Creative Cookies for the Holidays!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Cookies, cookies and more cookies! The holidays are quickly approaching, but do not panic! Whether you are baking cookies for a holiday party, an office cookie swap, or getting your baking out of the way now and freezing everything, Price Chopper and Market 32 have you covered. We have all the best ingredients needed to make cookies from scratch. However, we understand that finding time to make homemade cookies can be troublesome. Not only do we have an abundance of cookie mixes in our baking aisles, but we also have a wide variety of gourmet cookies from our bakery department. Our bakery teammates are readily available to assist and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to check out our outstanding variety of cookies that are out on display. The collection of our gourmet cookies is located at the end of this blog.
Considering today is National Cookie Day, we want to provide you with some delicious cookie recipes from our website. These are perfect for the holidays, or just to try something new. Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s celebrate National Cookie Day the right way – by enjoying our favorite cookies of course!
Hot Chocolate Cookies: Can these cookies get any cuter? Tip: Pick up PICS hot cocoa mix to enjoy while serving these cookies!
Almond Macaroons: With just six ingredients, these macaroons are simple, nutty, and a great addition to your cookie platter!
Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies: What’s a holiday without decorating sugar cookies? Be sure to grab icing, sprinkles, and any other candy the kids will love in our baking aisles.
Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze: Pumpkin and fresh orange are the perfect pair. Surprise your guests with a different type of cookie this holiday season.
Cranberry, Lemon, & Pistachio Shortbread Holiday Cookies: The flavors in this cookie are unmatched. Click on the link to watch a short clip on how to make this incredible recipe!
Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, & Dried Cherry Cookies: There is a lot going on in this cookie! To add even more to the batter, feel free to roll in chopped walnuts or pecans.
Happy holidays from Price Chopper and Market 32!
It’s Canning Season!
One of the best parts of summer is easy access to an abundance of fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables. However, when the colder months roll around we are once again left deprived of these natural delights. Enter canning! Canning is a method of preservation, and the best way to enjoy summertime vegetables throughout the colder months.
Canning is an essential and safe, if done properly, method to food preservation. The canning process involves placing foods such as fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, pickles, and other preserves, in jars and heating them to a temperature that eliminates micro-organisms that cause the food to spoil. During the heating process, air is driven out of the jar and as it cools a vacuum seal is formed. This seal prevents air from getting back into the jar, preventing these micro-organisms from contaminating the food and leading to successful preservation.
With fall fast approaching, we’d like to share some home canning tips to help you have as much success as possible this year. If your garden has been a success this year, you’ll probably have a good amount of vegetables to can! And if you’re canning from store-bought items, make sure to read your ingredient list closely and beforehand to see if ingredients need to be prepped before the canning process. For example, does your watermelon rind need to be soaked in brine overnight before you can begin the pickling process?
When it comes to filling, experts have said that sterilizing jars and lids is not necessary because all bacteria will be eliminated in the process. Therefore, you can reuse jars from previous years, as long as they are in good condition. You’ll just need new lids to ensure a tight seal. Jars should be washed and dried before they are filled. It’s important to soak your new lids in hot water for ten minutes to soften the rubber edge, and help the lids grip on the top of the jar when the rings are screwed on.
Once the jars have been successfully processed, let them sit, untouched for at least an hour. As the jar cools the lids will sink into the center and you may hear a “ping” sound, indicating the lids have sealed. Store your jars away from direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place. Processed foods typically are good for a year, although many items will not spoil for a longer period of time. If you see mold, discoloration, or smell something funny, discard the food immediately. If a jar’s seal has been compromised discard of the food immediately, and ultimately, when in doubt, throw it out.
What’s basically the main ingredient in canning? Mason jars! We have them: Order yours from us here.
Happy canning!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
The days are getting shorter, nights are longer, and the air is much colder. This time of year can be tough, but we have a way to bring some color to your home! At Price Chopper and Market 32, we take pride in our beautiful floral department and have incredibly talented teammates that are readily available for assistance.
We have a wide variety of flowers and colors available year-round, including Pompons, Poinsettias, Sunflowers, Roses, Bouquets, and much more. Whether you are celebrating the holidays, a birthday, anniversary, or another milestone, these flowers also make for the perfect gift. With the proper care, our flowers last for a couple weeks at a time and are sure to bring some happiness to your home this winter season!
Pompons:
We have an array of pompons in our floral section. Colors include purple, lavender, yellow, pink, white, green, and tie-dye. Interestingly, pompons bloom in various forms. Some can resemble daisies and others can look like buttons. They are the second most-sold flower worldwide, only outsold by roses. Be sure to stop in today for your fresh bunch of poms!
Roses:
Show your love this holiday season with a fresh bouquet of roses! Did you know that we also sell single roses? Well, now you do! Stop by your local Price Chopper and Market 32 and be sure to check out our beautiful rose options with varying colors.
Bouquets:
We have stunning bouquets that can be given for any occasion, or just to add some joy in your home. If you cannot find what you are looking for, our florists can create custom bouquets as well.
Don’t wait any longer! Head to our Floral Page to browse through our stunning selection of flowers.
How to Avoid Winter Colds
Cold season is right around the corner and there are several ways to avoid getting sick. If you do get sick, there are ways to get you feeling better too.
Preventing Transmission
-The best way to prevent colds is with good hand hygiene. Be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds frequently during the winter months.
–Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands to prevent the virus from entering the body.
-Stay away from people who are sick. Being in close contact to others who are sick can easily spread the virus to you.
If You Get a Cold
-The best thing to do is to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
-Supplements such as zinc, vitamin C and elderberry may help reduce the length of a cold. Zinc lozenges have shown to be effective at reducing the length of a cold when started within 24 hours of symptom onset.
Let Us Bake the Cake!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
With Thanksgiving all wrapped up, it is time to start thinking about your next holiday celebration. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we are proud to have a fantastic Bakery Department at all of our stores that produce the finest baked goods, including custom cakes for any celebration. Since today just happens to be National Cake Day, we wanted to give a special shout to our incredibly talented and dedicated bakery teammates who make this all possible!
What type of cakes will you find in our bakery? We have an array of bakery cakes including sheet cakes, specialty cakes, cupcake varieties, ice cream cakes, cheesecakes, and cookie cakes just to name a few. Be sure to browse our bakery cake collection below, or speak with a bakery associate for a customized cake!
If you are looking to be more adventurous this holiday season, take a look at some of our mouth-watering cake recipes below. They are sure to be a hit!
Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake: Yes, you read that right – A cake made with olive oil! The combination of cinnamon and orange is sure to have your guests in awe.
Dried Cherry-Lemon Tea Ring: This dessert would be perfectly paired with a hot cup of tea. Be sure to include red, green, & white icing to make this cake super festive!
Spiced Apple Coffee Cake with Pecan Oat-Streusel: With only six ingredients, your tastebuds will be jumping for joy this holiday season!
Eggnog Poke Cake with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: What’s a holiday without eggnog? Well, have you ever had an eggnog cake? Now that you have this easy recipe, why not give it a try?
Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Love
As you know, at Price Chopper & Market 32, we specialize in food. And Thanksgiving might just be the biggest food day of the year. So, naturally, we’re here to help you out! With the all the food that comes with Thanksgiving you’re almost certain to have leftovers, and you don’t want those going to waste. Here’s some ideas to love your Thanksgiving leftovers until they are gone!
Turkey Pot Pie: Pot pie is a lovely comfort dish. Perhaps exactly what you need for the post-Thanksgiving blues before Christmas.
Roasted Buffalo Turkey: If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken, you’ll enjoy buffalo turkey just the same, maybe even more!
Open-Faced Turkey Melt: This Open-Faced Turkey Melt provides a yummy sandwich alternative for leftover turkey and cranberry sauce.
Cranberry Apple Stuffed Pork Chops: Stuffing like you’ve never used it before, this is an awesome choice for the leftovers that weren’t enjoyed on Thanksgiving.
Mashed Potato, Cheddar & Leek Casserole: Leftover mashed potatoes? Some cheddar cheese, bacon, and leeks will turn that into a nice casserole.
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Roll Ups with Cranberry Mustard: These Turkey Pot Pie Roll-Ups are an excellent alternative to a whole pot pie, and the cranberry mustard is delicious.
Turkey, Cranberry, & Goat Cheese Quesadillas: Turn your turkey and cranberry into a quesadilla! Add a little goat cheese and this creative option works like a charm.
Loaded Leftover Soup with Stuffing Croutons: With leftovers, soup is always a winner. And this recipe works beautifully for post-Thanksgiving eats.
Thanksgiving Appetizer Sale!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
With Thanksgiving only four days away, we understand that preparing for the holidays can get hectic. We want to make your holiday as peaceful, enjoyable, and easy as possible. Oh, and saving money is crucial! We are excited to provide you with delicious appetizers for your Thanksgiving meal on sale this week only from November 20th to the 26th. We have everything you need including cheese, crackers, frozen appetizers, and Market 32 strombolis and much, much more. While we have a very large variety of appetizer items on sale, do not be overwhelmed. We have an option for everyone!
If you prefer to make your own appetizers but are not sure what to prepare, check out the recipes in this blog. Still be sure to browse the sale items in the collection below for your homemade appetizers!
Turkey Cheese Ball: Nothing screams Thanksgiving like this Turkey Cheese Ball! Be sure to include some of the crackers on sale to surround the cheese.
Spicy Caribbean Peel & Eat Shrimp: With a variety of shrimp marked down this week, this recipe is a must!
Strawberry, Basil, and Mozzarella Skewers with Balsamic Reduction: All tasty, fresh items in one appetizer! The best part is, we have select Market 32 mozzarella cheese included in this week’s sale!
National Homemade Bread Day!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
The aroma of freshly baked bread is like no other. On National Homemade Bread Day, we want you to step out of your comfort zone and try making your own bread from scratch. If you do not feel up to the challenge or maybe time is not in your favor today, we have some ways for you to get creative even with a quick bread mix of your choice.
There are so many more options than just plain “white” and “whole grain” bread. What about something sweet or savory? At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have a variety of options for your bread. Take a look at the items below!
Spices & Herbs:
- 1. Cinnamon
- 2. Nutmeg
- 3. Cloves
- 4. Sage
- 5. Thyme
- 6. Basil
- 7. Rosemary
Grains:
- 1. Oat
- 2. Bran
- 3. Wheat
- 4. Barely
- 5. Rye
Candy, Nuts, & Seeds:
- 1. Milk / Dark Chocolate Chips
- 2. Coconut Flakes
- 3. Walnuts
- 4. Pistachios
- 5. Almonds
- 6. Poppy/ Sesame / Flax seeds
Fruits:
- 1. Bananas
- 2. Apples / Applesauce
- 3. Blueberries
- 4. Cherries
- 5. Apricots
- 6. Raisins
- 7. Kalamata Olives
- 8. Lemon / Lime / Orange Zest
Vegetables:
- 1. Zucchini
- 2. Carrots
- 3. Pumpkin
Cheeses:
- 1. Cheddar
- 2. Parmesan
- 3. Goat
If you are on a tight schedule and don’t have time to make any sort of bread, check out our Bakery Section for a wide variety of delicious bread. You will not be disappointed!
Malta Market 32 Grand Re-Opening: Meet the Team!
We have an awesome team over at our Malta, NY location. We’re excited to give them some shine. Through their hard work and efforts, we are able to re-open their store to a brand more Market 32! Learn more about our Malta, NY roster.
Store Manager: Paul Colwell
Shortly after graduating High School, Paul entered the US Navy. Upon completion of his service, he knew he needed to gain employment. Pondering his future in the Fall of 1990, he walked into the old Lenox, MA Price Chopper and put in his application. Paul was hired on the spot as a Part-Time Front End teammate. Originally, Paul had no aspirations of a career in retail, but was given the opportunity to train in other areas around the store and didn’t miss the chance. He learned produce, seafood, grocery, and receiving and from there became hooked on all the ins and outs of the daily operations of the store!
Paul’s first Full-Time opportunity was in the old Lee, MA Price Chopper as “third man on night crew.” Over the next 10 years, he held the positions of Assistant Night Manager, Night Manager, Assistant Grocery Manager, and Grocery Manager, expanding his experience over 18 different locations throughout Vermont and Massachusetts over that time. In 2003, Paul was promoted to Store Manager of the old Springfield, VT Price Chopper. From there, he went on manage our stores in Manchester, VT, Essex, VT, Barre, VT, New Lebanon, NH, Rutland, VT, and eventually, Malta, NY in the Winter of 2020.
All told, Paul’s Price Chopper journey has taken him to some type of work in 29 different stores and locations. He says he’s fortunate to have worked for any organization whose afforded him the many opportunities to learn, grown, and develop, all while enjoying a career he is passionate about. Paul says, “I have spent the last 32 years blessed to be a part of so many wonderful teams, and to have worked with teammates that are absolutely the best in the industry. Lastly, I am humbled by all those who were gracious in passing their knowledge onto me.”
We’re excited to have Paul and his team leading the way as we re-open the Malta store to a brand new Market 32!
Co-Manager: Jodi Clain
Jodi joined the Price Chopper team in 1996 as a Part-Time Deli teammate. She’s held positions of Assistant Team Leader and Deli Team Lead in our Saratoga Springs, NY, Clifton Park, NY, and Market Bistro locations, earning several awards for her leadership along the way. As Co-Manager of our Malta store Jodi exemplifies both a strong work ethic and outstanding leadership abilities.
General Merchandise Team Lead: Bob Pavone
Bob began his Price Chopper career in 1982 as a Part-Time teammate. After a stint as Full-Time Night Crew in 1989, Bob joined the old Hudson, NY Price Chopper as Assistant General Merchandise Manager. In 1990, he was promoted to General Merchandise Team Lead and has held the position for the past 32 years. As a leader in General Merchandise Bob is tremendous, but he’s an even more outstanding human being. Regardless of what Bob has in front of him on a daily basis, you’ll find him helping out his fellow teammates in other departments, all while fulfilling the needs of guests, and even making repairs on broken equipment. Bob continuously exemplifies compassion for others, and his selfishness makes him a valued member of our team. We’re proud to put the spotlight on his 40 years of distinguished service!
Original Nachos and Nachos Today
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Happy National Nachos Day to our nacho-loving customers! Since National Nachos Day falls on a Sunday this year, what better way to celebrate than serving Nachos at your Sunday football get together! Whether you prefer just cheese on your nachos or loading every topping possible, there is truly no right or wrong way to eat them.
How these cheesy, fried tortillas came to be so popular is actually quite the story. Dating back to 1940, a group of women who were the wives of soldiers stationed in Eagle Pass, Texas went to the Victory Club in Piedras looking for a bite to eat. Unfortunately, they had arrived after hours, but Ignacio (Nacho) Anaya would not turn the women away. He whipped up whatever he could find in the kitchen to serve to these ladies, which included Colby cheese, jalapenos, and fried tortillas. The women loved this meal so much that they called it “Nacho’s Special” and asked for more. Anaya added the dish to his menu, where they flourished with his customers. Later, Anaya opened a restaurant called “Nacho’s.”
Over time, people began to experiment with different nacho toppings. Today, some popular toppings include pulled chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, pulled pork, steak, chili, jalapenos, guacamole, cubed avocado, salsa, hot sauce, scallions, olives, lettuce, beans, corn, peppers, onions, sour cream, and cheese of course! Check out some of our favorite nacho recipes for the big game!
Tortilla Chip Street Pan Nachos: The simple nachos we know and love! While this recipe only calls for four ingredients, you can add any toppings that you see fit!
Smashed Cauliflower Nachos: A spin on traditional nachos, these Smashed Cauliflower Nachos are exploding with flavor!
Irish Nachos with Crispy Brussel Sprouts: Brussel sprouts in your nachos? Don’t let that scare you. They are crisped in a little oil and salt to make for a delicious addition for your nachos.
Grilled Foil Chicken Nachos: These chicken nachos are sure to be a fan favorite! The chicken can be shredded or cubed depending on preference.
Enjoy!