Price Chopper and Market 32 are very excited to announce Novemberโs Cheese of the Month to our customers โ Jarlsberg Reserve. This cheese is particularly special because it is a brand new cheese to our market! Letโs take a deep dive into this cheese and see what makes it so delicious and unique.
Jarlsberg Reserve is naturally lactose free, making this suitable for those with an intolerance. This cheese is delicious on its own or spread on a charcuterie board. It pairs well with all sorts of fruit, nuts, and dark chocolate. Nothing like that sweet and salty combo!
Did you miss the last two Cheese of the Month blogs? Fear not! Check them out here:
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
National Diabetes Month
November is National Diabetes Month, and a chance to highlight how to reach a better balance of food and health when navigating the spectrum of diabetes diagnoses.
Prediabetes is an early-stage diagnosis โ it shows metabolism is changing and signals a prime time to activate strategies that can reverse that change or delay development of diabetes. Diabetes Prevention Programs โ are offered free in many communities and may be available through your health insurance. The information and strategies offered support weight loss, including changing how the body uses and stores carbohydrates. A 5% weight loss can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 58%, and delay onset by about 8 years.
Insight โ A recent study โ showed the order of eating a meal, meaning eating non-starchy vegetables, protein foods, then carbohydrate foods, can have a significant effect on weight loss and blood glucose levels. The pilot study showed participants with prediabetes lost weight, could make it work consistently in their lifestyles, and increased their vegetable intake โ all keys to reducing risk of developing diabetes.
Because weight loss has such an impact on metabolism, the medications for diabetes that have shown they can rapidly lower weight have become popular, and demand is straining supplies for those with diabetes that need them. Those medications, called GLP-1 analogs, (such as Wegovy and Ozempic brands), extend the action of one hormone humans (GLP-1) make to signal satisfaction, lower appetite and slow down eating. But the cost and limited supply means we must prioritize them for those already managing diabetes. The good news is, we can eat foods that help raise GLP-1 hormone production. Foods high in certain types of fiber drive production of GLP-1. Fiber is also a key food component in whole grains and produce that supports weight loss, gut health and heart health. Only 1 out of 10 people eat sufficient fiber or produce, so adding more produce and whole grain fiber is a pathway to move your health forward a few bites at a time. โ
Where to start? With foods you already enjoy. Double up the amount of veggies on your plate, add eat them first. Start the day with an apple or other whole fruit. Oatmeal and barley also contain the fibers that have the holistic impact of shifting fullness and supplying the preferred type of fiber for optimizing gut hormones and microbiome health.
Learn more about your Price Chopper and Market 32 stores! We have great resources to help you reach your best health. Our Pharmacy teams can assist with accessing supplies, medications and information through the Diabetes AdvantEdge program. The Know Your Colors nutrition guides can assist with choosing well, including Carb Smart, Whole Grain and Heart Smart choices that help make eating well easy and delicious.
Check out these recipes and links to get started on better balance!
- Diabetes Prevention Program
- Shukla AP, Karan A, Hootman KC, Graves M, Steller I, Abel B, Giannita A, Tils J, Hayashi L, OโConnor M, et al. A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of the Food Order Behavioral Intervention in Prediabetes. Nutrients. 2023; 15(20):4452. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204452
- Martinez TM, Meyer RK, Duca FA. Therapeutic Potential of Various Plant-Based Fibers to Improve Energy Homeostasis via the Gut Microbiota. Nutrients. 2021 Sep 29;13(10):3470. doi: 10.3390/nu13103470. PMID: 34684471; PMCID: PMC8537956.
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Italian food is a delectable tapestry of flavors, textures, and traditions that have captivated the taste buds of people worldwide. From mouthwatering pasta dishes to wood-fired pizzas, and a variety of delightful desserts, Italian food has a lot to offer. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have everything from pastas to meatball mix and everything in between. Additionally, we are proud to say that our Italian bread is made fresh in store daily!
A brief Italian history lesson:
Italian food history spans over thousands of years. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Roman era when staples like grains, olive oil, and wine laid the foundation. Spices and other exotic ingredients were introduced during the Middle Ages. Today, many recipes and ingredients were produced from earlier traditions.
Have you checked out our Italian recipes? Take a look at some favorites below!
Pasta Fagioli: Cold days call for warm meals! This soup is loaded with Italian sausage, pasta, beans, and so much more!
Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan with Roasted Lemon-Garlic Broccoli: If you want to make this the more traditional way, add spaghetti or angel hair pasta!
Skillet Lasagna: Have you ever made lasagna in a skillet? If not, try this recipe out now!
Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Italian Sausage: Taking a twist on the traditional spaghetti and meatball recipe, this meal is sure to be a favorite!
Source:
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Can you believe it is November already? The end of the year brings all-things holidays, joy, love, and baking of course! Cream cheese is a staple in many United States households, but this time of year many will choose to bake with cream cheese. Whether you are making cheesecakes, cakes, brownies, or muffins, cream cheese adds a rich and creamy dimension that elevates your creations. At Price Chopper and Market 32, not only do we have a variety of cream cheeses, but we also have some incredible recipes on our website. Letโs explore some favorites!
- Cheesecakes are known for their dense, creamy texture. Price Chopper and Market 32 have many cheesecakes pre-made in the bakery, however, take a look at this Sweet Carrot Cheesecake and Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe if you would like to experiment on your own!
- Whatโs better than a pumpkin and cake combo? If you are looking for an easy recipe for a gathering, then you need to try this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
- Blueberry French Toast Bake is the perfect Sunday morning breakfast! While the mornings are frigid, warm up with this delicious meal.
- Brownies are another common baking item that can be made with cream cheese to give it a dense, creamy texture. In our Red Velvet Brownie with Cookies & Cream Frosting recipe, you will explore making your own cream cheese to coat on the red velvet brownies.
Check out our YouTube for more recipes on baking with cream cheese!
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
Day of the Dead or โDรญa de los Muertosโ is an event that is commonly celebrated throughout the central and southern regions of Mexico. It is a celebration of deceased loved ones as their souls are welcomed back to Earth for twenty-four hours. This tradition is thousands of years old, dating back to the pre-Aztecs. Day of the Dead is celebrated with food, rituals and flowers. Thatโs right, flowers are used during Day of the Dead as a guide for souls looking to find their families. This is because of their vibrant and beautiful colors and decadent scent that flowers are a key component to this celebration. More specifically, the marigold or โflor de cempasรบchilโ is a popular flower for this celebration as its notorious musky smell is strong enough to lead souls to their families. Though marigolds are popularly used for Day of the Dead, there are plenty of other flowers that are used to decorate during the celebration for a variety of reasons!
Marigold: Marigolds are known for their musky smell and vibrant colors that flourish in the fall time. Theyโre an easy choice as they are beautiful and fairly inexpensive to cultivate. Besides their beauty, many of the flowers used during Day of the Dead have symbolism that makes them popular choices for commemorating deceased family members. Historically, marigolds are known to ward off evil spirits and symbolize positive energy and are referred to as the โFlower of the Dead.โ Marigolds usually range from oranges to yellows as they are often compared to the sun (or light) to guide during Day of the Dead!
Chrysanthemums: Mum are a widely utilized flower during Day of the Dead as well. They represent friendship, trust, and optimism. More specifically, white mums are commonly used for this holiday. Their pure white petals and earthy scent is enjoyable on its own, but commonly white mums are used to decorate during the celebration because they represent purity and trust.
Babyโs Breath: Babyโs Breath is a classic accent flower, especially during Day of the Dead. These flowers are small and simple, but that doesnโt take away from their beauty. Theyโre a classic staple to bouquets and arrangements as they add a pop of color, and accent other flowers, such as marigolds! Their pure white petals in contrast to a marigoldโs vibrant yellow and orange petals create a wonderful spectacle to the eye! These flowers are perfect for Day of the Dead as they represent everlasting love.
Cockscomb: Lastly, Cockscomb is a popular flower used during Day of the Dead as they are a vibrant red and used primarily as a religious symbol, as itโs referred to as the โBlood of Christ.โ These add a beautiful pop of color to floral arrangements and withstand the hot heat for eight weeks!
Though flowers may be beautiful, their importance runs deeper than just an eye-catching piece of dรฉcor. Shop Price Chopper/Market 32 for your floral needs!
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
BOO! Here it comes again, the official (unofficial) holiday of Halloween! There is no doubt, it is beloved by children and adults alike. The costumes, decorations and freaky/fun tricks and treats are wickedly delightful for those who participate before colder weather changes activity opportunities. To ensure it is fun for everyone, set expectations โ your goblins and ghouls should know the food safety rules ahead of time to set the stage for happy smiles versus scowls and howls. Here are some โtricksโ for caregivers hoping for a howling good time!
- Eat before treat โ some great Halloween treat ideas to set the stage are right here (with spooky music!) on Price Chopper YouTube and Pinterest boards. That will make it easier to create the plan that parents/guardians must check items before eating. We have treats for adults too โ pumpkin everything and fall favorites to fuel your fun is right here!
- Children should be taught โ only to accept treats that are commercially wrapped. Throw away anything that is torn, has pinholes, or looks unusual in any way. Fresh fruit, if accepted, should be carefully checked and washed before eating.
- If your child has a food allergy, you already know that treats are tricky. Verify Epi-pens are not expired and are readily available. Always check the labels of each item. Some homes may have a teal-colored pumpkin to signal they have some treats without some allergens, but adults must still check the individual items before eating. The same goes for gluten free candy โ The Celiac Disease Foundation has published their 2023 Gluten Free Halloween Candy list โ you can download and print the pdf here.
- Ages and stages โ some candies are choking hazards for smaller children. Gum, hard candies, peanuts and even small toys could be a concern. Check treats are appropriate and stay present while they are enjoyed.
- Managing added sugars at Halloween doesnโt have to be tricky! How much and how often should be part of the plan and discussed ahead of time to keep the howls to a minimum. A national poll shows 78% of parents plan for about two pieces of candy per day. That helps children learn candy can be part of eating well. In 2017, the Partnership for a Healthier America and the National Confectioners Association partnered to help with portion control and front-of-pack labeling, resulting in over 90% of candy and chocolates labeled to help your goblins and ghouls enjoy treats. Learn more at here.
- Enjoy the Halloween season โ Top 10 ways to celebrate Halloween!
- Flashlights, candy, party supplies and more are all at our stores waiting for you to create a โmonsterโ good time. Happy Halloween!
BWAH HA HA HAAAAA!!!!!!!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
If you are a fan of sweet and spicy meals, then our NEW hot honey rotisserie chicken may just be your latest obsession! Price Chopper and Market 32 are offering this limited time only chicken in stores now. If you have never tried hot honey, just imagine the sweet taste of honey but with a kick of chili peppers. Our rotisserie chickens are just about four pounds, so you can use this chicken in other recipes. Letโs take a look at some options below.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad: Toss your hot honey rotisserie chicken in with mayo, grapes, celery, red onion, salt, and pepper and you will have one incredible chicken salad recipe!
Recipe: Chicken Salad Wrap
Salad with Hot Honey Chicken: Not to be confused with the recipe above, our new hot honey chicken is delicious over a bed of lettuce! Add in some vegetables and PICS cheese and dressing of choice.
Recipe: Apple-Cranberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich: Take your hot honey chicken and fry, place on a PICS bun, and add in any toppings you may like. Some ideas for toppings include more hot honey (or regular honey), tomatoes, and pickles.
Recipe: Oven-Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: Our hot honey on a sandwich is delicious without having to fry. If you are looking for a quick and easy chicken sandwich recipe, this will be your new go-to.
Recipe: California Chicken Sandwich
Hot Honey Chicken Quesadilla: If you are in a time crunch, this is another quick meal that you can make for yourself or your family. Hot honey chicken quesadilla with PICS shredded cheese of choice and sour cream is mouthwatering!
Recipe: Grilled Chicken, Corn, and Black Bean Quesadilla
Hot Honey Chicken Tacos: Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot spicier! Try swapping out beef with hot honey rotisserie chicken.
Recipe: Pulled Chicken Tacos 3-Ways
Hot Honey Chicken Bowl: If you are someone that enjoys rice or quinoa bowls, then hot honey rotisserie chicken will be your new go-to in this meal!
Recipe: Create Your Own Power Bowl
Hot Honey Chicken Pizza: Hot honey chicken is a delicious and unique pizza topping. This would pair well with mozzarella cheese and a few jalapeรฑos. Top with more hot honey (or regular honey).
Recipe: Tuscan Chicken Flatbread
Hot Honey Chicken & Waffles: A twist to your usual chicken and waffles! Fry your hot honey rotisserie chicken and pair with PICS butter and syrup.
Check out more recipes you can make with hot honey rotisserie chicken here!
Written by our friends at Green Mountain Energy
When temperatures drop, itโs time to raise your awareness about ways to conserve energy in your home while keeping warm.
From energy-efficient appliances to tackling some basic home-improvement projects, our cold weather energy tips make it easy to decrease your carbon footprint, all while saving on energy costs.
- Make smart heating choices
Heat is essential during the colder months, but heating your home can make up half of your energy costs. Stay savvy when it comes to running your furnace to warm your home with a few simple adjustments.
โ Perform any seasonal maintenance on your heating system.
โ Give your home time to warm once the heater is turned on. Bursts of hot air wonโt make it warm any faster.
โ Be sure dirty air filters arenโt making your system work harder; clean regularly and replace them as needed.
โ Reverse your ceiling fan. Position the blade direction clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling to the floor.
โ Donโt block vents or registers, so heat has a clear path into the room.
โ Use the sun to your advantage by opening curtains and blinds during the day (especially on the south side of your house). Close them at night to reduce drafts.
- Weatherize your home
With cooler temperatures and fewer insects around, itโs a perfect time for home maintenance. Making a few changes to your home can help you save on energy costs and help the planet.
โ Upgrade your windows from single to double pane (watch for ENERGY STAR options to increase your savings). If thatโs out of your budget, utilize coverings like blinds, drapes, solar film, or shades.
โ Check insulation thickness and add more if necessary.
โ Weatherize your home using caulk or weather stripping. Seal air leaks around letter drops, vents, door frames, and windows. Donโt forget the attic, where there are small openings that are often overlooked.
โ Upgrade your appliances to the most energy-efficient options. Watch for ENERGY STAR labels and ensure the size matches your needs.
- Adjust your appliance use
Your appliances got a serious workout during the summer heat, so give them a break. Making a few minor adjustments to your appliances can help you conserve energy and save money.
โ Turn your refrigerator to an energy-saving setting.
โ Reduce the temperature to 120ยฐ on your water heater and wrap an insulating blanket around it.
โ Be sure to wash laundry in warm or cold water.
- Use smart gadgets
Thanks to advances in smart technology, itโs easy to automate your home to fit your unique lifestyle. Best of all, taking advantage of smart gadgets can help you save on energy costs in your home.
โ Opt for LED lights. They use 90% less electricity and last longer than traditional bulbs.
โ Use smart power strips to turn off your electronics. You can even create a master setting to automate your usage.
โ Programmable thermostats allow you to customize heating schedules that fit your routine.
โ Use motion sensors and timers for outside lighting to minimize unnecessary use.
โ Use solar lighting for your lawn and garden.
Itโs easy to stay eco-friendly when you tap into our cold weather energy tips. Our Green Living Tips have even more ways to live greener while saving a little green when temperatures drop.
Weโve partnered with Market 32 to offer a clean energy plan that rewards you with 10,000 AdvantEdge Rewards points ($100 value) after 2 months of service, and 1,000 points ($10 value) every 6 months for as long as you stay on your plan! Learn more at greenmountainenergy.com/market32.
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. โ 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 โ even if it is coming right out of the freezer! Bonus โ seafood is a smart way to add up nutrition benefits that support brain and heart health. โ Choices that are high in omega-3โs can help you level up your family meal โ 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 โ 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 โ our Seafood Teammates can steam your seafood for free! Then, you can take it home and try a sauce or serving ideas:
- Pantry Power โ easy Mediterranean mix-up topper for any Seafood โ PICS Capers, PICS Sliced Olives and Culinary Tours Sundried Tomatoes are easy to toss together and top any seafood meal.
- Sauce savvy โ Tour the Flavors of the World with Culinary Tours Sriracha Ranch, Thai Chili, Tikka Masala, Sesame Teriyaki. Seafood is mild and easy to season โ 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 โ 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 โ 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 โSalmon in a Blanketโ? Bite size and fun, they are tempting and tasty! See the recipe below โ 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 โ A delicious idea for your little seafoodies!
Family favorite in my house โ we use Boboli Thin Crust pizza shells and top ours with sliced fresh scallions. Yum! Shrimp Pesto Pizza
#FallinLovewithSeafood โ Perfect for Fall โ 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 โ 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 350ยฐF. 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 โ 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 350ยฐF for about 15 minutes. Internal temperature should be 145ยฐF, 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, letโs 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, โIt takes all of us to run a great departmentโ 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. Jessicaโs 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. Nickโs 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!
