Brighten Up Your Summer with home.grown. Outdoor Floral
The beauty of summer is now surrounding us. From the full, bright green trees to colorful flowers planted on the lawns of our neighbors and local businesses, there is so much to smile about. If you are interested in adding some summer fun to your lawn, you have come to the right place. We have a few tips on how to make the outside of your home look fabulous, one plant at a time. While this will require some work and patience, you will be thrilled by the outcome.
- Do Some Research: What type of flowers or plants are you interested in having outside your home? Hanging plants? Flowers that must be physically planted? Having an idea of what you are looking for will help before you go shopping.
- Clear the Ground: If you chose hanging flowers, then water them and you are all set! However, if you bought potted plants, it is time to get started. Make sure all weeds and rocks are fully removed from the ground.
- Measure Where to Plant: It is important to set the plants down to get an idea of where you want your plants and how far apart they should be placed.
- Start Planting: Smooth soil with a rake before planting. Once completed, dig a hole the same length as the container the plant was in. Once the plant is in, fill with the soil you just dug out.
- Time to water: Water at the base of your plants and then add bark mulch. This will help retain the water moisture.
We’re proud to partner with local greenhouses to bring you quality, fresh floral. This summer, decorate your home with the best our region has to offer!
Casertano's Greenhouse and Farm - Cheshire, CT
If you ever find yourself in the state of Connecticut, you may stumble upon the multi-generational Casertano’s Greenhouse and Farm. Originally founded by Presco (Louie) Casertano, this family owned business has been passed down through the decades creating a successful and well-loved name for itself. Deeply rooted in family values and wonderful products, Casertano’s feels immense pride for their wide selection of plants and greenery. What started as a humble farm market, has grown tenfold in the last few decades as the Casertano team has, collectively, over 400 years of nursery and greenhouse experience.
The Casertano family has dedicated their lives’ work to creating a workplace that will allow their greenery to flourish, while gaining experience from across the globe. This thriving New England farm has undergone several transformations, while actively diversifying its offerings. What started as a veggies and flowers market has now encompassed various gardening realms such as ground covers, perennials, grasses, annuals, wreaths, roping, and an extensive selection of embellished Christmas products.
Kurt Weiss Greenhouses Inc. - Moriches, NY
Nestled in the beautiful state of New York the multi-generational Kurt Weiss Greenhouses have grown highly successful for their tightly knit family values and beautiful greenery and flowers. Originally created by German immigrant, Otto Muller, Kurt Weiss Greenhouses have trickled through the care of various generations in his family. The entire operation is now run by third, fourth and fifth generation family members and continues to power on strong!
What started out as a humble florist shop, has now developed into a multi-faceted greenhouse that offers “foliage, flowering potted plants, bedding plants, perennials, annuals, mixed combination planters and much more.” Through the decades, the Kurt Weiss Greenhouses have seen different phases of optimization, and now ranges over one million square feet and has beautiful, updated facilities to aid each location’s differing geographical diversities.
As the temperature rises, our cravings shift towards lighter, cooler meals that refresh and invigorate. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard picnic, a beachside gathering, or simply looking to beat the heat with a deliciously cool meal, these summertime recipes will become your go-to favorites. Let’s check out what’s on the menu…
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
1 package Perdue Ground Chicken
1 pack Iceberg Lettuce
PICS Lite Soy Sauce
1 Lime
1 Avocado
1 Pack Knorr Pasta or Rice
1 bottle (8oz) Chili Garlic Sauce
Shop for Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps here!
Homemade BLTs
1 package PICS Bacon
1 pack Iceberg Lettuce
Glorys Cherry Tomatoes
1 loaf Market 32 Peasant or Sourdough Bread
Sweet Corn (6 for $4 this week!)
Shop for for BLTs here!
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
June 7th is World Food Safety Day, set to create awareness and good practices that keep us all healthy and enjoying good food. This is the 6th World Food Safety Awareness Day, created by the World Health Organization and the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) to highlight the need for good practices that help us prevent, detect and manage food safety concerns.
We have a global food supply, whether produce and other commodities travel across the county, or around the world before reaching our stores and homes. Food safety practices and traceability are critical to keeping us all safe.
Why is this so important?
Food-borne illness is almost completely preventable. Children, elderly, and those with chronic illness are at the highest risk for adverse outcomes in any emergency, so it pays to be prepared for unexpected emergencies. Being prepared, especially during times of crisis or emergency, reduces the risk of encountering bacteria, viruses, parasites and contaminants that cause over 200 different illnesses. Many of these concerns are on the radar and actively managed, but there is no replacement for the most important protection, your own healthful food safety habits. Check out the top 5 tips to prevent food safety issues on this video here.
Helping our customers feed and care for their family is part of our mission. That is why we have shared these important resources. Food safety is everyone’s business!
Check out some great information and guides shared by The Partnership for Food Safety Education:
- Food Safety During Severe Weather (PFSE)
- Food Safety for Power Outages (CDC)
- Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods (FDA)
- Emergencies and Food Safety (USDA)
Find more resources at World Food Safety Day 2024 (who.int) and Partnership for Food Safety Education (fightbac.org)
National Cheese Day
There’s nothing like gooey, yummy, melted cheese. Essential for burgers, quesadillas, and of course mac & cheese. Today we are celebrating National Cheese Day and to do so, we are taking a deeper bite into melted cheese. Let’s break it down.
The science behind how cheese melts
Melted cheese is a science. Cheese is made up of protein and this protein is the key difference between good melting cheese and bad melting cheese. When cheese is heated up, the protein breaks and some hold their shape better than others. For example, younger, high-moisture cheeses like mozzarella, Taleggio, brie, Gruyère, Emmental, and Jack are the most reliable melters. Drier grating cheeses, such as Parmesan and Pecorino-Romano are not.
What are the best cheeses for melting?
The best cheeses for melting are called process cheeses. These products are designed to be easily meltable and difficult to break. Start with real cheese, usually a young cheddar, and blend it with extra milk, extra milk protein, and melting salt to prevent proteins from sticking together. A good example of this is American cheese, where they have so much extra liquid added to them, they have very low melting points, allowing for extra-gooey melted cheese.
At the other end of the spectrum, there are acid-set cheeses. Impossible to melt no matter what type of tweaking you implement. Fresh goat cheese, quick farmers cheese, paneer, queso fresco, and ricotta just can’t melt. When heated, the acid in these cheeses lose water, but not proteins. Water will continue to be cooked off, but the proteins in the curd are only going to tighten, holding the cheese together. These cheeses won’t melt, but you can cook or even grill them!
What are the best cheeses for mac & cheese?
Well, good melters with quality taste, like sharp cheddar. Sharp cheddar is the most common, and it works great, and if you’re using a cheesy blend we recommend cheddar as the base. Now, you get to mix in some fun, flavorful cheeses. Gruyère is common, it melts just as beautifully as cheddar, but brings additional tasty flavors to the table. Gouda, Muenster, fontina, Havarti, and Monterey Jack are also excellent options.
Enjoy National Mac & Cheese Day with a melty, flavorful blend of your own. For whichever cheese you choose to call upon, stop by your local Price Chopper/Market 32 to pick it up or shop with us online!
Written by our friends at the American Dairy Association
National Dairy Month is celebrated annually during June to recognize the contributions of the dairy industry and the hardworking dairy farmers behind the milk and dairy products making it to your grocery store shelves every day. This year, we want to focus on real milk and yogurt tubs to make a delicious, filling smoothie. What better time for an ice cold drink than summertime?
A smoothie made with real, wholesome milk or yogurt is a delicious way to get high-quality protein and other essential nutrients that your body needs to help fuel your day.
Use Real Dairy as the base of the smoothie.
- Milk makes an excellent base for any smoothie. Milk has a significant amount of protein as well as a powerful package of 13 essential nutrients including calcium, protein, phosphorus, vitamin D, vitamin A, and several B vitamins. Add more or less milk depending on how thick you like your smoothie.
- Yogurt also makes a great base for a smoothie. Yogurt is another excellent source of protein and 9 essential nutrients. Most yogurts are made with live and active cultures, and some also provide probiotics – or good bacteria – that may help maintain digestive health, boost immunity, fight infection and protect against diseases.
Are you a dairy lover interested in learning more about the history of Dairy Month? Check out more here!
Where does your milk come from?
Click here to meet dairy farming families in the Northeast.
Click here to meet dairy farming families in New England.
Learn more about dairy farming in the Northeast at AmericanDairy.com and in New England at NewEnglandDairy.com
Written by our friends at the American Dairy Association
June is National Dairy Month and there is no better way to celebrate than with Real Smoothies made with Real Dairy. A smoothie made with wholesome milk or yogurt is a delicious way to get high-quality protein and other essential nutrients that your body needs to help fuel your day. Making smoothies with real dairy is a great way to honor the hardworking dairy farmers behind the milk and dairy products making it to your table every day.
A refreshing smoothie is a simple and easy way to pack a lot of nutrients into one glass. To get the most nutrition from your smoothie, make it with real milk or yogurt.
Milk makes an excellent base for any smoothie. Milk is a go-to source of protein as well as a powerful package of 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, and several B vitamins. Milk also has immunity-boosting nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Zinc, and protein. Add more or less milk, depending on how thick you like your smoothie.
Yogurt also makes a great addition to a smoothie. Yogurt is another excellent source of protein and 9 essential nutrients. All yogurts are made with live and active cultures, and some also provide probiotics – or good bacteria – that may help maintain digestive health, boost immunity, fight infection and protect against diseases. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier in texture because it is strained during processing to remove liquid whey, which is also why Greek yogurt is higher in protein and lower in lactose and calcium.
Check out these delicious smoothie recipes that can be made with real milk and Greek yogurt!
Peanut Butter Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1 banana, frozen
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- Garnish: mini chocolate chips
Preparation:
- In a blender, combine milk, yogurt, banana, and peanut butter. Pour into glasses and top with chocolate chips. Serve immediately.
Spinach Orange Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2 mandarins, peeled
- 1 medium banana, peeled
- ½ cup raw spinach
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
Preparation:
- In a blender, combine Mandarin oranges, banana, Spinach, milk, and vanilla yogurt. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
Click here find these amazing recipes and more!
Hotter deals for warmer days! We have 3 meals for this week’s value plan adventure and hope to make your evenings easier and keep your kitchen cool. Let’s take a look at this week’s delicious trio!
3 lbs. (Buy 1.5 lb. get 1.5 lb. FREE) Market 32 Hand Trimmed Fat Free Chicken Breasts, Cutlets, or Tenders
1 pack Cappiello Mozzarella Cheese (Buy one get one FREE)
1 container Market 32 Vine Ripe Tomatoes
1 pack Market 32 Sub Rolls 6 pk
1 package Market 32 Basil
1 pack Market 32 Refrigerated Pizza Dough
1 bottle (Buy one get one FREE) Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce (Mix & Match with Ken’s Dressing)
1 bottle (Buy one get one FREE) Ken’s Caesar Dressing (Mix & Match with Sweet Baby Ray’s)
1 bag Romaine Lettuce
1 pack PICS Flour Tortillas
Meal 1: Chicken Caprese Sandwiches
Nothing beats a delicious caprese sandwich on a warm summer day!
Essentials: Grill or slow cooker; bread knife, cutting boards, meat thermometer, two large or dinner forks for shredding.
Wash tomatoes and basil and allow to dry on a paper towel. Slice the tomatoes into thin rounds, and remove basil leaves from the stems. Set in place where you will assemble the sandwiches.
Slice 4 Market 32 Bakery Sub Rolls in half. (Tip – consider toasting, especially if you are grilling the chicken.)
Prep 1 – Oftentimes, restaurants will make this wonderful sandwich with a thin chicken cutlet, quick-grilled to juicy perfection and topped with the signature fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil that defines the Caprese combo. If you decide to grill the chicken, consider a quick brining, and cook all 3 pounds at the same time. Use the meat thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature, getting the chicken off the grill as soon as it hits about 160 degrees F, (measured in the center of the thickest part of the cutlet or tender) and wrap in clean foil/rest (off the grill) for about 5 more minutes, to finish cooking and reabsorb juices. Check the temperature again when you unwrap the foil, to be sure it is 165 degrees, recommended for food safety. Place the grilled cutlet on the sliced roll, and layer on the tomato, basil, and sliced mozzarella. The remaining chicken can be stored in a container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Prep 2 – Another way to keep the kitchen cool is to cook all the chicken with a cup of water or low sodium chicken broth in the slow cooker (about 4 hours on low, or when it reaches 165 degrees), then shred and divide it for use in each of these recipes. Hack – use two large forks to shred the chicken in the slow cooker with the cooking juices, or in a flat-bottomed bowl. The shredded chicken can be used for the Caprese sandwich warm or cold. The tender shredded chicken will make it easier to enjoy the sandwich and keep it together for a flavor-full, easy clean up meal. It will also make the other two meals quick and easy!
1.5 lbs. Market 32 Hand Trimmed Fat Free Chicken Breasts, Cutlets, or Tenders
1 pack Cappiello Mozzarella Cheese (Buy one get one FREE)
1 container Market 32 Vine Ripe Tomatoes
1 pack Market 32 Sub Rolls 6 pk
1 package Market 32 Basil
Shop for Chicken Caprese Sandwiches here!
Meal 2: BBQ Chicken Pizza
Take your pizza to a whole other level with this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe!
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Essentials: Pizza pan, stone or baking sheet, pizza slicer. Optional – cutting board, grater or chef knife, large spatula or pizza peel.
Pantry: PICS Olive Oil, optional apple and/or red or sweet onion.
Food safety tip – Use cooked/leftover chicken only – do not use raw chicken for the topping.
Defrost the pizza dough, if needed, in the refrigerator overnight, then allow it to come to room temperature. It may rise slightly. Use a lightly oiled metal pizza pan, sheet pan or pizza stone, and stretch the dough to fit to the rim of whatever you choose. First-time pizza makers, check this out for dough-licious skill building! Check out this article on Steps to Strecthing Pizza Dough.
Slather a generous amount of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce on the dough (start with ¾ cup and add more as needed) and top with shredded chicken. Tip – up the flavor and nutrition of this meal with some grated red onion and/or thin-sliced fresh apples! Top with rounds of fresh Capiello Mozzarella slices. Hack – for thicker crust, pre-bake the dough for about 6 minutes before adding sauce and toppings. Food safety tip – do not use raw chicken for the topping. Cook for about 15 minutes, until dough edges are a rich brown and the mozzarella is melted and bubbling on top.
1.5 lbs. Market 32 Hand Trimmed Fat Free Chicken Breasts, Cutlets, or Tenders
1 pack Cappiello Mozzarella Cheese (Buy one get one FREE)
1 pack Market 32 Refrigerated Pizza Dough
1 bottle (Buy one get one FREE) Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce (Mix & Match with Ken’s Dressing)
Shop for BBQ Chicken Pizzas here!
Meal 3: Chicken Caesar Wraps
If you like chicken caesar salads, then you are sure to LOVE this wrap!
Essentials: Salad spinner, medium-sized mixing bowl, cutting board, serrated knife, ¾ cup measure, large mixing spoon or spatula.
Pantry: Optional, fresh grated or shredded Market 32 Parmesan.
Wash romaine lettuce, at least 2 large leaves per wrap. Use a salad spinner to dry it so the flour tortilla wrap doesn’t get soggy. Chop the lettuce as you like – about 1-inch sized pieces makes it easy to enjoy.
Place shredded chicken in a bowl and add a generous amount of Ken’s Ceasar Dressing (3/4 cup to start, then add more to taste if needed.)
Add the lettuce to the chicken mixture and toss lightly. Place a flour tortilla on each plate and spoon out even servings down the middle of the wrap. Sprinkle fresh Parmesan on the mixture to taste. Roll the filling in the tortilla and fold in the ends to secure.
Enjoy!
1.5 lbs. Market 32 Hand Trimmed Fat Free Chicken Breasts, Cutlets, or Tenders
1 bottle (Buy one get one FREE) Ken’s Caesar Dressing (Mix & Match with Sweet Baby Ray’s)
1 bag Romaine Lettuce
1 pack PICS Flour Tortillas
Shop for Chicken Caesar Wraps here!
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
June is National Dairy Month, and we have a lot of delicious and nutritious ways to celebrate with you all month long! As a registered dietitian-nutritionist, and a dairy lover, I am very sure dairy is the real deal – wholesome, versatile and a culinary champion used in an amazing variety of foods and recipes. To kick off this celebration, we have some great smoothie recipes to share! They are the perfect way to pack the benefits of Real Dairy into an easy-to-enjoy treat!
Fueling up with the full package of 13 nutrients milk adds to your glass is a great way to honor the hard work of the farmers that ensure it is available to you and your family every day. Those nutrients include calcium, phosphorous and B vitamins, which support bone strength and energy metabolism. Milk is a good source of high-quality protein, and contains Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and zinc. Together they help build immunity, support healing, and help grow and protect muscles. Traditional and Greek yogurt are made with live cultures and contain some probiotics, which improve gut health. So many benefits!
Greek yogurt is thick and creamy, its satisfying texture delivered by straining some of the liquid whey, resulting in higher protein content and lower lactose and calcium. You can use milk and Greek yogurt in your Real Dairy Smoothie, and change the recipe amounts to taste if you like!
We celebrate throughout National Dairy Month – add these ideas to your calendar and join in the fun all month long!
June 1 – World Milk Day – Lift your Glass!
June 4th – Cheese Day
June 7th – Choc Ice Cream Day
June 14th – Strawberry Shortcake Day
June 20th – Milkshake Day
June 20th – Ice Cream Soda Day
June 21 – Smoothie Day
June 25th – Strawberry Parfait Day – (could be a yogurt and strawberry parfait)
June 27th Ice Cream Cake Day
National Fruits and Vegetables Day
This week features #NationalFruitsandVegetablesDay and we’re celebrating with a variety of produce-centric recipes to try this season. Each with a unique variety of flavors and tastes for your summer fun. Whether it’s a main dish, side, or a treat to stay cool – we’ve got you covered with a summer’s worth of new dishes. Check them out below!
Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad: Add a twist to your pasta salad with grilled veggies. They add a tasty crunch to a classic summer side.
Greek Stuffed Eggplant: Eggplant stuffed with delicious and refreshing ingredients.
Grilled Corn with Parmesan Spread and Basil: Corn is a summertime favorite, and ours is made locally. Throw it on the grill and add this flavorful parmesan.
Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad: A refreshing salad is perfect for the summer heat, and the lemony, garlicky aroma this recipe brings is a wonderful take.
Indian Spiced Cauliflower with Garbanzo Beans and Tomatoes: This recipe is packed with flavor, and it takes cauliflower, tomatoes, and garbanzo beans to a place you may not have tried before.
Grilled Veggie Quinoa Bowls: Quinoa bowls are super refreshing, and grilled veggies are a summer hit. Add them together for the perfect meal.
Hummus Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes: A delicious and light recipe. Perfect for an appetizer at your next cookout.
Watermelon Blueberry Pops: Cool down with these DIY Watermelon Blueberry Pops to complement your summer fun.
Campfire Skillet Strawberry-Peach Cobbler: Nights by the fire make for some of the best summer relaxation. This cobbler makes them even better.
Watermelon Bites: A tasty and refreshing appetizer or snack option.
Watermelon Pico De Gallo: Throw a summery twist into your dip by adding watermelon to your pico de gallo.
Crunchy Slaw with Creamy Lime Dressing: Coleslaw is another refreshing summer side dish. This tasty take might become a favorite.
Composting Tips & Tricks
Reduce waste through composting! Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste are examples of compost, but usually these items are thrown away, rather than being composted. Making compost keeps these items out of landfills where they release methane and take up space.
All composting requires three ingredients: browns, greens, and water. Browns being dead leaves, branches, twigs. Greens being grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, coffee grounds. And the right amount of water.
Any time is a good time to start composting, but spring is particularly advantageous. In spring, you can use the warmer weather to your advantage along with the increased activity of microorganisms and creatures. By composting, you will enrich your soil by retaining moisture and suppressing plant diseases and pests. You will also reduce your need for chemical fertilizers and methane emissions from landfills, lowering your carbon footprint.
For backyard composting, select a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost pile. Add even amounts of browns and greens, making sure the larger pieces are shredded or chopped. For dry materials, make sure they are moistened as they are added to the pile. Once you have built your compost pile, mix grass clippings and green waste in and bury fruit and vegetable waste under 10 inches of material.
If you don’t have a proper space for outdoor composting, you can do so indoors with a specialized composting bin. When properly managed, an indoor bin will not attract pests or give off an unwanted scent.
Check out some more composting tricks:
- Fats, pet droppings, or animal dropping should not be compost. They will attract pests and can spread disease.
- Shredded newspaper or plain white paper works great as compost!
- Plants that have been treated with pesticides should not be used.
- Straw is an excellent source of carbon for your compost pile.
- Kitchen waste such as vegetable peels, fruit rinds, coffee grounds, tea bags, and egg shells can be fed to worms. Meat and dairy products should be avoided.
- Woody stalks or corn cobs usually decompose slower, smash with a hammer to make it easier for the microorganisms in your pile to break them down.
- Too many browns will make your pile hard to break-down. Too many greens will make your pile too smelly. Try layering each evenly.
- The more you add at once the quicker your pile will heat up. One big meal is better than several small snacks.
- When finished your pile should look, feel, and smell like rich, dark soil. The items you added should be unrecognizable.
- Relax, and stick to the process. Eventually you will make a great compost!
Sources: https://www.planetnatural.com/composting-101/tips/ – http://www.carryoncomposting.com/416920199 – https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home