International Blues Music Day!
Tyler Blance
Manager of Digital Marketing
There are lots and lots of national days, weeks, months and more on the world’s calendar, but few are as exciting as this one: International Blues Music Day. Let’s celebrate with some blues (and food) talk!
If you’re not already familiar, blues is a music genre that originated in the United States in the 1860s, specifically amongst African-Americans in the Deep South. A favorite genre of mine, ‘The Blues’ comes in many forms: Mississippi Delta Blues, Chicago blues, gospel blues, folk blues, swamp music, and lots more. This style of music has influenced almost every form of American music that has followed it or developed alongside it: jazz, rock & roll, hip hop and more: even ‘screamo’, a unique genre that has held a special place in my heart since middle school. Chances are, your favorite song or artist has the blues to thank for its existence!
There are many names associated with the blues, each of them incredible in their own right: Since you’re reading the blog of a local supermarket chain, I thought it’d be appropriate here to take a quick peek into the appetites and tastes of some of the genre’s iconic figures.
Howlin Wolf, legendary for his booming voice alone, a pioneer of ‘electrifying’ the blues from its acoustic origins and an influential figure in the structuring of songs into verse-chorus-verse structure, was big on food: he once stated that he had eaten more chicken than any man had ever seen.
One of my favorite blues musicians, Muddy Waters, was not only an incredible musician: he could throw down in the kitchen! Muddy’s family shares stories of his love for cooking (and eating) spicy food: try your hand at some Grilled Cajun Pork Tenderloin if you’re in the mood for some flavor from America’s blues music homeland.
One of the most well-known figures in blues music, Eric Clapton is quite the foodie: he enjoys cooking, and once dined at the same Chicago restaurant 3 times in 2 days. Chicago has a rich history of blues music, and apparently some great restaurant food too!
I now find myself wondering about the favorite foods and dishes of some lesser-known, but incredible nonetheless, blues musicians: what did Reverend Utah Smith (gospel preacher and gospel blues guitar shredder) like to chow down on? Was Memphis Minnie a seafood fan? Did Houston Stackhouse enjoy breakfast for dinner? I’ll have to do some digging here and circle back to the Price Chopper & Market 32 Blog sometime in the future.
Stepping back from the tastes of the artists themselves, a variety of blues songs either are written about food, or contain food in their titles: Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino, Oreo Cookie Blues (paid partnership? I wonder!) by Lonnie Mack, and lots more. Cedell Davis, who learned to play the guitar with a butter knife after being struck by polio as a child and losing grip strength in his hands, does an awesome rendition of “Catfish and Cornbread”, as a spin on an old folk blues tune: check it out here.
So many songs and so much flavor!
Want to further wet your appetite for the blues? Check out our Blues Barbeque playlist on Spotify: it’s perfect for firing up the tunes while you’re firing up the grill. Listen here.
Long Live The Blues!
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 brews.
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
Shop Our Beer Aisle
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Macarons & Macaroons may just have a one letter difference in their name, but these cookies are actually quite different in appearance and taste. Additionally, both originate in different cultures. Let’s learn more about these delectable desserts.
First thing’s first, we need to know how to pronounce our cookies.
Macaron (Mack-a-RON)
Macaroons (Mack-a-ROON)
Now that we have the most important step down, let’s learn more about the differences. Macarons originate in France and resemble a small, cookie sandwich. Macarons have a crispy exterior shell with a soft, airy interior and are known for their delicate texture. While there are a variety of flavors, the almond flavor from the almond flour base is complemented by various fillings such as ganache, buttercream, or jam.
Check out our NEW PICS Summertime Macarons here!
Macaroons on the other hand, have a longer history and are thought to have originated in Italy. They are also popular in Jewish cuisine, especially during Passover since no flour can be eaten during this sacred time. Macaroons have a predominant coconut flavor due to the shredded coconut, have a bumpy appearance, and a chewy texture.
Not a coconut fan? Check out this delicious Almond Macaroon Recipe here!
Interested in tasting the difference? Check out the items below or head over to your local Price Chopper/Market 32!
National Chicken Wing Day
Today is National Chicken Wing Day and we have a handful of new recipes to try! Whether you’re having a friday pizza night, watching the game, or just looking for a tasty meal with friends and family these wing recipes are perfect. Check them out!
This week we are bringing you two popular dishes that you are sure to love – Chicken Parm & Pulled Chicken Tacos! Even better, both meals are only five ingredients, making them delicious and budger-friendly. Let’s see what our recipes call for…
Chicken Parm with Broccoli
1 pack Market 32 Boneless Chicken Breast
1 box Barilla Pasta
1 jar Ragu Sauce
1 bag (8oz) PICS Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Broccoli Crowns
Shop Chicken Parm with Broccoli here!
Shredded Chicken Tacos
1 pack Market 32 Boneless Chicken Breast
1 pack PICS Tortillas
1 jar PICS Salsa
1 bag (8oz) PICS Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
1 Avocado
Shop Shredded Chicken Tacos here!
Check out these pulled chicken taco recipes for a fun twist!
Obscure Games & Events of the Past and Present
Jon Waiksnoris
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Today, the opening ceremony of the 33rd iteration of the summer games takes place. Flag bearers LeBron James and Coco Gauff will lead the USA onto the world’s stage. The upcoming events have inspired us to uncover some of the most obscure, quirky, and unusual events that have taken place in iterations past and present. Take a look at some of our favorites!
Solo Synchronized Swimming: If you’ve tuned into synchronized swimming you may be slightly confused by it, but you understand that the point is to be in sync with your teammates and fellow swimmers and dancers. Well, all that went out the window in 1984, 1988, and 1992 when solo synchronized swimming took place. Good luck being a judge of that event!
Plunge for Distance: Plunge for Distance, or “competitive floating,” is known as being the lamest event to ever take place at the games. In fact, any attempt at being athletic was strictly forbidden in this event. Competitors would dive into the water, surface, and lay flat and motionless, until they had to pick their heads up out of the water for air. Whoever floated the furthest was crowned the winner! But any attempts to swim or perform a move to float further would get you disqualified. Electric!
Tug of War: Most of us have probably taken place in a good, old tug of war bout of some kind. Whether it’s messing around with friends, playing with your dog, or participating in an athletic competition of the highest regard. Wait, what? Yes, tug of war used to take place during the games in the early 1900s.
Modern Pentathlon: In order to compete in the pentathlon event of today’s game, you must have a well-rounded skillset. This seemingly random and chaotic event requires competitors to compete in fencing, show jumping, pistol shooting, swimming, and running. You know, like your one annoying friend who’s good at everything.
Hot Air Ballooning: There have been a number of hot air balloon competitions that have taken place over the years, like distance traveled, altitude reached, even best photo taken from a hot air balloon. In 1900, French balloonist Henry de La Vaulx was crowned the winner of a distance competition, traveling his balloon 768 miles from Paris to Poland. When he finally landed, he was rewarded by being arrested for not filing a passport request.
The summer games are a great time to gather with friends and family, enjoy the events, and root for your favorite athletes. And no watch party is complete without the proper snacks and meal options. From catering and platter options, to snacks and beverages, we’re your one stop shop for enjoying this year’s games!
Chill Out and Relax on National Refreshment Day!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Each year, National Refreshment Day is celebrated on the last Thursday of July. That day is today, July 28th! There is an interesting history with National Refreshment Day. The word “refreshment” was originally spelled “refreschement” in Late Middle English. While the spelling has been altered, the meaning has not. By definition, “refreshment” means to be revitalized and rejuvenated after a difficult time or situation.Traveler Beers, located in Burlington, Vermont founded this National Day in 2015. Whether you are celebrating by the pool or in the office, Price Chopper and Market 32 have a variety of different drinks for you to unwind and relax.
Peach Paradise : This recipe is fun and very easy to make. Be sure to stop by our produce department for fresh peaches and PICS lime juice.
Iced Caramel Vanilla Latte : Price Chopper and Market 32 have a wide selection of coffee, sweeteners, creamers, and milk. This delicious latte is perfect before your morning commute to the office!
Chocolaty-Orange Smoothie : The combination of fresh oranges and PICS Belgian Dark Chocolate will have you head-over-heels for this smoothie!
Classic Pimm’s Cup : The Classic Pimm’s Cup is refreshing to say the very least. The fresh basil, mint, lemon, and orange tastes give this drink the perfect summer feel.
Caramel Milkshake : Who doesn’t love a delicious milkshake on a hot summer day? Celebrate this National Refreshment Day with this caramel milkshake that is easy to make!
Raspberry Iced Tea Pops : Looking for something fun to make for National Refreshment Day? These ice pops are the way to go! All you need are peaches, raspberries, and PICS raspberry tea for this recipe.
Price Chopper and Market 32 offer a wide range of beverages, non-alcoholic and alcoholic, to keep you refreshed all summer long! Check out our catalog below.
Shop Ice Cold Drinks!
Happy National Refreshment Day!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
We are celebrating mangoes all July long, and today, July 22nd, we’re kicking it up a notch for National Mango Day! We’re so excited to share our passion for this versatile fruit with you. From enjoying mangoes in their natural state to crafting smoothies or baking sweet treats, we’ll teach you how to select the best mangoes, cut them properly, and more!
How to Choose a Mango:
Unlike other fruits, color is not always the best indicator of a mango’s ripeness. Believe it or not, mangoes come in a variety of shapes and colors. In order to discover if a mango is ready to eat, give it a gentle squeeze. An unripe mango will be firm, whereas a ripe mango will be a little soft.
However, mangoes can be enjoyed at all different stages of life depending on preference. The flavors vary from sour-tart to sweet.
How to Cut a Mango:
Step 1: Choose your mango, of course!
Step 2: Rinse off the mango.
Step 3: Place the mango on a cutting board with the stem end facing up.
Step 4: Cut down along the flat sides of the mango, starting just off-center to avoid the large seed in the middle.
Step 5: Slice from top to bottom on both sides of the seed.
Step 6: Using a knife, make vertical and horizontal cuts in the flesh, creating a grid pattern. Be careful not to cut through the skin.
Step 7: Use a knife or a spoon to remove the mango from the skin.
Step 8: ENJOY!
Mango Recipes:
Source:
Summertime means firing up the grill with a variety of meats and veggies, including sausage! While sausage & pepper sandwiches are a traditional summertime meal, you may find yourself with some leftovers, but don’t let them go to waste! We have a very simple recipe for you and your family to enjoy with your leftovers. Let’s see what’s grilling this week…
Sausage & Peppers:
1 pack Premio Italian Sausage
1-2 large Bell Peppers
1 pack Market 32 Sub Rolls
1 bag Dole Salad Kit
Shop Sausage & Peppers with a side salad here!
Pasta with Sausage:
Leftover Premio Italian Sausage
1 jar Rinaldi Marinara Sauce
1 box PICS Angel Hair Pasta
1 bag Birds Eye Steam Fresh Veggies
1 bag Dole Salad Kit
Shop Pasta with Sausage here!
Check out our YouTube page on how to perfect your sausage & peppers on the grill!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
July is National Picnic Month!
Picnics encompass far more than simply enjoying tasty food; they involve gathering friends and family together to embrace the beauty of the outdoors. The warm sun hitting your face while simultaneously smelling the bright flowers awakens the senses and brings joy from one person to the next.
This being said, it’s time to plan your next picnic! Let’s take a look at some local parks to have a picnic as well as delicious recipes for you to make!
New Hampshire
(Colburn Park link takes a minute to load!)
Once you have your picnic location, it’s time to plan what you will bring. Check out some ideas from our recipes site below!
