Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
For this week’s #ChillinWithChopper theme, we are exploring the beauty of salad. Salads have truly evolved from simple side dishes to culinary delights. With a blend of fresh ingredients, imaginative combinations, and a dash of creativity, you can transform an ordinary salad to a wonderful, filling meal.
Oftentimes, we may think of salads as being boring, but in reality, there are so many ways we can create a balanced, nourishing dish. What are we waiting for? Let’s build a salad together!
Step 1: Choose your base.
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have so many options for your leafy greens. Try laying down either romaine, spinach, kale, arugula, or shredded lettuce. Better yet, try combining two or more to see how you like that!
Step 2: Throw in some fruits or veggies.
The options are endless here. Some produce to consider adding in include carrots, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, corn, avocado, olives, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, apples, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, and oranges.
Step 3: Decide on a protein.
To create a filling salad, we need to add in some protein. Options here include chicken, steak, ground turkey, deli meat, shrimp, salmon, hard boiled eggs, tofu, or tempeh.
Step 4: Add in the fun stuff!
Similar to produce, there are so many options for this step. Try adding in cheese, bacon, beans, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, quinoa, rice, pasta, chickpeas, tortilla strips, or croutons.
Step 5: Let’s dress the salad!
Price Chopper and Market 32 have so many salad dressings that you may have a difficult time picking one out! Some to consider include ranch, honey mustard, caesar, blue cheese, Italian, balsamic, raspberry vinaigrette, poppy seed, thousand island, and so much more. Additionally, we sell many varieties of low fat or fat free dressing.
Still need some inspiration? Check out a few salads below!
Rainbow Baby Greens Bowl: The name is fitting for this salad. With a variety of color and a ton of vegetables, this is the perfect summertime salad.
Chicken Tender & Baby Kale Salad: If you have a picky eater in the house, then look no further. With freshly baked chicken tenders, vegetables for color, and bacon ranch dressing, this dish will be a new favorite!
Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Salad: Talk about a filling salad! This one has all the finest ingredients to help fuel you throughout your day.
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
Happy August! Even though summer is slowly starting to wrap up, weddings are still going strong this month. Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially not knowing how to decorate in a “trendy” way. There’s such a push to have unique wedding decor, but inspiration to decorate and collect out of the box ideas can be difficult! What if I told you that creating wedding décor that is out of the ordinary is far easier than you may think?
Floating candles are a novel way to have add an elegant flare to your wedding; they are eye-catching but reserved. Though floating candles are beautiful, they can tend to feel boring depending on the theme and selection of decor you may have. That being said, there is a very simple way to fix this issue!
Let’s Make Floral Floating Candles!
What You Need:
- Flowers! Make sure the flowers you use won’t immediately brown when submerged into water (avoid African violets!)
- Flowers I recommend: Roses, Water Lilies, Orchids and Daises.
- Glass vase (The size is completely up to you, but make sure it is as tall as your flower and there’s extra room on the top for the candle.)
- Flower frog (Check out the link below for the Flower frog. These are used to keep bouquets upright in the vase!)
- Accent gems or rocks (See link below!)
- Floating candles (See link below!)
- Hot glue gun
Let’s Begin!
Step One: Take your flower frog and flowers. I recommend using a maximum of four flowers (all differing in height) for this or else the vase may be too crowded. Using the stems of the flower, place them in the flower frog until you find a look that you like! If you need help using a floral frog, click here for a great video to help you out.
Step Two: Once you have created your bouquet, place a dollop of hot glue on the bottom of your flower frog and place it into the bottom of the vase. Let this cool completely before you continue the rest of your DIY.
Step Three: Once your bouquet is in the vase, take your rocks or accent gems and very carefully place them on the bottom of the vase. You’ll want to completely cover up your flower frog when this is over!
Step Four: Once your flower frog has been covered you will want to take water (room temp or cold water is preferred) and submerge the entire flower. Make sure your vase is tall enough to submerge the entire flower while leaving room for your floating candle!
Step Five: Once you’ve filled your vase with water, take your candle and place it on top of the water. Make sure you have a few back up candles. If they get wet, they won’t light up again! Now, you can light your candle and admire your beautiful floral floating candle!
With unique decoration ideas wedding season doesn’t have to be a hassle! Buy all your floral needs at Price Chopper/ Market 32 Floral Department!
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
Hydration is always a “hot” topic in the summertime – it is an essential element to staying well and at being at our best, whatever the season. Here are some tips and hacks to ensure you and yours are hydrated and happy!
Why is it essential? Every cell in the body, all our tissues and organs, and most of our functions, like blood pumping, breathing, moving and sweating – all require water. In fact, our body is 50 – 70% water. Water also supports brain function, skin health, and waste removal – all critical body systems are impacted by hydration.
To ensure we can maintain those systems, our body can extract water from many foods – humans get about 20% of their water intake from foods, including produce, proteins, and dairy. See the chart below for some high-water content produce – all of their energy and antioxidant benefits and water to support absorption – win win!
Each age and stage of life has a recommended range for the types and quantities of beverages that can support healthy hydration. You can find information about children’s needs here: Choose Water for Healthy Hydration – HealthyChildren.org. Keeping water handy and encouraging them to sip frequently will help them stay hydrated and build a good habit for health. Older adults may be at risk for dehydration and not realize it – lower activity or reduced awareness of thirst can set up a domino effect that can impact balance, memory, and chronic health issues. Learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatments for dehydration at the National Library of Medicine resource page: https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html.
Enjoy more of these great produce picks as part of your hydration plan – many are in season right now!
High Water Content Fruits
Watermelon and strawberries contain about 92 percent water per volume. Other fruits with high water content include grapefruit with 91 percent, cantaloupe with 90 percent and peaches with 88 percent water. Fruits containing 87 percent water by weight include pineapple, cranberries, orange and raspberries. Apricots hold 86 percent water, while blueberries and plums contain 85 percent water. The water content for apples and pears is 84 percent. Cherries and grapes contain an average of 81 percent water.
High Water Content Vegetables
On top of the vegetables list are cucumber and lettuce, consisting of 96 percent water. Zucchini, radish and celery are comprised of 95 percent water. Ninety-four percent of tomato’s weight is water, and green cabbage is 93 percent water. Vegetables that contain 92 percent water include cauliflower, eggplant, red cabbage, peppers and spinach. Broccoli is 91 percent water by weight. Additional healthy hydrating foods include carrots with 87 percent water and green peas and white potatoes with 79 percent water.
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
Happy August! As the excitement of summer starts to dwindle down, kids prepare to go back to school, and the air slowly starts to feel crisp and cool. You may be thinking this is the time when flowers are beginning to wither away and prepare for the colder season. Well, think again! Flowers can grow successfully until mid-October and for specific months such as August, flowers are just beginning to flourish! One of summer’s most beloved flowers is the sunflower, which, coincidentally, is the official flower of August! This beautiful and vibrant flower has a rich history that has made it a staple flower in gardens over the decades.
This flower originated over four thousand years ago when indigenous peoples started to cultivate this crop for its health benefits and cooking uses. Though this flower was once previously used for its practicality, once it was brought to Europe many people ignored its health and culinary benefits and used the sunflower for its decorative nature.
As the sunflower migrated throughout Europe and into Asia, many other places in the world started to adapt to this flower. The most notable country is Russia. Russians learned how to extract the sunflower’s benefits while utilizing its beauty in decorations. Because of Russia’s popularized multi-uses for sunflowers, foods like sunflower seeds and cosmetics such as sunflower oil are popular to this day!
That being said, growing these beautiful flowers doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are a few tips and tricks to grow sunflowers:
- As you’d guess, sunflowers flourish in complete sunlight. Bright areas outside are preferred, rather than any indirect sunlight. The barrier of a window indoors could affect the growing habits of a sunflower so make sure to avoid indoor growth.
- For sunflowers to flourish they need to be planted in well-drained soil. For those who are unfamiliar with what exactly “well-drained” soil is, don’t worry, I can help!
- “Well-drained soil” is almost exactly what it sounds like. For soil to drain well, it needs to be in an elevated container, whether that’s a pot, or a raised gardening bed. To go the extra mile, add compost to your soil to encourage draining.
- Water your flower regularly but wait to re-water after the first few inches of your flower’s soil is dry! Too much watering of your plant will lead to root rot, which no one wants!
- Lastly, these flowers can survive in various temperatures. On average, sunflowers thrive in mid-seventies, but can survive in hotter or colder temperatures as long as they’re planted in a well-drained soil and have a decent fertilizer.
There you have it! Follow these tips to growing a sunflower and you’re sure to grow and thriving and beautiful flower that’s equally has stunning as it is useful. Happy gardening!
Buy all your floral needs at Price Chopper/Market 32 Floral Department!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Week three of #ChillinWithChopper brings our focus to luscious, sweet fruits. Throughout history, fruits have played a crucial role in sustaining human life. Whether indulging in the sweetness of ripe berries or savoring the zesty kick of citrus fruits, the diverse flavors they provide are truly delightful. For those aiming to add more fruits to their diet, worry not, as we have you covered. Check out some of our tips below!
- Add fresh fruit slices to meals. It’s not as challenging as you might believe. If you like yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal, consider adding some berries to enhance the taste. For your lunchtime salad, try incorporating orange slices or watermelon chunks for a delightful twist. Moreover, there are numerous recipes that include fruits as ingredients, such as our Cranberry-Apple Stuffed Pork Chops.
- Try having fruit with each snack. Many peanut butter lovers will put peanut butter on their bananas or apples. Enjoying fruits with peanut butter not only enhances the taste but also balances the snack to keep you full and satisfied.
- Make a fruit smoothie. There are so many delicious ways you can make smoothies. Common fruits people add in are bananas, raspberries, kiwis, strawberries, and blueberries.
Need more inspiration? Take a look at some of our recipes!
Strawberry, Arugula, and Quinoa Salad with Asparagus & Feta: The perfect summertime salad is right here! Nothing beats fresh strawberries paired with feta cheese.
Curried-Mango Fish: If you enjoy tilapia, then you must try this recipe!
Chocolaty-Orange Smoothie: This smoothie is a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the zesty tang of oranges!
Roasted Grape & Goat Cheese Bruschetta: This is a delightful and sophisticated appetizer that combines the sweet and savory flavors of roasted grapes and creamy goat cheese on a crispy baguette!
PRICE CHOPPER/MARKET 32 AND News10abc/WTEN-TV LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO RAISE DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS FOR AMERICAN RED CROSS
Albany, N.Y. – Throughout the month of August, Price Chopper/Market 32 and News10abc/WTEN-TV are teaming up with the American Red Cross to raise funds in support of the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts. Until August 31, Price Chopper/Market 32 customers will have the opportunity to round up their change at the register to benefit disaster relief. All monies raised will be donated to the Red Cross and Price Chopper/Market 32 will match all donations, up to $10,000.
“Price Chopper/Market 32 is gratified to continue its decades-long collaborative effort with the American Red Cross to assist those impacted by disasters big and small, close to home and across the country. This year, with so many here in the Northeast navigating the aftermath of flooding, we’re proud to join with our customers and teammates alike to support our neighbors and friends,” said Blaine Bringhurst, Price Chopper/Market 32’s president.
“Every eight minutes someone needs the Red Cross. From small house fires to large natural disasters, we go wherever we’re needed. Our work is made possible by our generous donors. We are so grateful to the Price Chopper/Market 32 and its customers for generously supporting our ongoing mission and to News10abc/WTEN-TV for working with us to promote this program. This support ensures we can be there 24/7, bringing hope and healing when it’s needed most,” said Kevin Coffey, Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Eastern New York Region.
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity for donors. From hurricanes to fires to floods, the American Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters each year and 95% of their disaster relief workers are volunteers.
“We are proud to partner with Price Chopper/Market 32 in this initiative to raise awareness of the importance of the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts. We know that a lot of our viewers are facing challenges this summer and supporting this effort will go a long way to helping,” said Jerry Brehm, News10abc/WTEN-TV’s vice president and general manager.
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Welcome to week two of our #ChillinWithChopper journey! Each week has a set theme, so be sure to follow our Facebook page to be in the know!
This week we are highlighting some of our delicious frozen items and recipes, such as ice cream, frozen fruit, smoothies, and more. Frozen desserts offer a wide array of flavors and textures, making them a delightful treat for people of all ages. They can be store-bought or homemade, and many variations and creative recipes can be found to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite delicious recipes!
Frozen Tropical Bark: Get a tropical taste of paradise with these easy and delicious treats! They will be a hit at your next event.
Banana Split Milkshake: Take a look at this video for banana split heaven!
Watermelon Blueberry Pops: A four-ingredient simple recipe that will have the kids beyond excited!
Hawaiian Smoothie Bowl: Make your own smoothie bowl with this incredible recipe!
Shop Frozen Desserts!
Be sure to check out our websites for more frozen dessert inspiration!
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
Happy Summer! What better way to fight the heat on a warm day than an ice cream cone? Well, how about flowers? Okay, maybe flowers aren’t a great way to beat the heat, but they’re certainly beautiful. How fun would it be to combine ice cream and flowers? Well, now you can! In this blog I’ll be teaching you how to create a beautiful bouquet that mimics the look of a delicious ice cream treat! Crafting this beautiful creation is easier than you may think, and all the supplies can easily be found in the comfort of your home.
What you need:
- -Waffle cones
- -Glue gun
- -Styrofoam spheres (you can find these at Michaels, or Joann Fabrics)
- -Flowers of your liking (I recommend baby’s breath, greenery and flowers on the smaller side that are light and airy!)
- -Waffle cone sleeves
- -Ribbon (optional)
Let’s Start:
- You’re going to want to find a waffle cone that fits the size bouquet that you desire. Whether you want a bouquet that is smaller or larger, this is up to you. Remember, the smaller the cone the less flowers to work with. If you have a specific bouquet idea in mind, account for the size of it and what size cones you’ll be purchasing!
- Next, place a Styrofoam sphere into the cone (make sure it’s small enough to nestle in the bottom of the cone and you won’t be able to see it peeking out!) Once you have your Styrofoam in the cone, place some hot glue on its sides of the sphere and nestle it back in the cone and wait for it to dry. The Styrofoam will be used as a base for you to stick your flowers into. Remember, we’re using hot glue! If you’re planning on doing this with younger kids, make sure an adult is using the glue gun.
- Once you have your cone assembled, here comes the fun part! Take the flowers of your choosing. I recommend not using any large flowers like roses, hibiscus, or lilies. They take away from the actual “ice cream cone” and they’re simply too large sometimes. If you want to use roses, utilize mini roses instead! Some flowers that I recommend: baby’s breath, daisies, micro poms, greenery, and mini carnations. Of course, it’s completely up to you. There are no limitations to this bouquet!
- Once you’ve chosen your flowers, stick the stems into the Styrofoam sphere! If this is proving to be difficult, take a push pin or paper clip and poke a hole where the stem would go. Once you’ve created a shape that you like, it’s time to make the finishing touches. Like I said, this bouquet is completely up to you but if you’re struggling a bit, I made a guide for bouquet creation: Click Here!
- After you’ve completed your bouquet, place the cone into an ice cream sleeve (see the link below!) If you’re feeling super crafty, add a cute ribbon around the cone.
There you have it, a fun ice cream floral arrangement that is perfect for the summer! Shop all your floral needs at Price Chopper/Market 32 Floral Department!
Waffle Cone Sleeves: Click Here!
Be sure to check out our floral Pinterest section for more ideas!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Have you heard of #ChillinWithChopper? This is week one of a five-week long event. Each week has a set theme, so be sure to follow our Facebook page to be in the know!
To start off our journey, we will begin by highlighting some of our favorite summertime drinks. As the temperatures rise, there’s nothing better than quenching your thirst with a cool, refreshing beverage. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard BBQ, or simply relaxing on the porch, we’ve got you covered at Price Chopper and Market 32. Cheers to a season filled with sun-soaked days and delicious sips!
Peach Paradise: This cool, refreshing day certainly beats the heat! If you are a fan of peach-flavored drinks, you must try this!
Sangria Mocktail: This non-alcoholic drink is perfect for any summertime occasion! With four different fruits mixed in this drink, you will be so thankful you tried this!
Slushy Punch: Who doesn’t love a good slushy? Nothing says summer like a nice brain freeze! Try this recipe ASAP!
We hope you enjoy our recipes! Be sure to check out the following sites for more:
Haleigh Eustis
Floral Intern
It’s wedding season, which means it’s time for unforgettable memories and an endless supply of pictures, videos and . . . flowers! Without fail, most weddings utilize flowers in center pieces, bouquets, and floral arrangements. Though these beautiful floral pieces are stunning in the moment, they tend to wither away after a few days. Well, what if I told you that you can preserve your wedding flowers for years on end! Though this task may sound labor intensive, truly it’s so simple and easy that anyone can do it.
Let’s begin:
- Though it may seem silly, for the best results of your pressed flowers, you’ll have to condition them. Conditioning is simple; cut your flower stems at a 45-degree angle and place them in water for 24 hours. This way they will be fresh and ready for you to press the next day!
- Once they have been conditioned, you’re going to cut your flowers, so you’re only left with the tops. You can utilize any part of the flower as well; Use the leaves from the flower’s stems! Add greenery to create dimension to your pressed bouquet as well. Have fun with this part as these are your wedding flowers and you want to remember the best aspects of your bouquet! (Remember, the larger the flower the harder it is to press. If you have a large focal flower you want to press, try using individual petals instead.)
- Once you’ve chosen and cut your flowers, you will want a heavy stack of books at the ready! Laying a piece of parchment paper down on the inside of your book, you will place your various flowers on the parchment. The order doesn’t matter as you’re going to move these after they’ve been pressed. Once you’ve arranged the flowers to your liking, place parchment on top of the flowers as well. You will have two pieces of parchment in total, sandwiching your flowers.
- This is the hard part! Close your book and layer two or three heavier books on top (if you don’t have books at the ready, you can use glass pans, bricks, or heavy rocks!) Now, leave your flowers in a dry and dark space for two to three weeks.
- After two to three weeks, carefully open your book and look at your beautiful, pressed creation. These flowers should be flat and dried out completely. If they’re not yet, close your book and keep pressing!
Now, this is where the real fun happens! Use your flowers to create a dried floral piece that can be used for decoration to remind you of your special day. Arrange your flowers in a design that you like and if you’re feeling extra crafty, add a beautiful photo from your special day. Nestle the design into a picture frame. There you have it, a beautiful, pressed creation to decorate your home with for years and years!
Shop all your wedding floral needs at Price Chopper/Market 32 Floral Department!