Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
It’s hard to believe that Christmas has passed in a blink of an eye. Now you are left with gifts, some fatigue, and leftover ham! What are you supposed to do with it all? We understand the dilemma, but we are here to help! Whatever you do, do not throw out that ham, because we have the best recipes on how to transform these leftovers. You won’t have to cook lunch or dinner for the next few days with these recipe ideas. Read below and check out our websites for more inspiration:
Breakfast Panini: Change up your usual breakfast with this delicious Breakfast Panini! Ham, eggs, cheese, and tomatoes on either a Market 32 bagel or PICS English muffin. How delicious!
Russian-Style Potato Salad: If you do decide to cook this week but still don’t want to waste any leftovers, try making this Russian-Style Potato Salad. This side does not miss!
Ultimate Ham and Cheese Sliders: This easy eight-ingredient lunch is simple, yet fabulous. Be sure to pick up PICS cheese of your choice, as well as PICS salted butter.
Pork & Navy Bean Soup: The weather is only getting colder! Try throwing your leftover ham in this soup for a warm and hearty meal.
Enjoy!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
December 24th is National Eggnog Day, which is very fitting for this time of year. Eggnog can be purchased in the Dairy Section at any of our Price Chopper and Market 32 locations. If you want to try and make your own eggnog this holiday season, then this is the article for you! We have all of the fresh, delicious ingredients for this festive drink. Be sure to browse through our Price Chopper Website and our Price Chopper Ready for more holiday recipes.
What is eggnog? For those of you who may have never tried this drink, eggnog is a creamy, sweet mixture of milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and spices. Often, people may mix rum, bourbon, or brandy in eggnog as well. There is always an option for everyone, and there are many ways to make your eggnog dairy-free or vegan.
Ingredients needed:
3 cups PICS whole
1 cups PICS heavy cream
2 PICS large eggs
½ cup PICS granulated sugar
1 teaspoon PICS vanilla extract
½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
½ cup Dark Rum (optional)
6 Cinnamon sticks (optional)
Step 1: Heat milk and cream on medium heat until steaming. Whisk occasionally.
Step 2: Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl. Carefully add in ⅓ of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk combination to temper the eggs. Be sure to keep mixing.
Step 3: Transfer the milk & yolk mixture into the pot on the stove, and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes, or until mixture reaches 165°). Whisk continuously. At this point, you can add in alcohol for a spiked eggnog drink, OR wait until the very last step to beat in alcohol.
Step 4: Strain eggnog through a fine-mesh strainer and whisk in vanilla and nutmeg. Refrigerate eggnog for at least two hours.
Step 5: If you did not add in alcohol in step 3, you can beat it now on medium speed. Otherwise, pour into glasses, add some PICS whipped cream, and enjoy!
Dairy-Free Eggnog:
There are many different add-ins and recipes for dairy-free eggnog, but there are some key factors that stay the same throughout all dairy-free eggnog recipes: Omit the regular milk and cream and use almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk. People often use 2-4 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey in dairy-free eggnog.
Check out the full recipe here!
Vegan Eggnog:
Vegan eggnog calls for plant-based milk as well as the option to add in 1 tablespoon of canola or vegetable oil for a creamer drink. All of the spices stay the same.
Check out the full recipe here!
We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Today is a very important day; it’s National Maple Syrup Day! Maple syrup is used for so much more than just on pancakes or waffles. You can find maple syrup in cookies, drizzled on oatmeal, or even on your spaghetti! (Buddy the Elf, anyone?)
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we are proud to partner with a variety of local maple farms in our region to bring you the season’s best. Three farms we would like to highlight today are Adirondack Maple Farms (NY), Highland Sugarworks (VT), and Lamothe’s Sugar House (CT). Let’s see what they are all about!
Adirondack Maple Farms: Fonda, New York
Adirondack Maple Farms has been around for almost 50 years. Originally started by Bruce Roblee, the farm is now run by him and his son. “Adirondack Maple Farms prides itself on providing an extraordinary quality product with top-notch customer service.”
Learn more here!
Highland Sugarworks: Barre, Vermont
Highland Sugarworks was founded in 1968 by Jim MacIssac. He built his one and only sugarbush on the land he leased from his parents, packed the syrup and distributed it to local stores. In 2009, Highland Sugarworks relocated to a much larger location. “This 37,600 square-foot facility has been designed to accommodate additional high-speed bottling as well as streamlining all aspects of product handling, warehousing and shipping.”
Highland Sugarworks has a deep concern for the protection of the environment, and strives to improve their work methods.
Learn more here!
Lamothe’s Sugar House: Burlington, Connecticut
The Lamothes began making maple syrup in 1971. When Leonard Lamothe found taps for maple syrup, he and his sister decided to research how to make maple syrup at their local library.
Over time, the family learned the ins and outs of producing maple syrup and eventually moved their outdoor kitchen indoors. Their turning point was when a gentleman noticed they had been boiling sap and inquired about purchasing a quart of maple syrup from them. The family knew they were at the start of something huge!
Learn more here!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
The Christmas holiday is a beautiful time of year. For many people, ornaments are continuously collected from their children while in grade school, family trips, and other memories throughout the years. No matter your age, you are never too old to create an ornament to hang on the tree. Let’s take a look at making meaningful ornaments with food that you can purchase right at your local Price Chopper and Market 32 store. This is a great family activity that will bring laughs and beautiful memories.
Salt Dough Gingerbread Men
As the name suggests, these gingerbread men are going to be salty, so not ideal for eating! They are, however, ideal for ornament-making. The salt helps preserve the ornaments. After all, these gingerbread men are made for hanging on the tree – not for eating!
What you will need:
1/4 cup ground ginger
1/4 cup ground cloves
1 cup salt
3 cups flour
1 1/2 – 2 cups water
Parchment Paper
Baking Pan
Twine/ribbon/string
1 straw
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients together & slowly add the water. Roll the dough so that it is about 1/4 inch thick and create your desired shape. Use a straw to poke a hole in the top for the string later on. Bake at 250°F for 1-2 hours and let cool. Once dried, decorate and hang!
Melted Peppermints
This craft is simple, yet intriguing! You can use red or green peppermints here, or even a mix of both!
What you will need:
Peppermint Candies
Cookie Cutter
Parchment Paper
Toothpick/straw
Twine/ribbon/string
Directions:
Line a cookie sheet with cookie cutters of choice, and spray the inside of each cutter. Line the peppermints inside the cookie cutters and bake at 350°F for 3-9 minutes, but please pay attention to how quickly they are melting. Once the candies have melted together, remove from the oven. Gently use a toothpick or straw to poke a hole in the top of the ornament and let them completely harden. Remove the cutter from melted mints and hang!
We wish you a safe & happy holiday season!
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
Not getting adequate sleep can greatly interfere with everyday life. It is so important, improving sleep habits and quality have been added to the Life’s Essential 8 lifestyle factor list by the American Heart Association, a roadmap to protecting heart health. Sleep is fundamental to overall capacity to function properly, and depending on your age, the amount of sleep you need may differ. According to the CDC, adults ages 18-60 need 7+ of sleep a night. On the other hand, adults 61-64 need 7-9 hours a night and adults 65+ should be getting 7-8 hours.
The quality of your sleep is just as important as the quantity. Waking up multiple times a night will affect how you feel the next day. Data shows that lack of sleep can undermine mood, alertness, short-term memory, and focus. Long-term chronic sleep issues can negatively impact heart health, metabolism, and weight.
Luckily, there are many ways we can prepare for a better night’s sleep throughout our days. Ensure that you are staying physically active but be cautious of the timing of your exercise. Physical activity gives us energy, so if you work out close to bedtime, you may have more of a challenge falling asleep. Other factors that can undermine sleep health include blue light exposure from smart phones and computers, and shift work. Try limiting screen time before getting ready for bed. Not only does blue light stimulate your brain, but it also slows the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
While there are many ways to try and develop healthy sleep habits, we sometimes need extra assistance. If you or someone you know is struggling to obtain a steady sleep schedule, see your healthcare provider to have an evaluation for conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia. These require treatment as well. All medications and supplements should be evaluated by a healthcare provider and/or pharmacist for interactions. Melatonin or any sleep aids should be cleared with pediatricians, so children should never be given supplements without prior consultation.
We carry several sleep aids that may meet your needs, and some other items that can contribute to relaxation and sleep hygiene, such as chamomile and other teas, aromatic lotions, and bath salts. Look at our Sleep Aids Collection by clicking on the “Shop Sleep Aids” green tab below. We wish you sweet dreams!
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
Happy December 12th! Did you know that today is National Poinsettia Day? These beautiful red flowers are a holiday staple, as their vibrant color and immense beauty bring life to any space you decide to place it! With the holiday season in full swing, shopping for endless amounts of friends, family, and even coworkers can tend to feel stressful and overwhelming. Poinsettia is a flower that stands for joy and celebration, which makes it the perfect gift for the loved ones in your life! Poinsettias are known for their staple red shades, but this Christmas flower comes in various colors including white, pink, burgundy, yellow, purple and more.
The poinsettia flower is native to the beautiful country of Mexico. These flowers have been cultivated for centuries and were used by the Aztecs for their natural red dye in clothing. As the years had passed, in 1827, botanist Joel Poinsett took a trip to Mexico where he had seen this beautiful flower. Upon his return to South Carolina, his home state, he brought a few Poinsettias to cultivate and very quickly this flower gained popularity within the states.
Though the Poinsettia is a largely popular holiday flower, you may be wondering how. The poinsettia flower stems from the Mexican legend of Pepita and her Christmas weeds. On Christmas Eve, a young girl named Pepita had no gift for her Christmas service. Encouraged by her cousin, she went to collect a bundle of weeds and placed them on a nativity set. Within seconds, the weeds were said to have bloomed into the beautiful Poinsettia flowers that we are familiar with today! Though these flowers are a seasonal plant in the states, they are the second most popular potted plant sold within a year.
Poinsettias are beautiful in all shapes, shades and sizes which is why Market 32 and Price Chopper have them readily available in our floral section during the holiday season. Shop in store for our beautifully arranged Poinsettias or use our online services, DoorDash and Instacart. Our online ordering allows customers to send personalized cardettes for any occasion which is sure to warm the hearts of whoever is receiving the potted plant!
Shop for the holiday season, stress free! Explore Price Chopper/Market 32 Floral Department for all your holiday gifts.
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
‘Tis the season to sip and savor! As the holidays approach, there’s no better time to elevate your festive gatherings with festive drink recipes. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family get-together, a spirited office party, or simply looking to add a touch of merriment to your evenings by the fire, Price Chopper and Market 32 have you covered! From hot chocolate to cocktails and everything in between, we have everything you need to craft the perfect drink. Cheers to making this holiday season the most spirited one yet!
Warm Drink Recipes (non-alcoholic):
Curl up by the fireplace with a delicious warm beverage in hand! Try one of these delicious drinks below.
Cold Drink Recipes (non-alcoholic):
Price Chopper and Market 32 offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages on our website! Be sure to check them out.
Spiced Pomegranate Mulled Cider with Cinnamon-Ginger Stirring Spoons
Cold Drink Recipes (alcoholic):
Enjoy all the holidays have to offer with these delicious alcholic drinks!
Getting the party started early? Check out these mimosa recipes!
The Salvation Army Bell Ringer
When 72-year-old Ed Evans read in a newspaper article that his local Salvation Army wasn’t going to be able to put out all their Red Kettles for the annual fundraiser because of a shortage of Bell Ringers, he knew what he had to do.
“I had previously volunteered in a Salvation Army shelter helping to serve lunch and I really enjoyed my experience there,” Evans said. “With no golf matches, garden or lawn work to do in the winters of upstate New York, I knew I had the time to volunteer my services as a Bell Ringer.”
The Red Kettle fundraiser helps The Salvation Army provide local families and individuals in need with food, clothing, and other resources throughout the year, as well as presents under the Christmas tree for local children. And, as the need for Salvation Army assistance has continued to increase due to current economic hardships, so has the need for volunteers.
Whether it’s ringing bells at a Red Kettle for a couple of hours, sorting donations of toys and clothing, or helping parents pick out that perfect Christmas present for their child at a Salvation Army toy shop, volunteers are the backbone of The Salvation Army.
During his multiple shifts as a Bell Ringer, Evans said he was heartened by the many shoppers who not only donated to the Red Kettle, but who also thanked him for volunteering.
“When kids asked about the Bell and Kettle, parents would explain about helping the less fortunate and would give them a dollar to put in the Kettle,” Evans said. “It felt great to be a part of this enlightening experience and to see the immediate reaction of a child’s contribution.”
Evans added that he had a lot of fun and met many interesting people during his multiple shifts as a volunteer Bell Ringer.
“A dollar here, five dollars there…one man put in a twenty,” Evans said. “A few even wrote checks or ran out to their cars to be able to contribute. At the end of each of my volunteer shifts I felt as if I had given $1,000 myself. I knew that the money I had help to raise would go on to help those in need in my community.”
To enquire about Salvation Army volunteer opportunities, call your local Salvation Army, or text “TSAVolunteer” to 31333
Looking for an irresistibly soft toilet paper? Charmin has got you covered. Charmin Ultra Soft Mega Roll is the same great softness you love!
More convenient, more value and all in our long-lasting roll, so you can change the roll even less often! And with our wavy edge, you’ll get a smoother tear for an even better ‘go’! Charmin Ultra Soft is our softest toilet paper ever so it is harder than ever to resist! It is 2X more absorbent so you can use less than the leading bargain brand. It is also clog-safe and septic safe too.
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
The holidays are right around the corner, which means flashy lights, colorful ornaments, shiny tinsel and blow ups of Frosty the Snowman will be in every direction that you turn! Though the flashiness of the decorations can be beautiful, sometimes you may want to go back and just enjoy the simplicity of a natural green wreath.
Wreaths are a beautiful and classic decoration that can be adorned on windows, doors, fireplaces and practically anywhere you can think of. That being said, as beautiful as wreaths are, they can tend to look a bit plain if you’re not a fan of the all-natural look.
But, what if you still want a natural looking wreath with decorations that aren’t flashy? We can help! Decorating a holiday wreath doesn’t have to be boring. Use items from around your house to create a beautifully unique wreath that will catch the eyes of anyone.
We’re going to make two different types of garland to wrap around your beautiful wreath with supplies that you can find in your house, or yard!
Garland One: a classic garland strand that is easy and delicious to make! All you need is popcorn (preferably not buttered) and cranberries. This is a classic staple to any holiday time décor . . . and it’s easy to make as well. Pop your popcorn and have thread and a sewing needle at the ready. Once you have acquired your ingredients, lace your popcorn and cranberries in any pattern that you like. The great part about garland is that it’s all up to you! Design and create the perfect strand of garland that will look great on your wreath.
Garland Two: this is a strand of garland that is a bit more difficult to create, but still equally as beautiful. All you need are dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, small pinecones and twine. You may be asking; how do I make dried oranges? Don’t worry, it’s simple:
Take an orange (preferably naval, or blood orange) and cut it into various wheels. Pat your citrus dry with a paper towel and arrange on a baking sheet. Now this is the boring part . . . place the sheet in the oven at 170 degrees for six to seven hours! Rotate the baking sheet every two to three hours to prevent burning. This is a tedious step, but it will ensure completely dried oranges and a wonderful smelling home!
Now, take your dried oranges and weave twine in and out its dried flesh (be careful not to tear anything).
Now that we have dried oranges, it’s time to put everything together! Use your twine and–to your liking–combine your cinnamon sticks, pinecones and oranges.
Making decorations for the winter season is easy. There are plenty of ingredients and supplies to make exciting and eye-catching wreaths for the whole winter season!
Buy all your wreath needs at Price Chopper/Market 32!