Setting Up Your Fridge with PICS
Welcome to the neighborhood! One of the very first steps of moving is finding the right grocery store for you and your family. You may have heard of Price Chopper and Market 32, but there’s so much to learn, unpack and explore with our stores. Firstly, we offer our very own PICS brand featuring a wide variety of quality items. The convenience of one name offering so many essential products makes filling the fridge easy. Here are some ideas to start you on your way to your best fridge yet!
Essentials:
PICS Eggs: Eggs are a vital part of the refrigerator, often having their own drawer. Our PICS line features a ton of eggcellent choices.
PICS Cheese: Say cheese! PICS is there for any cheesy meal or snack your heart desires. That’s certain to make you smile.
PICS Condiments: Condiments are a key factor in setting up the fridge. Luckily, PICS has it covered.
Beverages:
PICS Water: PICS Water comes in a number of different flavors and enhanced varieties like sparkling water. No matter how you enjoy it, water is a necessity in the fridge.
PICS Milk: Regular or chocolate. Dairy or almond. Our PICS line carries all types of milk.
PICS Juice: PICS also includes all of our favorite juices. We prefer orange juice to get the day started on the right foot.
Fruits and Vegetables:
PICS Vegetables: Make mom proud. Eat your PICS Vegetables.
PICS Fruits: PICS offers easy ways to get your fruit fix. Check out our selection.
Dessert:
PICS Ice Cream: Yes, ice cream belongs in the freezer. But we couldn’t leave you without a sweet treat. Try out PICS Ice Cream for a yummy dessert.
We have a lot to offer at Price Chopper and Market 32, and one of the things we’re most proud of is our PICS brand. We hope you try out the options above and that they help you feel welcomed in our stores. Our PICS brand includes something for everyone so enjoy exploring all of its variety for you and your family!
I love homemade freeze pops! They are easy, creative and delicious to make. July is one of my favorite times to pull out my Creamy Blueberry Freeze Pops, whip them up and keep a fresh batch in the freezer to snack on in the hot weather.
These freeze pops have a triple layer of flavor to savor while enjoying them for a summer cool down. They are packed with fresh blueberries and made with a base of Greek yogurt.
Making freeze pops is a great way to spend time with the kiddos in the kitchen and make memories as you complete a recipe together. It’s a also a great recipe to make without turning on the oven.
Creamy Blueberry Freeze Pops by Jodie Fitz
12 oz. Greek vanilla yogurt
1 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries
1/2 of a lime
2 tablespoons honey
4 – 5 oz. paper cups
4 wooden craft sticks
Makes 4 pops
Rinse the blueberries. Divide the blueberries by measuring and placing 3/4 cup of blueberries into a bowl and the remaining 3/4-cup of blueberries into a mini chopper, food processor or blender. Chop the 3/4-cup of blueberries until they are finely chopped.
Divide the yogurt into two bowls, 6 oz. in each.
Extract the juice from the lime using either citrus squeezer or your hands. It will yield approximately 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Divide the lime juice, approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons, into each bowl of yogurt.
Add 1 tablespoon of honey into each bowl of yogurt.
Add the chopped blueberries into one of the bowls of yogurt. Fold the ingredients together in each bowl using separate spatulas or spoons. Keep the two yogurt mixtures separate.
Line up your paper coated cups.
Layer One: Evenly distribute the vanilla mixture into the cups.
Layer Two: Evenly distribute the whole blueberries into each of the cups.
Layer Three: Evenly distribute the blueberry yogurt mixture into each of the cups.
Add a wooden craft stick into the center of each cup. Place the cups into the freezer and freeze overnight.
More on making these Creamy Blueberry Freeze Pops
Greek Yogurt: Use your favorite. Mine is currently the Cabot Vanilla Bean located in the dairy aisle of your local Price Chopper/Market 32 stores.
Removing the Cup: Remove the cup from the freeze pop by simply snipping the edge of the cup and peeling it from the cup. DO NOT wet the outside to remove it, the yogurt will melt quicker.
Wooden Craft Sticks: These can typically be found at your local Price Chopper/Market 32 Supermarkets in the school supply aisle or a craft store.
Can you use freeze pop molds? YES! It may make more or less pops depending on the mold and size.
Saving the extras: If you have extra pops, simply keep them in the freezer in a snap and seal style freezer storage bag. Keep them in the cups until you are ready to use them.
Lessons with making Creamy Blueberry Freeze Pops for Kids:
- Measuring
- Folding
- Chopping
- Extracting lime juice
- Following directions
- Making freeze pops
Camping Essentials
In this summer of social distancing it’s challenging to find ways to enjoy the season while remaining safe at the same time. Camping is an excellent way to get outdoors while taking the necessary precautions. If you’re planning a camping trip for the first time, we’ve put together a list of some of our essentials to make your trip a success!
Simply Done Household Products: Our Simply Done brand has everything you need to make your trip easy. From cutlery to trash bags, all the necessary household products are included on our website so you can rest assured that you did not forget anything. You will be all set for the entirety of your trip!
Sunscreen: When it comes to spending time in the great outdoors the sun is one of nature’s biggest threats. It’s important to stay protected with sunscreen while having fun in the sun. Luckily, we offer a number of brands for you to choose from.
PICS Snacks: Our PICS brand offers an awesome variety of snacks, including our new and improved PICS chips line which features four new flavors. PICS offers plenty of items, keeping you stocked up and satisfied all trip long!
Beer (21+): Beer always makes a nice addition to a getaway. Stop by your local store where we offer a wide range of local brews for your convenience. There’s something for everyone to enjoy the trip.
Things may be different this year but we are still finding ways to get out and enjoy the nice weather. A camping trip is a quiet, fun time with the family. Perfect for this particular summer. We recommend checking out all of these options to make your trip the ultimate success!
DIY Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
by Jodie Fitz
Love S’mores? We do! Always looking for a roasting stick? We are or we were until we learned how to make DIY Marshmallow Roasting Sticks from hangers and we have been transformed ever since!
They are easy to make, the kids will love making this craft activity and they will make your next campfire simple; no trudging through the woods for sticks!
These little roasters will wow your friends and be a conversation starter around the fire. Here’s how to start your S’mores making family fun!
Supplies needed:
Wire Hanger(s) with the cardboard tube at the bottom
Electrical Tape
Duct Tape (optional)
Wire Snips
Scissors
Directions:
Step 1: Using the wire snips separate the metal part of the hanger from the cardboard tube by clipping as close to the tube as possible. You want to keep as much of the metal intact that you can. There will be a little metal hook left behind in the cardboard tube. Sometimes this pops out, sometimes you have to clip the cardboard (see the video for more on this step).
Step 2: Straighten the hanger hook as much as possible.
Step 3: Insert the straightened hook part of the wire hanger into the cardboard tube. The portion of the hanger with the prongs will be exposed and coming out of the tube; ultimately they will be your marshmallow roasters.
Step 4: Cover the cardboard tube with electrical tape to protect it from the fire!
Step 5: If desired, add a little portion of duct tape at the bottom of the tube, this simply allows us to remember who the stick belongs to.
EXTRA: Get creative with your electrical tape colors and designs!
Storing: When you are all done roasting, remove the single metal part from the cardboard tube, squeeze the open prongs together, and insert them into the tube for storage until you’re ready for a future roast.
Washing: I let the sticks cool along with the marshmallow that’s left behind. Simply wash with dish detergent and a scrub brush.
How we make our S’mores:
We love a traditional S’more with a roasted marshmallow, graham cracker and chocolate bar, but we have discovered and love a few other flavors as well. Here are a few ingredients to pick up next time you are at your local Price Chopper/Market 32 Supermarket to make and try.
Experimenting with S’more flavors makes for great fireside conversation with friends and adds that extra touch family fun; it’s all about making memories.
- Roasted marshmallow, PICS graham crackers and Reese’s peanut butter cup.
- Roasted marshmallow, chocolate graham crackers and either Ghirardelli Mint Chocolate Squares or Peppermint Patties.
- Roasted marshmallow, honey graham cracker and Ghirardelli Caramel Chocolate Squares.
- Roasted marshmallow, honey graham cracker and Ghirardelli Raspberry Chocolate Squares.
Allergies?
Gluten Free: Check out Kinnikinnick S’morealbes Graham Crackers.
Nut Free: Check out Sun Cups, which are nut free.
Creative Roots: Low Sugar Hydration for Kids
More than half of all children and adolescents are under-hydrated. This has significant repercussions beyond thirst, affecting both physical and emotional health. Under-hydration is often driven by clear tension between what kids want to drink, and what parents feel good about serving them. Luckily, these arguments can be eased with Creative Roots, a great tasting flavored water beverage for kids.
Creative Roots combines fruity flavors kids love with the natural benefits of plants that parents can feel good about. This sweet coconut treat contains no added sugar and has only 15 calories per serving. Made with all-natural ingredients, and only 1 gram of sugar per bottle, you can discover the great taste of Creative Roots through 4 refreshing flavors: Watermelon Lemonade, Peach Mango, Mixed Berry, and Orange Pineapple. Check out Creative Roots today for beneficial, kid-approved hydration. Find this plant-powered beverage in the kid’s beverage aisle!
National French Fries Day!
Happy National French Fries Day! Today we celebrate a staple side dish and burger’s best friend. French fries have made their mark around the world and have established themselves as a favorite in many different cultures. But we wanted to find out more. Do they actually come from France? Here’s the story of the famous French fry.
Interestingly enough, French fries are Belgian. Not French. Historians claim that in Belgium, potatoes were being fried as early as they late-1600s. As the legend goes, Belgian villagers would eat fried fish that they had caught in the river. However, once the weather turned too cold and the river froze over, they were forced to find alternate sources of food. During these months, the villagers relied on the potato. Belgians prepared the root plant the same way they did their fish, by slicing and frying. Ultimately, giving them French fries.
So if they originated in Belgium, why are they called French fries? Great question. These tasty tots were first given to American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I. With French being the official language of the Belgian army, the name stuck.
French fries are popular across the globe. Although commonly dipped in ketchup, mayonnaise, and vinegar, there is variety in how these satisfying strips are enjoyed. In Belgium, French fries are eaten with cooked mussels or with a fried egg. In the United Kingdom, they enjoy the well-known dish “fish & chips.” Canadians like poutine, a dish featuring fries and cheese curds, topped with gravy. In France, fries are eaten with grilled steak, and in the Middle East they are wrapped in pita bread with chicken. They are served differently in different countries, but their popularity remains consistent.
Once used as a method to survive cold winters, French fries have made their mark as a top-notch side dish. In America, we commonly enjoy them with some ketchup next to our burger or sandwich. However, they have proven their versatility throughout a number of different cuisines. Celebrate the day and stop in to your local Price Chopper/Market 32 or shop online for all of your favorite French fry related products!
Innovative in the Kitchen with Rotisserie Chicken
Save time in the kitchen with our Market 32 rotisserie chicken! Our new rotisserie chicken is 15% bigger, with tender white meat that’s antibiotic free. Enjoy this convenient kitchen staple in mouthwatering flavors, including Original, Zesty Lemon Pepper, Savory Rosemary Garlic, All-Natural and Authentic BBQ. Plus, we’ve added a new flavor for a limited time only: Sweet Thai Chili. Now, there’s even more reason to taste this delicious and versatile family favorite.
Rotisserie chicken is great on its own and adds an abundance of protein and flavor to countless recipes. Try these clever ideas for using rotisserie chicken in your menu repertoire.
Apps & Snacks
Ready-to-use rotisserie chicken adds ease to prepping quick snacks and appetizers. Incorporate it into any dip in need of a hearty protein boost or use it in loaded homemade sweet potato fries topped with rotisserie chicken, chopped bell peppers and feta. Lettuce wraps filled with a combination of our Authentic BBQ rotisserie chicken, BBQ sauce, pineapple, coleslaw and red onion are sure to satisfy a small group before the big meal. Go bite-size with trendy Oven-Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders or Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wonton Bites that both offer a tangy kick of spice.
Winner, Winner Chicken Dinners
There are infinite dinner possibilities involving rotisserie chicken! Use it in an Open-Faced Chicken Melt featuring a healthy take on chicken salad topped with apples and melted cheddar. It’s also ideal for dishes such as fajita bowls, noodle bowls or this Chicken Banh Mi Bowl. You can also use rotisserie chicken to create the classic “chicken parmesan” flavor profile and use it as a filling for inventive Grilled Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats. Making Chicken Pot Pie is typically an intensive process, but with rotisserie chicken, this beloved comforting meal becomes as simple as pie. Or revive pizza night and add rotisserie chicken to flatbreads like this Chicken Cobb Salad Naan Flatbread recipe, for another savory pie sensation.
When you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken allows you to create extraordinary entrées with minimal effort. For more ways to creatively use our rotisserie chicken, click here!
Embrace strawberry season with some fresh, easy strawberry chia seed jam. This recipe is sweet, delicious and fruit packed. It takes 10 minutes to make and is a no-cook recipe. Not having to turn on the stovetop or the oven during the summer months is always a win-win, but it’s still fun to be in the kitchen creating and playing with food flavors.
This recipe is great to make with the kids in the morning. You can then enjoy it together at lunchtime, snack time or on summer picnics.
The chia seeds, also part of the super food group, serve as a natural thickening agent that happens to be “jam”–packed with goodness.
I love that I can make this for the week, control the amount of sugar and replace granulated sugar with honey.
Easy, No-Cook Strawberry Chia Seed Jam
by Jodie Fitz
1 pound fresh strawberries
3 tablespoons PICS honey or agave nectar
1 teaspoon PICS vanilla extract
3 tablespoons chia seeds
Wash and hull the strawberries. Pat them dry, or let them dry. Slice the strawberries.
Place the strawberries into a food processor or blender and blend until the strawberries are pureed.
Add the vanilla extract and honey. Mix the three ingredients together a little more in the food processor or blender.
Pour the mixture into a bowl. Fold the chia seeds into the pureed strawberry mixture.
Place the entire strawberry chia seed jam into a mason jar or other airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours before using.
How long does it last in the refrigerator? You can keep your easy Strawberry Chia Seed Jam in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Can you freeze this jam? Yes you can!
Lessons for kids when making this recipe:
- Preparing fruit
- Hulling strawberries
- Measuring ingredients
- Folding
- Blender and/or food processor safety
- Following directions
- Natural thickening agents
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!
Check Out Yasso's NEW Frozen Greek Yogurt Flavor
Yasso is the only better-for-you frozen dessert that delivers unsurpassed snacking satisfaction because we blends real, natural ingredients and flavors with the ridiculously creamy, wholesome goodness of Greek yogurt to create an truly crave-able frozen snacking experience. We don’t think you should have to sacrifice taste for cleaner ingredients. We’ve reimagined ice cream and the results are ridiculous, nostalgic, scoop shop flavors that don’t skimp on any of the cookie dough, chocolate chips or decadent swirls you love.
We use rich and creamy Greek yogurt as the base for our products to deliver an indulgent dessert that’s lower in calories (80-150 per serving) and packed with protein (5-7 grams per serving), made without high intensity sweeteners. You can enjoy Yasso anytime of day whether it be breakfast in the morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or late-night snack.
Price Chopper now carries three NEW flavors to join our Black Raspberry and Chocolate Fudge on shelf. First, Triple Peanut Butter A.K.A three times the peanut butter goodness – and what’s better than that? We mixed peanut butter flavored frozen Greek yogurt with the smoothest peanut butter swirl and the most delicious peanut butter chips around. Next, our Mint Chocolate Chip and Peanut butter Crunch flavors won’t disappoint. Enrobed in an indulgent chocolate quinoa crunch, our new chocolate dipped products are sure to hit that 2PM sweet tooth. And 3 PM, and 5 PM, but you get the point.
Find all ridiculously creamy and delicious Yasso products in the freezer aisle