Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
The month of July has so much to offer. The weather is beautiful, school is out, and everywhere we look there are barbecues and picnics. It only makes sense that National Grilling Month is celebrated for the entirety of this month! When we think of firing up the grill, hot dogs and hamburgers are most likely the first thing to come to mind. However, there are actually an array of items that can be grilled. Some may even surprise you. Let’s take a look below!
Watermelon: Grilling watermelon is actually quite simple. If you are new to the whole “grilling fruit” idea, then you are in for a treat. Picture the juicy sweetness of watermelon with a smoky flavor. It is quite the combination. The watermelon should be cut into wedges and placed on a heated grill for two to three minutes. Some people may add sugar or spices, or just eat it plain.
Pineapple: Grilled pineapple is a must-try this summer. They can be cut in rings, wedges, or cubes. Many people brush the pineapple in butter and/or brown sugar, but that is optional. Lightly oil the grate and cook pineapple for two to three minutes.
Bananas: If you are a banana-lover, then you are in for a serious treat! To grill bananas, slice them down the middle with the peel intact. Place the cut-side of the banana on the grill and wait to see grill marks (should only be about two minutes). An option here is to sprinkle on sugar or honey. Using tongs, flip the bananas over for five more minutes, or until the peel starts to pull away. This is best served with vanilla ice cream. Speaking of, Price Chopper and Market 32 have a new line of PICS Pint Ice Cream! Check them out here.
Tofu: Looking to change up the way you eat tofu? Look no further! Grilled, seasoned tofu is a delicious summertime meal. You will want to buy firm or extra firm tofu, not soft. Press the excess liquid from the tofu prior to placing it on the grill, and make sure you oil the grill so the tofu does not stick. Cut tofu, paint with your marinade of choice, and then throw on the grill for two to three minutes each side. There you have it – Quick, easy, and anything but boring!
Pizza: If you have never grilled pizza before, then stop what you are doing and read this! Place the plain, formed dough on a cookie sheet and gently slide it onto the heated grill. The key here is to grill the dough on both sides, and then remove from the grill. Once you notice it starts to brown on one side, use tongs to flip. Once both sides are browned, let the crust cool on a rack for a few minutes to two hours. When you are ready, add your toppings and place back on the grill for two to three minutes.
Be sure to browse all-things grilling below for more traditional barbecue food!
Fun Recipes for the Fourth
As the summer starts heating up, Americans across the country prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July in style. This iconic holiday commemorates the Declaration of Independence, and it is a time for friends, family and MOST IMPORTANTLY FOOD. Here are some delicious and festive recipes which will have people asking you for your tasty party favor!
Patriotic Appetizers
A patriotic red, white, and blue appetizer can be a delightful addition to any American-themed party or event. Here are a few ideas:
Caprese Skewers:
Red: Cherry tomatoes
White: Fresh mozzarella balls
Blue: Blueberries (you can alternate blueberries with blackberries or black grapes for a darker hue)
Arrange these ingredients on small skewers, drizzle with balsamic glaze or a light vinaigrette, and garnish with basil leaves for a fresh and colorful appetizer.
Berry and Cheese Platter:
Red: Strawberries or raspberries
White: Slices of white cheddar or goat cheese
Blue: Blueberries
Arrange these items on a platter or a wooden board for guests to enjoy, perhaps pairing them with crackers or baguette slices.
Fruit Salad:
Red: Strawberries or raspberries
White: Sliced bananas or jicama
Blue: Blueberries or blackberries
Toss these fruits together gently and serve in a large bowl or individual cups for a refreshing and healthy option.
Exciting Entrees:
This are some EXSPOLSIVE options which will have your guests begging for seconds!
Patriotic Pizza:
Red: Tomato sauce or cherry tomatoes
White: Mozzarella cheese
Blue: Sliced black olives or purple potatoes (sliced thinly)
Use these toppings on a pizza crust of your choice to create a colorful and tasty dish. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Stuffed Bell Peppers:
Red: Red bell peppers
White: Ground chicken or turkey (mixed with rice or quinoa)
Blue: Blue cheese crumbles (optional)
Prepare the stuffing with ground meat, rice or quinoa, and seasonings. Stuff the hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
Patriotic Pasta Salad:
Red: Diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers
White: Cubed mozzarella or feta cheese
Blue: Blueberries or black olives
Toss cooked pasta with these ingredients and a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing. Serve chilled as a refreshing and colorful pasta salad.
And the best part……DESERT
1. Berry Flag Cake
This classic dessert not only looks stunning but also captures the essence of the American flag in a deliciously sweet way.
Ingredients:
1 box of white cake mix (plus ingredients needed for preparation)
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1 cup whipped cream or frosting of your choice
Instructions:
Bake the white cake according to the package instructions in a rectangular baking dish.
Once baked and cooled, spread whipped cream or frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
Use the strawberries to create red stripes and the blueberries to create a blue corner with stars, resembling the American flag.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy the patriotic sweetness!
2. Red, White, and Blue Parfaits
These layered parfaits are not only visually appealing but also refreshing and easy to customize.
Ingredients:
1 cup strawberries, diced
1 cup blueberries
1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
1 cup granola (optional for crunch)
Instructions:
In clear glasses or jars, layer the ingredients in the following order: yogurt, strawberries, yogurt, granola (optional), yogurt, blueberries.
Repeat the layering process for each parfait.
Top each parfait with a few additional berries for garnish.
Serve chilled and enjoy the patriotic colors and flavors with each spoonful!
3. Patriotic Fruit Salad
For a healthier option that still celebrates the holiday colors, a patriotic fruit salad is a refreshing choice.
Ingredients:
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup blueberries
1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
1 cup diced apples or bananas (optional)
Instructions:
Combine all the fruits in a large bowl.
If using marshmallows, gently fold them into the fruit mixture.
Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
This simple yet festive fruit salad is a perfect addition to any Fourth of July table.
4. Firecracker Popcorn
Add a crunchy twist to your dessert lineup with this colorful and flavorful popcorn mix.
Ingredients:
8 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
Red and blue sprinkles or colored sugar
Instructions:
Place popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the popcorn and gently toss to coat evenly.
Spread popcorn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Immediately sprinkle red and blue sprinkles or colored sugar over the popcorn while the chocolate is still warm.
Let the popcorn cool until the chocolate hardens.
Break apart any large clusters and serve in bowls or individual bags for a festive and crunchy treat.
Amidst the excitement of food and festivities, it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure everyone has a memorable and enjoyable Fourth of July. From out team to yours we hope you have a wonderful, fun and safe holiday!
Shop July 4th Essentials!
Price Chopper
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill, gather with friends and family, and indulge in delicious, hearty meals. This week, we are bringing you a traditional burger recipe, along with a nacho appetizer and meatball sub for lunch. Better yet, Market 32 80% Ground Beef Mega Pack is on sale this week only!
Let’s see what ingredients we have on the menu…
Burgers & Beans!
1 lb. Ground Beef
1 pack PICS Hamburger Buns
4 ears Corn
1 can (16oz) PICS Baked Beans
Shop for Burgers & Baked Beans here!
Hearty Meatball Subs!
1 lb. Ground Beef
1 pack Market 32 Hoagie Rolls
1 jar Ragu Pasta Sauce
1 bag (8oz) PICS Mozzarella Cheese
Shop for Meatball Subs here!
It’s Nacho Time!
1 lb. Ground Beef
1 bag (8oz) PICS Mozzarella Cheese
1 bag On the Border Tortilla Chips
1 jar (16oz) PICS Salsa
1 can (16oz) PICS Canned Black Beans
Shop for Nachos here!
History of the Barcode: 50 Year Anniversary
Jack Marquette
Marketing Intern
Origins of the Barcode
As technology is rapidly advancing and we see the widespread adoption of different forms of QR codes, NFC (Near-Field Communication), and other forms of scanning. But where does it all trace back to? We all take for granted the convenience and simplicity of scanning bar codes at the grocery store. The implementation of barcodes allowed for a much faster and innovative way to scan groceries. That is why the first uses of barcodes were in grocery stores. Exactly 50 years ago today, on June 26th, 1974, Norman Joesph Woodland and Bernard Silver implemented a barcode onto products in a Marsh store in Troy, Ohio. To do this they had to first implement UPCs (Universal Product Codes) which give each item in a store its own identity with a unique ten-to-twelve-digit code. This step was integral in creating the barcode and only occurred a little over a year prior to the implementation of the first barcode.
Inspiration for Implementation
The idea of the barcode was in works for many years prior to the implementation. While attended Drexel University, Woodland and Silver were inspired by a local grocer who also wanted a faster way to check inventory and speed up the check-out process. After working on the Manhattan Project during the end of World War II, Woodland drew the concept for the first barcode on Miami Beach in 1949. This original design was a bullseye design with concentric circles, shown to the right. This design was conceptualized by Woodland because it could be scanned from all angles. Unfortunately, due to the lack of technology in the early 50s they were unable to implement their idea. This led to inheriting the barcode we all know today in 1974 when technology made it possible to accomplish.
Progression of Barcodes
The advancements of technology have pushed barcodes farther than Woodland and Silver could have ever imagined. In 2005, airliners started putting barcodes on boarding passes, certainly a decision we can all appreciate. Cutting down boarding times was not the only way barcodes have had a positive impact on people. In 2008, smartphones were able to display barcodes, making ticket and coupon scanning even more convenient and eliminates the threat of losing physical versions of those items.
How Barcodes Work
The scanner of a barcode acts as a light and illuminates the code and sensor provided to detect the light reflecting off. This sensor then generates a signal and is sent to a decoder that interprets that signal to finally convert it to text. You can then see the product you scanned on the machine you are using within seconds. This is why each barcode needs a unique, UPC. Needing unique barcodes with each product UPC makes it the differentiator of products and is what helps detect the product with its maker, cost, and quantity.
home.grown. Farm Feature: Gade Farm
Jack Gelok
Marketing Intern
Gade Farm: A Family Tradition Rooted in the Heart of New York
This beloved farm is in Guilderland, New York. Gade Farm stands on pillars of tradition, community, and sustainable agriculture. This family-owned farm has been cultivating the land and nourishing its community for over a century, offering a rich blend of history, innovation, and down-to-earth charm.
A Century of Heritage
This story beginning date all the way to 1876, when Danish immigrants Hans and Sophie Gade purchased a simple piece of land. Over the decades, their dedication and hard work transformed this small farmstead into a thriving enterprise, passing down a legacy of agricultural excellence through the generations. Today, Gade Farm remains family-operated, with each generation adding their own chapter to its storied history.
Looking Out for the Capital Region
What sets Gade Farm apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainable farming practices. The Gade family has long understood the importance of nurturing the land, implementing techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and integrated pest management to maintain soil health and reduce environmental impact. Their organic gardening center offers a wide range of eco-friendly products.
Strawberries to Pumpkins
Gade Farm is known for having a wide variety and diverse array of fresh produce, available throughout the growing season. From the first strawberries of spring to the hearty pumpkins and squash of autumn, the farm’s bounty reflects the rhythms of nature. Visitors can enjoy picking their own fruits and vegetables, a delightful experience that connects people with the source of their food.
More Than Just a Farm
Beyond its phenomenal produce Gade Farm looks out for the community. The farm market is stocked with a variety of locally sourced goods, including artisanal cheeses, fresh-baked breads, and homemade preserves. They also offer whatever your seasonal need are looking for thus can be anywhere in between hayrides or holiday markets.
Buffalo Chicken Mac:
1 lb. Market 32 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Savings Pack
1 block PICS Brick Cheese
1 bottle PICS Mild Wing Sauce
1 box PICS Pasta
1 lb. Celery
Shop for Buffalo Chicken Mac here!
Chicken, Asparagus, & Potatoes
1 lb. Market 32 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Savings Pack
1 bag Market 32 Russet Potatoes
1 lb. Asparagus
Shop for Chicken, Asparagus, & Potatoes here!
Chicken Spiedie Sandwich
1 lb. Market 32 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Savings Pack
1 bag Market 32 Hoagie Rolls
1 bottle PICS Spiedie Sauce
Fries or Chips with leftover potaotes
Chicken Spiedie Sandwiches here!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
June 21st is National Smoothie Day, the perfect occasion to blend up some delicious and nutritious smoothies! Whether you’re a fan of fruity, creamy, or green smoothies, or even a hearty smoothie bowl, there’s a recipe out there for everyone. Let’s explore some delightful smoothie recipes & helpful tips that will make your celebration truly refreshing.
Tips for the Perfect Smoothie
- Balance Your Ingredients: Aim for a mix of fruits, vegetables, protein, to create a well-rounded smoothie.
- Freeze Your Fruits: Using frozen fruits can help create a thicker, creamier texture without the need for ice.
- Sweeten Naturally: Opt for natural sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or dates.
- Experiment with Liquids: Try different liquids like coconut water, almond milk, or oat milk.
- Don’t Overdo It: Keep an eye on portion sizes and the amount of sweeteners to maintain a balance.
home.grown. Farm Feature: Reeves Farms
Jack Gelok
Marketing Intern
A Berry Sweet Legacy: The Story of Reeves Farms
It all started with a young 18-year-old coming from Draycott, England to Jacksonville, New York. His name was Arthur Thomas Reeves the founder of Reeves Farm. Arthur started out working on his aunt and uncle’s farm, but by 1898, he and his wife Mary had saved enough to buy their own patch of paradise on what is now known as Reeves Road. With eight kids running around, the Reeves family was starting a farming legacy.
The Fast-Paced World of Farming
In the mid-1920s, Arthur’s son Edward, along with his wife Flossie, took the reins and moved the farm a bit further down Reeves Road. They focused on crops and milking cows. Their son Cecil, after a stint in the Navy during WWII, decided he’d had enough of cows and set his sights on crop farming. Cecil and his wife Dorothy juggled raising nine kids and growing vegetables and grain, proving that farming really is a family affair.
60’s Expansion
By the 1960s, the farm was expanding faster than you can say “strawberry shortcake.” Cecil and Dorothy bought more land, growing fresh market vegetables and berries. Their hard work laid the groundwork for the farm’s next big leap.
The Reeves Farm Today
In 1990, Cecil and Dorothy handed the keys over to their sons Bruce, Mark, and Brian. After Bruce left the partnership in 1992, their brother Andy joined the team. Today, two of Mark’s children, Nolan and Karin, are also part of the farm’s management, making Reeves Farms a true multi-generational operation.
The Reeves Family Looking into the Future
What makes Reeves Farms extra special is their commitment to sustainability. They use Integrated Pest Management, reduced tillage, cover crops, crop rotation, and organic production to keep the soil and water healthy. It’s all about farming smart to ensure this land can keep producing mouthwatering berries and veggies for generations to come.
We are reeling in the shrimp recipes this week! Enjoy the tropical taste of shrimp, mango, and avocado with each bite! Let’s dive in and check out this week’s meal ideas, shall we?
Shrimp & Mango Skewers
1lb. Market 32 Cooked Shrimp (Buy one get one FREE this week!)
2 Mangoes
2 Peppers
1 Vidalia Onion
1 bag PICS Rice
Shop for Shrimp & Mango Skewers here!
Shrimp Tacos
1lb. Market 32 Cooked Shrimp (Buy one get one FREE this week!)
1 bag PICS Tortillas
1 jar PICS Salsa
1 bag (8oz) PICS Shredded Cheese
1 Avocado (optional)
Shop for Shrimp Tacos here!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
‘Tis the season for fresh veggies! June 16th is a date to mark on your calendar with a splash of color and a burst of flavor—it’s National Veggies Day! This vibrant day isn’t just about eating more of this food group; it’s about embracing the joy and creativity that vegetables bring to our lives. From their stunning colors and intriguing shapes to their endless culinary possibilities, veggies offer a feast for the senses. Here’s how you can celebrate this delightful day with enthusiasm and creativity.
- Create a Rainbow Platter: Assemble a colorful platter of fruits and vegetables. Think red bell peppers, orange slices, yellow corn, green cucumbers, blue blueberries, and purple grapes. This not only looks stunning but also adds a festive touch to your dining table.
- Food Photography: If you’re into photography, fruits and vegetables make excellent subjects. Their vibrant colors and unique textures can inspire beautiful food photography.
- Fruit and/or Veggie Infused Water: Enhance your hydration with fruit or veggie-infused water. Add slices of lemon, cucumber, strawberries, or mint leaves to your water pitcher. It’s a simple yet refreshing way to enjoy the essence of fruits throughout the day.
- Try a new recipe: Incorporating more veggies into your diet does not have to be a hassle. This can be as simple as tossing in some chopped up veggies in your rice. Check out some summertime recipe ideas below!
Check out more recipes here: