National Garlic Day
National Garlic Day may be one of the most underrated food holidays of the year. With a rich history dating back to the hunting and gathering days, garlic has remained a mainstay in our diets. In fact, the average person eats approximately two pounds of garlic a year, over 300 cloves, whether that’s for the health benefits or fear of vampires.
It is said that garlic was first used 10,000 years ago, after the last Ice Age. Chinese writings contained the first documented notes of garlics health benefits. Over time as humans evolved from hunters and gatherers to farmers, garlic evolved as well becoming popular in cuisines around the world, including Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Mesopotamia, and India.
Allium Sativum, or garlic, is not native to North America. However, Allium Canadense, or wild garlic, does grow in the Eastern part of the continent. Yet, wild garlic is more like an onion than garlic, and should not be confused with true garlic. True garlic first came to North America with Polish, German, and Italian settlers. There’s also evidence that the Spanish Conquistadors brought garlic to the southwestern part of the United States.
Today there are hundreds of different types of garlic in North America and over a thousand worldwide. All with different sizes, shapes, features, and taste. All these varieties are broken down into two subspecies: softnecks and hardnecks.
Hardnecks grow best in cold climates and are found in Central and North America. They produce large, easily peeled cloves with big flavors. The eight groups of hardnecks are Porcelain, Rocambole, Purple Stripe, Glazed Purple Stripe, Marble Purple Stripe, Creole, Asiatic, and Turban.
Softnecks are the most widely grown garlics in the world and what you find in most North American supermarkets. The two groups of softnecks are Artichoke and Silverskin.
Who knew those little cloves of garlic could be so interesting? Time to add them to some cooking!
Source: https://www.garlicclubb.com/the-garlic-story.html
Sweet Takes On Your Favorite Fruits
It’s time to incorporate more fruit into your diet. Luckily, there are a ton of different recipe and meal planning options based around all types of fruit. Check out some of our favorite fruity recipes to add to your menu this year!
Grilled Fruit Pizza: This fruit pizza features your favorites piled high on cream cheese, ricotta cheese, pizza dough, and more.
Grilled Fruit Tacos: These fruit tacos are bursting with flavor. From the mangos and strawberries to almonds and cinnamon that accompany them, there’s not a bad bite in this awesome taco.
Fruit & Baby Kale Smoothie: Add baby kale and unsweetened almond milk to this fruity smoothie. Featuring blueberries, cherries, strawberries and more.
Fresh Fruit Kabobs with Key Lime-Coconut Dip: This key-lime coconut dip is made of coconut flakes, light key lime yogurt, and cream cheese for a creamy and delicious dip to your fresh fruit kabobs.
Watermelon-Blueberry Pops: These watermelon-blueberry pops are a wonderful frozen treat for the warm weather.
Quick Apple Crisp Bowl: This apple crisp features a heavenly combo of apple, cinnamon, and granola. Mouthwatering!
Hawaiian Smoothie Bowl: If you’re on the search for a refreshing smoothie bowl look no further, this Hawaiian Smoothie Bowl is the answer. Featuring mango, macadamia nuts, toasted coconut and more, it’s a tropical vacation for your taste buds.
Grilled Peaches with Shortbread Crumble: Grill some peaches and top them with this shortbread crumble. Amazing!
Fruit is great all year round but especially when the weather starts to warm up. It adds a light, refreshing element to our diets that mixes great with sunshine. Add these recipes to your at-home menu this year, and visit us online or at your local store for everything you need.
10 Ways to Use Yogurt
Do you need to use that tub of yogurt in the fridge? But out of ideas on how to make it work. Don’t worry, we’ve got 10 ways to use yogurt. Yogurt can be a healthier replacement to mayo, sour cream, and more. Check out our list!
Create Creamy Marinara Sauce: Add a few scoops of plain yogurt to marinara sauce for a creamier texture and more protein.
Stuff Your Vegetables: Yogurt can make for a smooth filling to stuffed vegetables, add some couscous for a delicious combination.
Smooth Salad Dressing: Out of salad dressing, no worries. Use yogurt! It tastes great and can be used a healthier alternative.
Herb-Yogurt Sauce: Check out these Squash-Quinoa Cakes topped with tasty Herb-Yogurt Sauce. It also works great with this Harissa Cedar Plank Salmon.
Yogurt-Scallion Dip: Yogurt can also be used as a mouthwatering wing dip. It works great in this Tikka Masala Wings with Yogurt-Scallion Dip!
Refreshing Smoothies: Yogurt is perfect for adding a creamy element to your smoothies. Try it with this recipe for Strawberry Orange Smoothie.
Marinate Chicken: Yogurt makes for a great chicken marinade. Lactic acid in the yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken. This method is popular in Indian cuisine.
Greek Burger Topping: Lamb burgers are great. But rather than using your standards condiments use yogurt with cucumber and cumin relish for a tasty dish.
Substitute for Sour Cream: Yogurt is excellent on tacos as a replacement for sour cream. Try it and see for yourself.
Skip the Mayo: If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, yogurt is the answer. It’s a healthy and tasty replacement that’s great in tuna, potato salad, and chicken salad.
As the weather begins to turn and we reach the spring season there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy yogurt this time of year. Give any of these tips a try or stick to some of your own ideas. Either way don’t forget to stop by your local store or visit us online for all your yogurt needs.
Kick-Off Frozen Food Month with Air Fryer Recipes
Did you know that March is Frozen Food Month? We’re excited to kick it off the right way with some awesome air fryer recipes. Frozen foods are valued for their easy, convenient preparation in a pinch, yet quality taste and flavors. Check out our lineup of go-to recipes.
Air Fyrer Herbed Root Vegetable Crisps: This recipe includes red beets, celery, carrots, and parsnip. Simply peel and slice and pop in the air fryer. They come out as a healthier alternative to potato chips with their crispiness. We love them!
Air Fryer Loaded-Pizza Baked Potatoes: Loaded baked potatoes are perfect for the air fryer. We love them so much we have a couple varieties, see Loaded-Taco Baked Potatoes below. This pizza version combines green bell pepper, mushrooms, marinara sauce, shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese for an awesome pizza-like experience.
Air Fryer Loaded-Taco Baked Potatoes: As promised, our recipe for Air Fryer Loaded-Taco Baked Potatoes. Featuring ground beef, taco seasoning, guac, red onion, fresh lime juice, shredded Mexican style blend cheese, sour cream, and salsa, it’s a take on tacos like never before.
Air Fryer Honey Sesame Cauliflower “Wings”: These Honey Sesame Cauliflower “Wings” are so tasty and easy to prepare. Cauliflower alternatives have been a hit recently, and these cauliflower wings are a fantastic take on the trend.
Frozen Food Month is officially here and it’s time to let the air fryer shine. Try out these creative air fryer recipes for yourself or stick to some of your own favorites. Either way, Price Chopper and Market 32 is your one stop shop for all things Frozen Food Month.
Happy Air Frying!
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Meal Planning: Week of President's Day (2/21 - 2/25)
As parents already know, Monday is President’s Day which means the kiddos are home from school. Meal planning for the week is hard enough, but when a wrench of a Monday holiday is thrown into the mix it can become even more stressful. That’s why we did the meal planning for you. Check out these meals to try for the week of 2/21 – 2/25!
Monday, 2/21 (President’s Day)
Mondays at work tend to be long and tiring. Coming home to hungry kids doesn’t make it any easier. Might be a good night for a rotisserie chicken to save the day.
Tuesday, 2/22
Feels like a good week for a Taco Tuesday. Let’s give it a go with these Chipotle Ground Beef Street Tacos.
Wednesday, 2/23
Wednesday could be a good pasta night. We recommend our recipe for Easy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta.
Thursday, 2/24
Thursday’s forecast looks a little chillier than the early part of next week. And when things get chilly, we adjust with a nice bowl of Pork & Navy Bean Soup.
Friday, 2/25
Friday is always a great night for pizza. Give our Pepperoni, Olive, & Feta Pan Pizza a try. Or if you’re taking it easy on your Friday evening, relax with one of our pizza meal solutions.
This is our plan going into this new week. Follow along with us all week or stop in when you’re stuck. We’re looking forward to enjoying these tasty recipes.
Chocolate & Dessert Recipes for Valentine's Day
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we are craving some soothing chocolates and chocolate desserts. It’s the perfect time of year to break out your favorite recipes or try new ones to add to your menu. In fact, we decided to break out some of our most coveted for Valentine’s Day 2022.
Chocolate Chocolate Cheesecake: You know what’s better than chocolate cheesecake? Chocolate Chocolate Cheesecake!
Irish Spiked Brownies: These Irish Spiked Brownies are an extra sweet treat. Featuring Guinness Draught Stout and Irish cream liqueur, the Irish elements blend beautifully into these brownies.
Mocha-Almond Meringue Cake: This Mocha-Almond Meringue Cake will knock your chocolate cravings out the park. Your taste buds will thank you for the ultimate satisfaction.
No-Bake Salted Caramel-Toffee Crunch Cheesecake: Our No-Bake Salted Caramel-Toffee Crunch Cheesecake will soothe your hunger away. Caramel, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate toffee come together for one heavenly dessert.
Magic Brownie Bars: Combine coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts to bring the magic to these Brownie Bars.
Pretzel Turtle Bars: If you ask us, it doesn’t get much better than pretzels and chocolate. These Pretzel Turtle Bars use that combination to perfection.
Vanilla-Raspberry Ice Cream Tart with Brownie Crust & Mocha Drizzle: This Vanilla-Raspberry Ice Cream Tart is the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert. Delicious ice cream, brownie, and smooth mocha drizzle. What more could you ask for?
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Checking Out Cheddar!
Say cheese! It’s National Cheddar Day and we are shredding with excitement. Cheddar is the most popular type of cheese in America for its reliability and versatility. There’s no limit to what you can do with cheddar. So, in order to give it its proper recognition, let’s learn more about this cheesy favorite.
Cheddar gets its name from the Cheddar Village in Somerset, England where it was first crafted. A smooth texture identifies a young cheddar, while an aged cheddar can be crumbly. According to Anne Saxelby, of Saxelby Cheesemakers, it’s the cheesemaking process that defines cheddar, rather than the cheese itself. She says, people don’t realize that cheddar is actually a verb. During the process itself, the curds are cheddared, creating the cheddar cheese.
Around the 19th century, more countries adopted cheddar and began selling it in their grocery stores. Cheddar’s ability to made anywhere in the world helped it become one of the most popular cheeses. Although the process around the world is similar, and the cheddar is made from cow’s milk, different styles exist due to differing aging processes and rinds.
Saxelby explains in detail how cheddar can be enjoyed throughout the aging process. Young, mild cheese aged 1-3 months is creamy, slightly sweet, and yellow. Semi-sharp cheddar is aged 3-6 months, where the cheese begins to develop a tang. Matured cheddar aged 6-12 months is sharp, drier, crumbly, robust, with a strong flavor. Finally, vintage cheddar, aged 12-24 months, is savory with a salty crunch.
There’s wide variety of cheddar rinds and styles around the world, which makes it very versatile and popular. Check out some our must-try Cheddar recipes. Including, Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese, White Cheddar & Bacon Kraut Reubens, and plenty more.
Don’t forget to visit your local store or shop our online aisles for your favorite cheddar products!
Dips for the Big Game!
Football fans rejoice! It’s once again time for the ultimate big game. However, this celebration isn’t only for sports diehards. It’s for foodies too! The big game provides an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, and one of the staples of the sports-watching menu is a good dip. This year we’ve got you covered with our favorites. Check out our list for the most spirited, delicious celebration yet.
Philly Cheesesteak Dip: When it comes to gameday food, there isn’t much better than a good Philly Cheesesteak. Lucky for us, it works beautifully in the form of a dip.
Herbed Tahini Dip: Looking for something new and refreshing? Look no further. Your tastebuds will do a touchdown dance for this Herbed Tahini Dip.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Dip: If you’re hoping to impress your guests this year, pair this Garlic Parm Dip with your favorite kettle chips.
Barbeque Chicken Pizza Dip: Yet another fantastic gameday dish turned into a dip. We don’t have to say much to get you excited about this recipe.
Zesty Layered Hummus Dip: This Zesty Layered Hummus Dip is super tasty. Plus, it’s great for those healthier snackers who prefer dipping carrots and vegetables over chips.
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip: This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip is a big hitter. So full of flavor, it might be the star player on our big game roster.
Slow Cooker Shrimp-Jalapeño Popper Dip: Epic flavors collide to create a super team in this Slow Cooker Shrimp-Jalapeño Popper Dip. A team strong enough to make it to the big game!
Check out the video below for 3-Ingredient Dip 3-Ways!
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Get Cozy With Our Favorite Winter Comfort Recipes!
The weather outside may be frightful, but some good winter comfort recipes are so delightful. We’re talking soups, stews, chili, you get the idea. Check out this list of our favorites to help you and your family overcome the cold.
Irish Stout Beef Stew: This hearty stew flaunts boneless chuck roast alongside carrots, cabbage, and other Irish staples.
Beef & Butternut Squash Stew: We are huge butternut squash lovers, so it’s no surprise that this delicious Beef & Butternut Squash Stew is a wintertime go-to!
Vegetable Beef Stew: Featuring carrots, celery, Idaho potatoes and more this Vegetable Beef Stew is guaranteed to fill your belly and warm your heart.
White Cheddar & Ale Soup: This White Cheddar & Ale Soup is awesome. Sharp white cheddar cheese combined with pale ale is a perfect match, even as a soup.
Slow Cooker Split Pea & Ham Soup: Diced green split peas, chopped ham, and Idaho potatoes make this soup happen. With a ham bone broth complimented by many delicious ingredients we bet you’ll be back for more.
Instant Pot® Tortellini & Vegetable Soup: Break out the Instant Pot for an easy way to make a tasty wintertime meal.
Chicken, Spinach & Quinoa Soup: What’s not to like in this dish? Spinach, quinoa, chicken breast come together for a great take on soup.
Harvest Chili: This Harvest Chili combines all the chili necessities with twists of sweet potato and pumpkin for a Harvest feel.
Super Chili: It’s called super for a reason. Extravagant, bold flavors make for one hearty bowl of fantastic chili.
Carrot Tomato Bisque with Parsnip Crisps: This Carrot Tomato Bisque is so tasty. Complimented beautifully by parsnip crisps. We can’t get enough of this recipe.
Try these recipes out for yourself as the cold weather continues. We think you will love them. Don’t forget to stop by your local Price Chopper & Market 32 for all things comfort food. If you can’t get to the store take advantage of our online pickup & delivery options.
Stay Warm!
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10 New Recipes for the New Year
It’s that time again, New Year’s is approaching! Time to get rid of the old and bring in the new. That’s exactly what we are doing with our at-home menus this year. We’re game planning some awesome new recipes for the brand new year. After all, there is nothing better than fresh flavors and more delicious dishes. Check out some of our must-tries in 2022.
Bouillabaisse: This year we have seafood at the top of our minds, and this Bouillabaisse recipe is a party for seafood-lovers. Lobster, clams, scallops and more seafood favorites all together in a delicious sauce, your tastebuds will be swimming in flavor.
Popcorn Steak Bites with Buttermilk-BBQ Dip: These Popcorn Steak Bites are delicious and creative. Try them with our amazing Buttermilk-BBQ Dip recipe. Be prepared to have to pass on the recipes to friends.
Squash-Quinoa Cakes with Herb-Yogurt Sauce: We’re big squash fans and love to try to use the versatile vegetable in as many recipes as possible. This recipe for Squash-Quinoa Cakes with Herb-Yogurt Sauce is refreshing and perfect for squash-lovers like us.
Tuna Empanadas: Empanadas are a great dish. And in this one, tuna is an excellent change of pace. Perhaps not what you expect to fill an empanada, but this recipe will make you think differently.
Roasted Grape & Goat Cheese Bruschetta: This Bruschetta is the perfect snack or appetizer. A recipe we will be using a lot in 2022. The combination of roasted grapes and goat cheese is mouthwateringly perfect.
Zucchini-Veggie Rolls: Try these Zucchini-Veggie Rolls for a healthy start to the new year. Veggies combined with spreadable garlic & herbs cheese is amazing. We could eat these all day long.
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs: Add a twist to your meatballs with some PICS barbecue sauce. Throw some on your meatballs and open up a new world of flavor possibilities.
Grilled Swordfish Kabobs with Peanut-Chili Sambal: These Swordfish Kabobs are fantastic. Plus, the Peanut-Chili Sambal is absolutely filled with flavor. This is an elite combination in our book.
Zesty Layered Hummus Dip: If you’re a fan of hummus, we recommend elevating your game with this Zesty Layered Hummus Dip. Olives, cheese, pepperoncini, and much more team up to make this layered dip everything you’ve dreamed of.
Spicy Caribbean Peel & Eat Shrimp: We’ve heated up our Argentinean Shell-On Shrimp with jalapeno seasoning, cayenne, red chile pepper, and spiced rum for more flavor. These little shrimps are bold, awesome, and excellent for the new year.
With 2022 fast approaching we recommend giving all of these recipes a try in the new year. Either way, Price Chopper & Market 32 is your one stop shop for all your New Year’s essentials. Visit your local store or check out our online pickup & delivery options.
Happy New Year!