Price Chopper/Market 32 made history on Friday, June 14, by opening four new Market 32s in New York’s Capital Region. As part of our commitment to nourishing life in the communities in which we operate, Price Chopper/Market 32 donated 5% of sales from each grand opening to local organizations making an impact in our neighborhoods. These new stores, located in Albany, Colonie, Niskayuna, and North Greenbush, NY, raised over $50,000 for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, Westland Hills Baseball and Softball, Niskayuna Baseball League, Colonie Little League, and Southern Rensselaer County Baseball Association at East Greenbush Inc.
We presented checks to all 5 organizations at our new Colonie store on Monday, July 15. Check out some pictures below!
We are beyond grateful to teammates across the company for working tirelessly to transform all four stores in a short period, and for supporting programs that help build strong communities. We are so proud to be able to show our customers that we’re not just in your neighborhood, we’re your neighbor!
Brian Rivers, Store Manager, Albany
Damian Dylewski, Store Manager, Colonie
Russ Dyer, Store Manager, Niskayuna
Jason Gabree, Store Manager, North Greenbush
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
It’s National Corn Month, and we think that is something to celebrate! We’ve been partnering with local corn farmers here in the Northeast since 1932. Corn is one of our region’s top agricultural products. Our farmers love to eat this local treat fresh-off-the-stalk, and so do we!
Leading up to the month of July, our corn takes quite a journey. During the month of May when local farmers are tending to their fields, we will tap into Florida’s sweet corn season and supply those delicous ears. Fast forward to June and we start to move up the coast into the state of Georgia. While we are getting corn from here, our local corn has started to sprout. Exciting things await!
Finally, the month of July comes and we are popping with excitement (pun intended)! The first half of the month, we move even further up the coast to North Carolina and Delaware, since their corn season is in full swing. However, by mid to late July, our local sweet corn season is finally underway! This lasts only until mid September, but we enjoy every minute of our corn season. Let’s take a look at a few local suppliers.
Shaul Farms:
We are proud to partner with Shaul Farms located in Fultonham, New York. Amazingly, eleven generations have worked on this farm. They produce cider and vegetables.
Paul Mazza Farms:
We are proud to partner with Paul Mazza Farms located in Colchester, Vermont. For 38 years, Paul Mazza Farms’ goal is to connect the community to fresh local foods.
Check out some summertime recipes you can make with our locally sourced corn!
Mexican Street Corn: Have you ever tried Mexican Street Corn? Well, now you can with this easy and delicious recipe!
home.grown. Corn Fritters: This meal is similar to fried dough with a savory cornmeal-based batter. Try our PICS Cheese varieties or PICS Maple Syrup to go on top.
Grilled Shrimp, Corn, & Tomato Rolls with Lime Mayo: This will be a summertime favorite! Top with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Summertime Steak Lettuce Wraps: Craving a taco but don’t want the shell? Try these lettuce wraps with similar ingredients as your traditional taco. As always, feel free to add or omit any item.
As the games capture the world’s attention with incredible athletic ability, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate not just the athletes but also the rich tapestry of cultures they represent. What better way to connect with diverse traditions and stories than through the universal language of food? Let’s take a tour of some fabulous meals & desserts to try while you watch your favorite team compete.
Your meal isn’t complete without dessert! Check out our recipes below, and be sure to try our NEW Market 32 Seasonal Macarons. Macarons are a classic French dessert, and with the Olympics happening in France, there’s no better time to try our new treat.
home.grown. Farm Feature: Paul Mazza's Fresh Produce
Jack Marquette
Marketing Intern
The Operation
Paul Mazza owns over 250 acres of farmland in Essex, Jerico, Williston, and Colchester. After visiting only the Essex and Colchester locations, we could tell each acre was used with purpose of growing some of the freshest produce in Vermont. An operation like this takes a group of employees who love to work for Mazza’s Fresh Produce and provide for their families in the snow seasons. Using busses, they can easily transport them around the farms. This operation leaves Paul working long days and is a reason why his Fruit and Vegetable Farmstand in Essex is so trusted.
Community Connection
We visited the Essex Farmstand location on a Wednesday afternoon and still there were cars consistently pulling in and purchasing the fresh produce from the stand. The community relies on trusts and respects Mazza’s stand and his work for delivering great produce. Their website, paulmazzas.com, displays that their mission statement has not changed. For 38 years they still want to “connect our community with fresh local foods.” Their website provides information on most services covered in this blog, but with much more detail. We encourage you to check out their website to learn more.
Pick-Your-Own
Even with the massive success of the stand, Mazza still says the people’s favorite is the “Pick-Your-Own”. You have the availability of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and apples. They encourage everyone to make memories along with collecting fresh produce at a great price. More information can be found on their website.
Overview
Paul Mazza offers many options to his loyal local customers. Whether it is his Fruit and Vegetable Farmstand in Essex, the popular Pick-Your-Own, or the hard work that goes in behind the scenes, there is a reason the community trusts the farm. Building through a community is something Paul Mazza and Price Chopper both take pride in and is one of the many reasons why he still provides fresh produce in our stores today.
History and Recipes of the Caesar Salad: 100 Year Anniversary
Jack Marquette
Marketing Intern
Origins
It’s unique that a dish can have a birthday on a special occasion or holiday. In this case, Caesar salad can join that short list. On a 4th of July night in 1924, the Caesar salad was created in Tijuana, Mexico. It is expected that a dish like this would be created in America or Italy. While those countries are still a massive reason for its existence, it will always be a dish that originated in Mexico. The city of Tijuana, Mexico is right on the border of the United States and Mexico and served as a hotspot for American citizens during probation.
July 4th, 1924
To celebrate the birth of their country, American citizens flocked to Tijuana to legally enjoy alcohol in another country. At Caesar’s Palace Hotel in Tijuana, Italian immigrant chef, Caesar Cardini was overwhelmed by the holiday partiers. To get food out quickly, he grabbed olive oil, parmesan, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and lettuce thrown together and tossed in a big wooden bowl. The Caesar salad was now invented and already a big hit. The picture to the right shows the current table side salad at Caesar’s Hotel today. They still take pride in what they have created and have kept it the same as it originated.
Evolution
The original restaurant on Avenida Revolución still stands and is open for business, but the original Caesar salad has been changed and altered to create alternative versions of the salad. There will always be the original, but many additions such as bacon, maple syrup, prosciutto, and even oyster mushrooms have been added by different chefs. Ultimately, Cardini stresses that even if the dish was created in Mexico, it is still an Italian dish. The more other chefs add, it is still an Italian dish and there will always be the original. Below are some Caesar salad recipes we want you to try.
Our July Cheese of the Month is certainly something to boast about! This month we have a soft, delicate cheese with a milky, fresh flavor that resembles a Mozzarella ball but with a soft filling of fresh pieces of Mozzarella soaked in heavy cream known as “Stracciatella.” Each ball is made from fresh milk from local farmers, hand-formed, and packaged in water to ensure maximum freshness. Eat plain or with an antipasto cheeseboard.
Top a hot baked pizza just before serving, or add to salads of arugula and peaches or Caprese with tomato and basil. Burrata pairs well with tomatoes, roasted peppers, herbs, cured meats, melon, grapes, peaches, olives, and light wine.
Cherishing Cherries!
In our opinion, one of the more underrated fruits out there is the cherry. They are sweet, snackable, and perfect for the summer. They are great alone or an important ingredient in endless tasty recipes. That’s why this summer we plan on cherishing this awesome stone fruit.
To start, there are two different types of cherries: tart and sweet. Tart cherries are good for cooking and baking, while sweet cherries are the type you buy to eat as a snack. When purchasing these sweet snacks, look for the firm and plump ones that appear bright and glossy. Sweet cherries are mainly grown in California, Washington, and Oregon, while tart cherries can commonly be found in Michigan and Wisconsin. Some popular types of sweet cherries are Bing, Lambert, and Rainier. The most common type of tart cherry is the Montgomery, best when used in baking as they hold their shape better than their more snackable relatives.
At Price Chopper & Market 32, we love using cherries in our recipes. And not just the classic cherry pie. Check out some of these delectable recipes, perfect for the summer!
Picture this: tender slices of grilled steak nestled between two slices of toasted artisan bread, perhaps with a smear of garlic aioli or a tangy steak sauce. Sounds incredible, right? Now picture a fun fiesta of a fresh bed of lettuce, ground turkey, beans, & corn. Sounds amazing, right?
What if we told you these Steak Sandwiches & Taco Salads only have five ingredients? Easy and delicious! Let’s check out this week’s items to make these recipes…
Taco Salads:
1 package Ground Turkey (Buy one get one FREE!)
1 can (16oz) PICS Black Beans
1 can (16 oz PICS Canned Corn)
1 package PICS Taco Seasoning
Shop for Taco Salads here!
Steak Sandwiches:
1 package Certified Angus Beef Steak (Buy one get one FREE)
1 package RealSweet Vidalia Onions
1 container Market 32 Whole White Mushrooms
1 bottle PICS Marinade
1 pack Market 32 Rolls (found in bakery section)
Shop for Steak Sandwiches here!
Check out this fun twist on your steak sandwich!
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!
