Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
‘Tis the season for pumpkins, and that means it is time to start digging out the recipe books for your fall baking! While Price Chopper and Market 32 offer a variety of pumpkin puree, have you ever contemplated experimenting with a genuine pie pumpkin in your recipes? If this idea has crossed your mind, you might be seeking guidance on the proper approach. Fear not! We have some answers on which pumpkins to choose and proceeding steps.
Sugar Pumpkins:
Choosing the correct pumpkin is crucial. While those massive pumpkins you see outside our stores are perfect for carving scary faces, they are not ideal for baking. These pumpkins have a higher water content and are stringy inside. Sugar pumpkins are your go-to for baking. These pumpkins are much smaller, drier, and a deep orange color. Oh, and most importantly, they are very sweet which make them perfect for baking.
In addition to choosing a sugar pumpkin, you will want to ensure that the stem is very sturdy, intact, and dry. These pumpkins should be stored in a cool, dry place prior to baking. Avoid sugar pumpkins that appear to have rotting stems.
Let’s Bake!
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Step 2: Cut sugar pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, and place on a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Step 3: Allow the pumpkin to bake for approximately 35 – 40 minutes, noticing how the flesh naturally separates from the skin during this process.
Step 4: Once baked, proceed to puree the flesh until it achieves a smooth consistency.
Step 5: To keep the pumpkin puree fresh, store it in the refrigerator.
Super easy, right? Make baking this season a fun, beautiful memory.
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: This spice cake is sure to be a hit!
Pumpkin Soup: Where are all the soup lovers out there? Try out this recipe today!
Pumpkin Cheesecake: Thanksgiving just got a whole lot sweeter! Your guests are sure to love this delicious recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Roll-ups: With only seven ingredients, this recipe is easy, delicious, and full of flavor.
Mia Teal
Marketing Cordinator, Paid Media
Summer came and went in what seemed like a matter of seconds. The air is slowly starting to get cool, the leaves are turning all different shades of red and orange, and your student is beginning yet another school year. Fear not! Here at Price Chopper and Market 32, we want to make your back-to-school season a smooth transition. We have put together some lunch box essentials as well as some easy lunch recipes that your child will love! Take a look below.
Protein: Protein is essential for growing bodies and minds! Examples include chicken, turkey, eggs, peanut butter, and beans.
Whole Grains: Choose whole grain options like whole wheat bread, crackers, and wraps.
Produce: Eat the rainbow! To make eating fruits and veggies more fun, try having your student pair an apple or banana with peanut butter or carrots with ranch.
Snacks: There are so many options for snacks. Your student may enjoy yogurt, cheese sticks, peanut butter or cheese crackers, nuts, seeds, or granola bars. Additionally, having treats in moderation will also make lunchtime more fun. The possibilities here are endless!
Drinks: Remember to include a bottle of water in your child’s lunchbox to keep them hydrated throughout the day.
A well-prepared lunch box sets the tone for a productive day of learning. By including a variety of nutrient-rich foods, you provide your child with the fuel they need to stay focused and engaged in their studies. Remember, variety is key—mix and match different food groups, flavors, and textures to keep lunchtime exciting and satisfying.
Check out some quick & easy snacks & meals!
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
Flowers are as beautiful to the eye as they are to the soul! Did you know that flowers and plants affect your mental health in numerous positive ways? If you didn’t, that’s okay, that’s why I’m here to explain. There are various ways that flowers aid your mental health, which is in part why we love them so much here at Price Chopper/Market 32. According to Texas A&M University, surrounding yourself with plants, foliage and nature has many benefits that range from stress reduction, increased creativity and even reduction of depression. Though flowers can aid mental health, there are a wide variety of flowers, and it may seem overwhelming to understand certain flowers and their abilities. Here is a breakdown of flowers’ specific roles in impacting mental health:
LAVENDER: This flower is popular for its infamous stress reducing properties! Primarily, we utilize lavender in essential oil and candles. According to the NIH, smelling the floral scent of lavender can reduce stress as the scent relaxes the brain thanks to the Linalool within the plant. Linalool is an aromatic alcohol found in plants that is used in many beauty products. It is a natural therapeutic and can most likely be found in many essential oils. Lavender is suggested for all types of stress, but especially insomnia and post childbirth stress. Smelling this scent before you go to bed, or during a restless night of childcare, has been proven to aid stress reduction and happiness levels over the course of four or five weeks. Click here for all-things lavender!
SUNFLOWER: A fan favorite in August, the sunflower is known to increase a positive outlook as well. Much like mums, these are the perfect flower for happiness due to their bright colors and health properties. Their oils can help reduce stress and, henceforth, put you in a much better mood. Thanks to NIH we understand that along with its stress reducing benefits, sunflower oil consists of an abundance of essential amino acids, vitamin B and minerals. Click here for all-things sunflower seeds!
ROSES: Are you looking to reduce stress, but you don’t like the scent of lavender? Don’t worry, roses serve the same purpose. According to the NIH, inhalation of rose essential oils can be used to reduce stress and act as a natural antidepressant as the flower has a strong floral scent that releases endorphins in our brain that makes us feel relaxed. Along with its stress reducing properties, roses also are used as a natural muscle relaxer as you can use the oil topically. Both lavender and rose can aid in overall stress levels and positive moods. Click here for roses!
While distinct flowers offer particular health benefits, Rutgers University has substantiated that the mere presence of any flowers can promptly enhance positive emotions. Although this insight provides only a glimpse into the world of flowers and their connection to mental health, it’s a wonderful insight into flowers’ benefits and all they provide to us.
Shop all your floral needs at Price Chopper/Market 32 Floral Department!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Where are all the bacon lovers? Well, this one’s for you! Whether you enjoy eating strips of bacon or chopping it up for your omelet, there are so many ways you can cook with this delicious meat. Before we dive deeper, how well do you know your bacon?
Bacon comes from the side or belly of a pig, and has been a staple for many years. While bacon is most commonly enjoyed at breakfast, people can enjoy bacon for lunch, dinner, or even dessert! Nowadays, there are many varieties of bacon, including thick sliced, center cut, lower sodium, maple flavored, or even turkey bacon. To browse all bacon options at Price Chopper and Market 32, click here!
You may be wondering what exactly turkey bacon is. Turkey bacon is ground up white and dark meat, specifically from the breast, thighs, or skin of a turkey. Be sure to check out our PICS turkey bacon!
Check out some mouth-watering bacon recipes below!
Grilled Chicken BLT with Basil Mayo: A class BLT favorite, but spice it up with some basil mayo!
Bacon, Tomato, & Mushroom Strata: A hearty breakfast that you are sure to love! Fresh and delicious ingredients all around.
Buttermilk Bacon Pancakes with Bourbon-Maple Syrup: You’ve heard of chocolate chip pancakes or blueberry pancakes, but what about bacon pancakes? This is a must-try!
Smoky Grilled BBQ Salmon Salad: This salmon and bacon salad is loaded with veggies, which makes for the perfect summertime meal!
Source:
Little Falls, NY
The Little Falls Youth & Family Center, one block north of the Little Falls, NY Price Chopper, provides 80 fitness, educational and community services programs annually to approximately 100,000 residents of Little Falls and surrounding communities. Our store team was excited to present the center with a check for $5,000 in support of updates to its program facility at 15 Jackson St.
Pictured left to right are:
Tony DeLuca, Executive Director
Deborah Kaufman, Campaign Chair Little Falls Youth & Family Center
Bob Kennedy, Zone Director
Mike Natoli, Store Manager
Massena, NY
In 2022 the Norfolk Concert Series in Norwood, NY presented its first season of 10 performances with the overwhelming support of the local community. The small structure where the concerts are held is unprotected from the elements and less than suitable for musicians, with a cracked foundation and no storage area. Our Massena store teammates recently presented the first of 2 checks for $5,000 to Norwood Concert Series president Christine Paige, in support of the Build-a-Bandshell Fund Drive.
Pictured below left to right:
Shannon Russell, store teammate
Christine Paige, Norfolk Concert Series
Robert Butler, store teammate
Brenda Paige, Norfolk Concert Series
Brian McAfee, zone director
Heather Donnelly, store teammate
Melissa Farmer, store teammate
Mickayla Streeter, store teammate
Hopkinton, MA
Since its founding in 2017, Provision Ministry has provided food, clothing, footwear, hygiene products, school supplies, and home goods to grass-roots, nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping underserved children and families, veterans, those struggling with addiction, mental illness, food insecurity, as well as the homeless. Our Hopkinton, MA store team proudly presented the ministry with a $1,000 check in support of their mission.
Pictured left to right are:
James Carlson, Zone Director
Tom Slicklen, Founder and CEO Provision Ministry
Terry Broderick, Store Manager
Valerie Powell, Floral Manager
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
August 22nd is World Plant Milk Day, and we are here to celebrate! There are many different types of plant milk that Price Chopper and Market 32 carry, including almond, cashew, oat, soy, and coconut milk. Additionally, we also carry non-dairy creamers, cheeses, yogurts, and ice creams that are sweet, creamy, and downright delicious! Let’s take a closer look at what is so special about plant-based milks.
You might question the choice of milk substitutes over traditional cow’s milk, but numerous factors contribute to the rise in popularity of plant-based milks. Individuals that have a vegan diet or those with a lactose intolerance find non-dairy alternatives essential. The best part is, there are many different options and flavors out there that will suit anyone’s needs and preferences.
Many people who do not experience a lactose intolerance may still choose plant-based milks for other reasons, including taste and environmental benefits. Plant-based milk could be favored over cow’s milk in preparations like smoothies and other recipes. Additionally, plant-based milk requires less land, less water, and produces fewer carbon emissions.
If you are interested in cooking or baking with a milk alternative, take a look below!
Instant Pot® Chocolate Soufflé Cakes with Strawberry Sauce: This is a delectable dessert that combines the rich and velvety flavors of chocolate with the airy and delicate texture of a soufflé, topped with strawberry sauce.
Stuffed French Toast Rolls: Nothing beats French toast, but stuffed French toast? Now this is a recipe you must try!
Fruit & Baby Kale Smoothie: This smoothie is a popular choice for those seeking a convenient and delicious way to incorporate more fruits and leafy greens into their diet.
Brownie Batter Dessert Hummus: A recipe so delicious, you’ll question if this is actually brownie batter!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
For this week’s #ChillinWithChopper theme, we are exploring the beauty of salad. Salads have truly evolved from simple side dishes to culinary delights. With a blend of fresh ingredients, imaginative combinations, and a dash of creativity, you can transform an ordinary salad to a wonderful, filling meal.
Oftentimes, we may think of salads as being boring, but in reality, there are so many ways we can create a balanced, nourishing dish. What are we waiting for? Let’s build a salad together!
Step 1: Choose your base.
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have so many options for your leafy greens. Try laying down either romaine, spinach, kale, arugula, or shredded lettuce. Better yet, try combining two or more to see how you like that!
Step 2: Throw in some fruits or veggies.
The options are endless here. Some produce to consider adding in include carrots, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, corn, avocado, olives, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, apples, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, and oranges.
Step 3: Decide on a protein.
To create a filling salad, we need to add in some protein. Options here include chicken, steak, ground turkey, deli meat, shrimp, salmon, hard boiled eggs, tofu, or tempeh.
Step 4: Add in the fun stuff!
Similar to produce, there are so many options for this step. Try adding in cheese, bacon, beans, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, quinoa, rice, pasta, chickpeas, tortilla strips, or croutons.
Step 5: Let’s dress the salad!
Price Chopper and Market 32 have so many salad dressings that you may have a difficult time picking one out! Some to consider include ranch, honey mustard, caesar, blue cheese, Italian, balsamic, raspberry vinaigrette, poppy seed, thousand island, and so much more. Additionally, we sell many varieties of low fat or fat free dressing.
Still need some inspiration? Check out a few salads below!
Rainbow Baby Greens Bowl: The name is fitting for this salad. With a variety of color and a ton of vegetables, this is the perfect summertime salad.
Chicken Tender & Baby Kale Salad: If you have a picky eater in the house, then look no further. With freshly baked chicken tenders, vegetables for color, and bacon ranch dressing, this dish will be a new favorite!
Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Salad: Talk about a filling salad! This one has all the finest ingredients to help fuel you throughout your day.
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
Hydration is always a “hot” topic in the summertime – it is an essential element to staying well and at being at our best, whatever the season. Here are some tips and hacks to ensure you and yours are hydrated and happy!
Why is it essential? Every cell in the body, all our tissues and organs, and most of our functions, like blood pumping, breathing, moving and sweating – all require water. In fact, our body is 50 – 70% water. Water also supports brain function, skin health, and waste removal – all critical body systems are impacted by hydration.
To ensure we can maintain those systems, our body can extract water from many foods – humans get about 20% of their water intake from foods, including produce, proteins, and dairy. See the chart below for some high-water content produce – all of their energy and antioxidant benefits and water to support absorption – win win!
Each age and stage of life has a recommended range for the types and quantities of beverages that can support healthy hydration. You can find information about children’s needs here: Choose Water for Healthy Hydration – HealthyChildren.org. Keeping water handy and encouraging them to sip frequently will help them stay hydrated and build a good habit for health. Older adults may be at risk for dehydration and not realize it – lower activity or reduced awareness of thirst can set up a domino effect that can impact balance, memory, and chronic health issues. Learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatments for dehydration at the National Library of Medicine resource page: https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html.
Enjoy more of these great produce picks as part of your hydration plan – many are in season right now!
High Water Content Fruits
Watermelon and strawberries contain about 92 percent water per volume. Other fruits with high water content include grapefruit with 91 percent, cantaloupe with 90 percent and peaches with 88 percent water. Fruits containing 87 percent water by weight include pineapple, cranberries, orange and raspberries. Apricots hold 86 percent water, while blueberries and plums contain 85 percent water. The water content for apples and pears is 84 percent. Cherries and grapes contain an average of 81 percent water.
High Water Content Vegetables
On top of the vegetables list are cucumber and lettuce, consisting of 96 percent water. Zucchini, radish and celery are comprised of 95 percent water. Ninety-four percent of tomato’s weight is water, and green cabbage is 93 percent water. Vegetables that contain 92 percent water include cauliflower, eggplant, red cabbage, peppers and spinach. Broccoli is 91 percent water by weight. Additional healthy hydrating foods include carrots with 87 percent water and green peas and white potatoes with 79 percent water.
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
Happy August! As the excitement of summer starts to dwindle down, kids prepare to go back to school, and the air slowly starts to feel crisp and cool. You may be thinking this is the time when flowers are beginning to wither away and prepare for the colder season. Well, think again! Flowers can grow successfully until mid-October and for specific months such as August, flowers are just beginning to flourish! One of summer’s most beloved flowers is the sunflower, which, coincidentally, is the official flower of August! This beautiful and vibrant flower has a rich history that has made it a staple flower in gardens over the decades.
This flower originated over four thousand years ago when indigenous peoples started to cultivate this crop for its health benefits and cooking uses. Though this flower was once previously used for its practicality, once it was brought to Europe many people ignored its health and culinary benefits and used the sunflower for its decorative nature.
As the sunflower migrated throughout Europe and into Asia, many other places in the world started to adapt to this flower. The most notable country is Russia. Russians learned how to extract the sunflower’s benefits while utilizing its beauty in decorations. Because of Russia’s popularized multi-uses for sunflowers, foods like sunflower seeds and cosmetics such as sunflower oil are popular to this day!
That being said, growing these beautiful flowers doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are a few tips and tricks to grow sunflowers:
- As you’d guess, sunflowers flourish in complete sunlight. Bright areas outside are preferred, rather than any indirect sunlight. The barrier of a window indoors could affect the growing habits of a sunflower so make sure to avoid indoor growth.
- For sunflowers to flourish they need to be planted in well-drained soil. For those who are unfamiliar with what exactly “well-drained” soil is, don’t worry, I can help!
- “Well-drained soil” is almost exactly what it sounds like. For soil to drain well, it needs to be in an elevated container, whether that’s a pot, or a raised gardening bed. To go the extra mile, add compost to your soil to encourage draining.
- Water your flower regularly but wait to re-water after the first few inches of your flower’s soil is dry! Too much watering of your plant will lead to root rot, which no one wants!
- Lastly, these flowers can survive in various temperatures. On average, sunflowers thrive in mid-seventies, but can survive in hotter or colder temperatures as long as they’re planted in a well-drained soil and have a decent fertilizer.
There you have it! Follow these tips to growing a sunflower and you’re sure to grow and thriving and beautiful flower that’s equally has stunning as it is useful. Happy gardening!
Buy all your floral needs at Price Chopper/Market 32 Floral Department!
International Beer Day
Today is International Beer Day, and we are celebrating the international drink of getting the weekend started. And it’s Friday, how fitting! Let’s highlight some of the breweries that bless our Northeast region with quality, refreshing beverages for every and all seasons. Not all heroes wear capes, some of them concoct awesome brewskis.
Brooklyn Brewery – Brooklyn, NY
When good beer is hard to find, sometimes you have to make it yourself. That’s exactly the story of Brooklyn Brewery. In 1988, Steve Hindy took his homebrewing knowledge from his days as a foreign war correspondent and started the business with his friend Tom Potter. Together they hand-delivered the first batches of Brooklyn Lager to a handful of local bars.
Today Brooklyn’s beers now travel to more than half the U.S. and over 30 countries. Brewmaster Garrett Oliver, a James Beard Award winner, and his team brew everything from classic styles to bold experiments, collaborating with their peers across the globe to keep pushing the boundaries of beer.
Popular Brews: Brooklyn Lager, Brooklyn East IPA, Brooklyn Summer Ale
Saranac Brewery – Utica, NY
In 1985, Saranac 1888, named after the iconic Saranac Railroad, was the first concoction to don the brewery name. The Saranac Railroad line connected Utica to the Adirondacks. Similarly, Saranac’s Utica location connects with the Adirondacks through the tastes and experiences provided by their brews.
In fact, back in 1991, Saranac’s Adirondack Lager was awarded the top premium lager at the Great American Beer Festival, chalking the Lager up as Saranac’s first brewing home run. Naturally, the brewery focused in on making this beer their main priority for the time being.
Today, Saranac Brewery has a plethora of beverages showcasing their name. Blueberry Blonde Ale and S’more Lager are perfect for the essence of summertime. While Pale Ale and Adirondack Lager are two of the company’s year-round staples.
Popular Brews: Saranac Pale Ale, Blueberry Blonde Ale, Adirondack Lager
Stony Creek Brewery – Branford, CT
The pride of Branford, CT, Stony Creek Brewery was rebranded by co-founder Ed Crowley in 2015. Prior to the rebranding, Stony Creek was a small-scale contract-produced craft brand, mainly known for their IPAs named after Connecticut’s two area codes, 203 and 860. Stony Creek became much bigger after their rebrand, and they opened up their first brewery right along the Branford River.
The brewery’s 30,000 square foot size makes it the second largest brewing facility and taproom in the state of Connecticut. One of its unique features is a 2,500 square foot tasting room with 23-ounce glass mugs hanging on the wall behind the bar as part of the brewery’s Mug Club. The “Mug Club” is a way of giving back to devoted customers by giving them “their own little piece of the creek,” according to Ed Crowley Jr!
Popular Brews: Big Cranky Double IPA, Cranky IPA, Stony Joe Mocha Stout
Magic Hat Brewing Company – Burlington, Vermont
Stirring up some mysterious concoctions in the heart of South Burlington, Vermont, Magic Hat is a well-known local brewer. They refer to their brews as elixirs, and their most popular potion is #9. It’s not quite a pale ale, but it runs across your tongue with notes of fruit and floral hop bitterness, bringing an unusual and curious palate. As they say at Magic Hat, #9 asks more questions than it answers. You’ll just have to see for yourself.
Popular Brews: #9, Elder Betty, Circus Boy
Frog Alley Brewing – Schenectady, NY
Frog Alley Brewing is just a short trip down the road from our Schenectady headquarters. As the city’s newest brewing powerhouse, Frog Alley is the key piece of the new Mill Artisan District. This downtown revitalization effort through intriguing new, hip food and drink spots hopes to bring more craft beer lovers and foodies back to the area.
Frog Alley founder JT Pollard put together two of the best brewing minds he could find in Rich Michaels and Drew Schmidt. Michaels and Schmidt used their expertise and years of experience to build Frog Alley’s refreshing, star-powered roster of brews. Included in this list is Mohop #5, a tasty New England IPA with Mosaic hops, featuring notes of mango, stone fruit, and a concoction of more earthy and tropical tones. They also provide Skull Frog, a loud DIPA that is certainly not shy with the Chinook, Columbus, and Simcoe hops.
Popular Brews: Mohop #5, Skull Frog Double IPA, Re4resh IPA