National Seafood Month
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
Celebrating #NationalSeafoodMonth is a great time to celebrate family meals! #FAMILYMEALSMOVEMENT. The Family Meals Movement is a national cross-sector initiative to help families enjoy more meals together, which supports healthy growth and weight, better family relationships, less risky behavior, better mental health, and more. ₁ Time is always short for busy families; seafood is a go-to for quick meals that can get on the table in as little as 10 minutes – even if it is coming right out of the freezer! Bonus – seafood is a smart way to add up nutrition benefits that support brain and heart health. ₂ Choices that are high in omega-3’s can help you level up your family meal – learn which seafood items can make dinner a seafood power meal! Find out more here.
Some parents and caregivers may not know how easy it is to cook seafood – it is one of the comments we hear the most from customers who want to eat more but need some tips to get them started. We can make it very easy – our Seafood Teammates can steam your seafood for free! Then, you can take it home and try a sauce or serving ideas:
- Pantry Power – easy Mediterranean mix-up topper for any Seafood – PICS Capers, PICS Sliced Olives and Culinary Tours Sundried Tomatoes are easy to toss together and top any seafood meal.
- Sauce savvy – Tour the Flavors of the World with Culinary Tours Sriracha Ranch, Thai Chili, Tikka Masala, Sesame Teriyaki. Seafood is mild and easy to season – and variety makes it easy to please everyone at the table.
- Pair with your favorite salad kit for a quick prep and clean up meal.
Keeping meals easy and delicious makes magic happen – for everyone, including the cook. Sheet pan meals are a one-pan wonder, savory and satisfying, and quick clean-up. We are sharing some amazing recipes below, with some special ideas for children.
Sheet Pan Orange-Ginger Salmon Foil Packets
Sheet-Pan Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
Tuna Crescent Rolls: Perfect for Toddler Food – This was developed for toddlers, but is a good idea for every age, and with a few ingredient trades, could be a great snack or appetizer. How about “Salmon in a Blanket”? Bite size and fun, they are tempting and tasty! See the recipe below – we kept the yum factor and better-for-you benefits together with reduced fat dough and sodium smart seasoning recommendations.
Fish Dippers with Lemon-Chive Dipping Sauce – A delicious idea for your little seafoodies!
Family favorite in my house – we use Boboli Thin Crust pizza shells and top ours with sliced fresh scallions. Yum! Shrimp Pesto Pizza
#FallinLovewithSeafood – Perfect for Fall – Salmon
The budget battle is always a factor, and eating seasonally is one strategy to shop smart. This Butternut Squash, Salmon and Rice Bowl puts seasonal, savory savings on the table!
Look for seafood sales and recipes on our website, and #EatSeafoodAmerica!
Salmon in a Blanket (adapted from the Seafood Nutrition Partnership)
- Fresh or frozen Market 32 Salmon Filets (defrosted in refrigerator), cut into bite-size pieces.
- PICS Reduced Fat Crescent rolls, each crescent cut in half to make 2 triangles (16 pieces)
- Salt free seasoning – look for options from PICS, Mrs. Dash, Badia, Kinder in the spice section.)
- Additional options: PICS Maple Syrup OR PICS Honey
Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Prepare a sheet pan with a light coating of olive oil, or parchment paper. Unroll the dough and separate each crescent. Slice in half to create 2 triangles. Cut salmon into bite size pieces – approximately 1.5 inches square. Place salmon pieces on the smaller crescent triangles. Season with a dab of honey on each bite, or a sprinkle of fresh or dried herbs. Following the crescent dough rolling directions, roll the salmon into the dough and place on the prepared sheet pan. Cook at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Internal temperature should be 145°F, and dough should be cooked and light brown.
Experiment! This could also be done with frozen/baked phyllo cups or cooked in an air fryer (follow air fryer recommendations for time and check internal temperature for doneness.) Enjoy!
Price Chopper/Market 32 is a recognized #FAMILYMEALS Partner
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Did you know that our West Rutland and Rutland locations recently became a Market 32? To say we are excited would be an understatement. We have our incredible teams to thank for their tireless efforts and hard work to make these grand reopenings happen. We want to highlight a few teammates from each store for all they have done. Without further ado, let’s meet the crew!
West Rutland, Store #122 located at 100 Westway Mall Dr. West Rutland, Vermont
David Bishop, Store Manager
Dave began working for Price Chopper in 1991 as a Cashier while in high school. Over the years, he worked through the Grocery Department and eventually became a Co-Manager in 2012 and Store Manager in 2018. Dave has strong ties to the community as he grew up in West Rutland and is a lifelong member of the area. He currently lives in Rutland with his son Bradley and daughter Ava.
Shawn Stevens, Produce Manager
Shawn has worked for Price Chopper for 37 years and has held several positions from Dairy to Night Manager, and the last 35 years being in Produce. He served 25 years in the National Guard and a tour in Iraq, retiring in 2006. He is married and has twin sons that are 16. They all live in Rutland Town and are planning a move to the Philippines, where his wife is from, when he retires.
Kyle Guyette, Meat Manager
Kyle started his career with Price Chopper right here in West Rutland as a part time Courtesy Clerk. After a few years, he got his start in Meat as a part time clerk. After spending many years in various Price Chopper locations, he was able to return to West Rutland as a Meat Manager. While not working, he enjoys watching his kids play sports, as both are busy with hockey. His son is also active with tackle football and baseball as well. Both him and his wife Ashley like to visit new breweries and restaurants. He also enjoys strongman training and coaching youth football.
Laura McClure, Deli Manager
Laura has been with Price Chopper for over five years. She started out as a Deli Clerk and quickly moved up to Assistant Team Lead and then Team Lead. She loves her job and teaching her team new things, along with helping them to see their potential. She was quoted as saying, “It takes all of us to run a great department” and is proud to be a part of it.
Bobby Cooke, Grocery Manager
Bob started at Price Chopper in the Rutland, VT store eight years ago on the Night Shift as a Stocker. He then moved to working the day shift, helping in Grocery. Bobby worked his way up to being the Grocery Team Lead where he still works today with a great team! In his spare time, he loves spending time with his grandson going on adventures.
Jessica Hemple, Customer Service Manager
Jessica began her career with Price chopper over eight years ago as a part time closing Cashier. A little over a year later, she became an Office Supervisor and held that position until she became the Office Assistant Team Lead in January 2022. In November of 2022, Jessica became the Customer Service Manager on the Front-End. Her family has lived in West Rutland for the last nine years. Her husband is a local mechanic, and two of her children attend West Rutland School. Jessica’s oldest daughter attends Mill River and has also been employed by Price Chopper for the last three years.
Rutland, store 131 located at 38 Rutland Shopping Plaza Rutland, Vermont
Nick Mastronunzio, Store Manager
Nick Mastronunzio has 17 years in retail operations, six years of which he has been in a store manager role for two different organizations. He started in 2005 as a cashier working for Big Y Foods, and worked his way through the Meat Department and ultimately becoming Meat Manager by the age 21. Nick’s first store manager position was with Shoprite in 2017, and in 2021 made the move to Price Chopper and Market 32 for further career opportunities. He is a lifelong Connecticut resident and spent the past year working with the team in Middletown, CT. Nick was offered an opportunity to take Rutland Vermont through the remodel and steps to expanding the brand to a Market 32.
Greg Roth, Maintenance
Greg began his career with us in 1999 at 15 years old in West Rutland, store 122. He was transferred to our Bakery Department in Rutland, store 131 and then transferred to Maintenance. While he is responsible for keeping the store clean, he always goes above and beyond to help teammates and guests
Matt Landry, Grocery
Matt began his career with us 20 years ago. He has always been with the Grocery Department. He is thorough in his work, follows through completing projects, and can always be found with a smile on his face.
Check out more team photos from our Rutland store!
Price Chopper and Market 32 are so excited to feature Fleur de France Brie Cheese as October’s Cheese of the Month. Let’s dive into this delicious cheese and see what it is all about!
As the name implies, this cheese originates from France and is made with pasteurized rBST-free cow’s milk. The taste is like no other; It has a soft interior like butter with an edible rind. If you have never had this cheese, you need to stop what you are doing and try!
You may be wondering what this cheese pairs well with. Take a look at the list below and browse our selection at the end!
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Honey
- Balsamic Glaze
- Prosciutto
- Pepperoni
- Marinated Artichokes
- Roasted Red Tomatoes
- Hot & Sweet Peppers
- Marinated Artichokes
- Champagne
- Sparkling wine
- Saisons
- Pilsners
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the air becomes crisper, it’s a clear sign that fall has arrived. With the change in seasons comes a whole new world of flavors and spices that can transform your culinary experience. When we think of “spices,” we may just think of pumpkin and apple spices. However, there is a whole lot more out there. Let’s take a look at some useful spices this fall season, and a recipe to go along with each one!
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon comes from a tree known as Sri Lankan Cinnamon Tree. This is a very popular scent this time of year, and you can even find cinnamon-scented candles at Price Chopper and Market 32!
Pumpkin:
There is no doubt that pumpkin spice is a key scent of fall. Everywhere you look, there is pumpkin spice everything! Did you know that pumpkin spice is actually a mixture of different spices including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and clove? There is no pumpkin in pumpkin spice! Be sure to check out our pumpkin spice candles!
Recipe: Maple-Pumpkin Cold Brew
Apple:
Another fall favorite – apple! Apple spice boasts a warm, cozy, and aromatic flavor. It is characterized by a blend of sweet, earthy, and spiced elements. Of course we have an apple crisp candle, too!
Recipe: Apple-Cranberry Slab
Allspice:
Allspice is a unique and versatile spice that is derived from the dried unripe berries of the Pimenta dioica plant, which is native to the Caribbean and Central America. The name “allspice” is attributed to its complex flavor, which is a combination of various other spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, resulting in a well-rounded and distinct taste.
Recipe: Butternut Squash Bisque
Cumin:
Cumin is a very popular spice used in soups and stews, and derives from the plant Cuminum cyminum. This spice is widely used in India, Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Recipe: Jalapeño, Chicken & Pumpkin Soup
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
If you are considering how the foods you eat impact your health and the health of our planet, you are not alone. Embracing that holistic approach to ensuring we all have access to healthy food, and ensuring we manage food well from land and sea is key to access now and in the future.
Striving to #EatSeafood2XWeek is recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association. Eating more seafood is a proven way to support heart and brain health, ensure good intake of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, and enjoy easy to season lean, nutrient-rich protein. Seafood is a great choice for pregnant women (see important recommendations here: Advice About Eating Fish). It is also a great starter food for toddlers and young children, with research showing significant positive impact on brain growth and IQ (Seafood Nutrition Partnership). The benefits don’t stop there – building that #Seafood2XWeek routine will fuel your family’s health for life!
Learning more about how seafood fisheries and farms are managed can help you be confident in the choices you make. Farmed and wild seafood are both good choices, as both industries are working with scientists and systems to maximize production while protecting the environment. Our Seafood Team knows sourcing responsibly harvested and farmed fish is good for people and the planet. Our deeply experienced buyers collectively have over 30+ years of experience and have been advocates for ensuring seafood fisheries are actively engaged in sustainable practices. This includes seeking sourcing standards like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification and supporting fisheries engaged in criteria-driven fishery improvement projects (FIPs), as science and safety continues to drive best practices.
For farmed seafood, the science has become an independent certification our Seafood team relies on to assist with supporting best aquaculture practices and high-quality items. For example, they ensure farmed salmon meet the internationally recognized Best Aquaculture Practices standards – you can learn more here: Best Aquaculture Practices. Look for the certification on Market 32 seafood packages.
Those best practices include careful sourcing of some species from specific areas, such as certified Icelandic Haddock, and Alaskan Snow Crab. Science also ensures seafood is processed and flash frozen as quickly as possible, to preserve flavor, texture and nutrient profile. Cryovac packaging of fresh-frozen fish ensures you can enjoy 1 or all 4 filets when you want to bring the benefits to your table by choosing a Market 32 frozen seafood. Fresh or frozen, flavor, and quality are all ensured by our team – we can’t wait for you to try them all! #EatSeafoodAmerica
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Today is a day to acknowledge, celebrate, and honor all of our farmers. Farmers, often regarded as the backbone of our society, play a huge role in nourishing the world and sustaining the balance between humanity and the environment. Their tireless efforts should never go unnoticed. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we want to call out some of our local farmers who help supply our stores. This includes anything from pumpkins to hot dogs and everything in between. Let’s take a look at a few of many local farmers!
Patch Orchards, Lebanon NH
At Patch Orchards in Lebanon, New Hampshire, eight generations have carried the legacy of this wonderful apple orchard. Not only do they sell a variety of produce, but many maple products are also sold. These include maple syrup, maple candies, pure maple sugar, and maple cream. There are many family fun activities to do while you visit Patch Orchards, so be sure to check out their website below.
Plainville Farm, Hadley MA
A third-generation farm in Hadley, Massachusetts, Plainville Farm specializes in pumpkins, asparagus, hard squash, and their famous butternut squash! We are proud to be partners for the past seven years!
McKenzie’s Country Classics: Burlington, VT
John and Nellie McKenzie immigrated to Vermont in 1898 and developed their own farm. When Nellie began giving country hams as holiday gifts, word got out about the heavenly taste. The McKenzies never turned back. Today, McKenzie’s belief is, “Be good, do good, and bring good to as many people as we can.” This is why you will find only the finest meats and cheeses at McKenzie’s with no antibiotics or added growth hormones. They take pride in producing healthy, wholesome goods.
Beak and Skiff, Lafayette NY
It all began in 1911 when Andrew Beak, a dairy farmer, and George Skiff, an onion farmer, met at a farmer’s market. The two teamed up to establish the very popular Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards. While many harsh weather conditions challenged their business over the years, the two men never stopped doing what they loved. Today, five generations have passed and Beak and Skiff is a booming business. Here you can find apple picking, cider tasting, a very large gift shop, and a café for apple cider donuts and many lunch items. Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard has something for the whole family!
Dietz and Watson: Philadelphia, PA
Dietz and Watson, a family-owned business, began in 1939. Their mission is, “To provide the best meat and cheese products on the market by adhering to our guiding principles: choice, quality, transparency, and family.” In addition to fine meats and cheeses, Dietz & Watson has a variety of snacks and condiments that are the perfect pairing for any meal. You can also find recipes on their website that fit all different needs. These include: gluten free, low sodium, keto, game day, vegetarian, and more.
Martin Rosol’s: New Britain, CT
Martin Rosol opened his business in 1928 which took place in a converted garage with eight employees. The number of employees expanded as the business advanced with some working here for over 50 years! In addition to their store front, Martin Rosol’s also has an online store where you can find delicious kielbasa, sausage, frankfurters, and cold cuts. Martin Rosol’s manufacturers are famous for their “foot long” frankfurters! Check them out!
Interested in learning more about these local farmers? Check them out here:
New Items: Smithfield Marinated Pork
Calling all meat lovers!
Variety is the spice of pork. Smithfield’s selection of slow-marinated and perfectly seasoned Marinated Fresh Pork means a new flavor every time.
Now available at Price Chopper, Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork features four delicious flavors are easy to prepare any night of the week. Get ready to add Slow Roasted Golden Rotisserie, Roasted Garlic & Herb, Applewood Smoked Bacon and Teriyaki Marinated Pork Loins to your shopping list.
Slow Roasted Golden Rotisserie
Smithfield Marinated Slow Roasted Golden Rotisserie Flavor Fresh Pork Tenderloin is freshly seasoned with pork broth, vinegar, and salt for tenderness and juiciness.
Roasted Garlic & Herb
Smithfield Marinated Roasted Garlic & Herb Fresh Pork Loin Filet is freshly seasoned and marinated with hints of roasted garlic for mouthwatering flavor.
Teriyaki
Smithfield Marinated Teriyaki Fresh Pork Tenderloin features a tender, juicy teriyaki flavor that your whole family will love.
Applewood Smoked Bacon
Smithfield Marinated Applewood Smoked Bacon Fresh Pork Loin Filet is freshly seasoned, marinated and, best of all, topped with real bacon crumbles.
Explore a whole new world of delicious pork recipes. Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork can be grilled, air fried, baked, sautéd, smoked…the possibilities are endless.
Try these Smithfield recipes for easy meal solutions.
Bacon Weave Pork Loin – featuring Roasted Garlic & Herb Pork Loin
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Sauce and Blackberry Mint Salad – featuring Slow Roasted Golden Rotisserie Pork Tenderloin
Pan Fried Crispy Pork Ramen – featuring Applewood Smoked Bacon Pork Loin
Sweet Teriyaki Pork Lettuce Wraps – featuring Sweet Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
If you or someone you know has student loans, the announcement that payments will resume this month after a three-year grace period can be very stressful.
Fear not, Price Chopper and Market 32 have a way to help! You can chip away at student loans by using Rewards Points earned with your AdvantEdge Card. Yes, you read that correctly!
For every 100 AdvantEdge Rewards points you redeem for a student loan payment, it will deduct $1 from the student loan of you or a loved one. While it may not seem like much, these points applied to a student loan payment can add up sizably over time!
Take it from Corey Davis from Little Falls, NY… “I have student debt. I use points I’m already getting to apply towards loan payments, it’s very minimal effort and helps greatly in the long run!”
Want to learn more about this program? Visit our website!
National Seafood Month
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN
Does this sound familiar? It is 4 PM, and you have no idea what to make for dinner. What you do know is you want it to be quick, easy, delicious, and good for you. Seafood may be your new best friend – versatile and vital, full of essential nutrients and easy to season, it can be a big deal for a special evening or a freezer-to-plate problem solver.
Less than 20% of Americans eat the recommended amount of se afood #2XPerWeek, but that is starting to change as culinary curiosity and positive health benefit research across the life span continues to grow. As a group, seafood is nutrient dense, meaning it packs a variety of nutrients into each nourishing bite, depending on the species. Lean protein, brain and heart-health promoting omega-3 fats; vitamins A, B and D, as well as minerals selenium, zinc, iodine, iron, calcium and phosphorous. Together they bring a lot of value in an easy-to-cook package!
Seafood, especially in the Northeast, has a historical role in feeding the indigenous peoples of America, and then European settlers when they arrived. As stated by author Barton Seaver, “seafood was the first economy this country founded, and upon which we took our first steps toward economic and political freedom.” ₁ This was fueled in part by the robust access to North Atlantic cod and intersected with the seeking of religious freedom. Fasting days, which included seafood traditions, were over 150 per year in some religious calendars, and underpinned immigration for religious freedom to the New World for many. Immigration throughout American history has brought many from cultures where seafood was a fundamental element of their cuisine. Seafood was also a mainstay during the World Wars, when other foods were rationed to support troops. Seasonality also has a role – the seas come alive in spring, in time for Lent, the most popular time of year to eat seafood.
The advancement of technology and processing has expanded the options we have for seafood – many of the varieties we carry are wild caught, processed and fresh frozen at sea to maintain the highest quality of delicate flavor and texture. Market 32 frozen filets are individually wrapped in the package, ensuring you can make one or all and enjoy the same great experience. Frozen seafood can be cooked in about 15 minutes, right out of the freezer, so is a perfect staple for busy days. Market 32 Shrimp and Scallops come in various sizes, ready to defrost and enjoy or perfectly prepped to make your favorite recipe. Lobster and crab are the highest quality, and wonderful to bring to a table full of friends and family!
Check out the great sales and watch for recipes and finspiration throughout October, National Seafood Month.
#EatMoreSeafoodAmerica!
Happy Pumpkin Spice Season!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
What a beautiful time of year this is! The weather is cooler, the leaves are falling, and there are pumpkins wherever we look. Even better, it is officially pumpkin spice season! Pumpkin spice items line the shelves at Price Chopper and Market 32, local coffee shops are advertising pumpkin spice lattes, and maybe you have even started carving pumpkins. We are surrounded by pumpkin spice, but how can one complain? Pumpkin spice has become so popular in the last two decades that Merriam Webster put the term “pumpkin spice” in the dictionary! Surprisingly enough, pumpkin is actually not in pumpkin spice. It is the lovely blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves that give us a feeling of happiness, warmth, and most of all, nostalgia.
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have a variety of pumpkin spice products ranging from PICS pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin spice coffee creamer, and pumpkin spice baking products. Be sure to check out some pumpkin spice recipes we love below.
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: The aroma of this delicious spice cake will fill your hearts (and bellies) with love! Be sure to grab spice cake mix and other PICS baking goods in our baking aisles!
Pumpkin Soup: This creamy, filling soup is the perfect fall lunch or dinner. Pair with Market 32 bread from the bakery section.
Pumpkin Pie Roll Ups: Whether you need an easy dessert for your guests or want to surprise the kids with a fun breakfast, these pumpkin pie roll ups are a favorite!
Pumpkin Shandy: All this talk about pumpkin foods, but how about this pumpkin drink? This easy five-ingredient drink is perfect for your guests, or just a relaxing night at home.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes: These mini pumpkin cheesecakes are the best dessert for any fall party!
Harvest Chili: Hear us out on this one…pumpkin pie spice in your chili. Don’t knock it ‘till you try it! Besides, what’s better to have on a cold fall night than warm chili?
