults is called Olumiant also known as baracitinib. This drug is an oral medication that works as an immune modulator that helps to block the virus from entering and infecting lung cells. Baracitinib is also used as an EUA medication in certain hospitalized children with COVID-19.

Emergency Use Authorization Treatments

There are several treatments available for adults and children called monoclonal antibodies that are IV medications. Monoclonal antibodies work by helping your immune system recognize and respond to the virus.

Two oral medications are available for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Both medications are antiviral medications that help to prevent the virus from replicating.

One of the medications is called Paxlovid also known as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Paxlovid may be used in adults and children older than 12 years old who weigh at least 88 pounds. The other oral antiviral medication is called Lagevrio also known as molnupiravir. This medication is only used in adults.

Which treatment is right for me?

If you develop symptoms that could be COVID-19, get tested immediately. If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible for any treatments. Some people may not qualify for certain treatments. Your healthcare provider will be able to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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Fabulous, Fudgy Brownies & More!

Mia Teal

E-Commerce Marketing Department

There is nothing better than taking a bite out of a warm, fudgy brownie with creamy vanilla ice cream on top. Brownies are so good that not only do they have one national day, but they have two! December 8th is National Brownie Day and February 10th is National Have a Brownie Day. Since today is December 8th, Price Chopper and Market 32 have so many ways for you to celebrate that you may not even realize. Some of our options include freshly baked brownies from the bakery, brownie mixes in the bakery aisle, brownie ice cream, brownie energy bars, and more! Be sure to check out our fantastic brownie recipes at the bottom of this blog.

For those of you that may be interested in making your own brownies either from scratch or from a mix, did you know that there are so many add-in options? While walnuts are the most popular addition to brownies, take a look at some other choices below!

Nuts: Chopped Walnuts, pecans, and almonds add the perfect amount of crunch to the gooey-goodness! Sprinkle in coconut for some extra flavor and sweetness.

Morsels (Milk/Dark/White Chocolate or Peanut Butter): Morsels are a great addition to add on top of the brownies or directly in the batter. If you are feeling like taking your brownies to the next level, try adding in all four morsel flavors above!

Candy Pieces or Candy Bar Chunks: You cannot go wrong with adding in candy pieces or candy bar chunks. Try M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, peppermint pieces (perfect for the Holidays!), heath bar pieces, etc.

Peanut Butter: Name a better combo than peanut butter and chocolate…If you are a peanut butter lover, try adding in ½ cup of melted peanut butter either in your brownies, on top of the brownies, or both. Microwave for no longer than 30 seconds. There is also the option of chopping up Reese’s Peanut butter cups for the batter.

Nutella: Adding Nutella to your brownie mix is a must! Just like adding peanut butter, microwave ½ cup of melted Nutella for 30 seconds and add in the batter or on top of the brownies.

Cookie Pieces: Crush up some cookies and add to the mix. Crushed Oreos work perfectly in or on top of brownies.

Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are perfect to add in your brownie mix or to place on top of the batter before baking. Please keep an eye on the marshmallows as they bake – You do not want them to brown or burn! 

Caramel Syrup: If you have never had caramel in your brownies, stop what you are doing and pick up some caramel syrup and brownie mix! It will not disappoint.

Frosting, Powdered Sugar, or Fruit: We have so many frosting options in our baking section. If you rather keep it simple, powdered sugar and fruit are great add-ons as well!

Magic Brownie Bars: Only five ingredients? Yes, please! The mix of chocolate with nuts will instantly bring a smile to your face!

Brookie Muffins: On a time-crunch? All you need is your favorite brownie mix, nonstick baking spray, and peanut butter cookie dough! 

Red Velvet Brownies with Cookies & Cream Frosting: Bring some holiday cheer in your home with these delicious Red Velvet Brownies!

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Boasting About Blueberries

It’s always blueberry season. Production in North and South America make blueberries an option all year round. Here in the U.S., they are grown coast to coast, with blueberry farms functioning in 38 states. However, more than 98% of blueberry production in the U.S. happens in just 10 states, Oregon, Washington, Georgia, Michigan, California, New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Minnesota. Let’s celebrate this year-round superstar by highlighting some of our favorite recipes!

Blueberry-Mango Crisp: Blueberry teams up with mango to make this delicious crisp a must-try.

Blueberry French Toast Bake: Waking up and enjoying some French toast in the morning is a great way to start the day. Take your recipe to the next level by adding blueberries.

Blueberry-Banana Chia Seed Muffins: In this tasty muffin recipe, blueberry and banana flavors work in perfect harmony.

Zabaglione with Fresh Berries: Zabaglione is an Italian dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine. Blueberries, along with raspberries and strawberries, make great additions to the dish.  

Grilled Fruit Pizza: Tired of your same old pizza order? Try this Grilled Fruit Pizza featuring cream cheese, pecan pieces, honey, and an array of tasty fruits, blueberries included.  

Four-Berry Hazelnut Crisp: Another cozy crisp for the cold winter months. This Four-Berry Hazelnut Crisp does the trick every time.

Whole Wheat Blueberry-Nut Pancakes: Much like French toast, blueberries elevate breakfast when they are added to pancakes. In this recipe, the blueberry-nut addition is excellent.

Granola Bites: This Granola Bites recipe is a tasty snack for any occasion. In this case, dried blueberries make for a great ingredient.

Homemade Vanilla Pudding with Berries: Lastly, add some berries to your homemade vanilla pudding with this recipe. You’ll be surprised how delightful it turns out.

For more, visit: https://blueberry.org/

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