How is your memory?  Mine’s really pretty good… I still remember the special birthday oh so long ago, the one that brought along with it a rite of passage; that is legal age.  I have enjoyed the adult alcoholic beverage we call beer ever since.  I guess that’s not so surprising; beer, after all, has been around for quite some time and I’m pretty certain it will be around for quite some time going forward.  It was way back in 1587 (I assure you I was not there) that colonists first brewed beer here and then 20 years later the first shipment of beer arrived here from England. (They must have been quite thirsty by then!)  In 1609 there was a massive and frantic job search in London for brewers for the new Virginia Colony and in 1632 the first brewery was built (are you kidding me, it took until 1632?) in New Amsterdam (NYC).  Actually this was not even the beginning for beer on this continent as beer had been brewed here long before this period in time by Native Americans.   (They were smart; not waiting for the brewery to be built.)

Jumping ahead in time, there are now more than 1700 breweries in this country and this is certainly testament to the fact that so many people enjoy the beverage just as I do.  Whether you are enjoying a frosty beverage after a hard day’s work, or while watching a sporting event with friends, or even pairing a pint with tonight’s dinner, beer is a beverage that is enjoyable in many different social settings.

I have been selling and drinking beer for many years and I do feel at least slightly qualified to offer some bit of beer drinking advice. My first piece of advice is moderation (and it’s sound advice indeed).  My second piece of advice (but also quite sound) is try drinking variety.  You may be like many people who love Coors Light, Bud Light or Miller Lite and drink nothing but that particular brand.  My suggestion is to please try something else even if you only do it every now and then. After all, with 1700 different breweries out there, that means there are plenty of new and different varieties to try.  A great tip: When traveling always ask your server what local favorites they offer and when at home look a little to the left and then right of your favorite beer when you step up to the cooler… there are so many beers out there just waiting for you to give them a try.

I’d like to mention a few local options available not too far from a Price Chopper possibly near you.  In Troy, New York, Brown’s Brewing (http://brownsbrewing.com), began operation in 1993 in a 19^th Century Warehouse on the shore of the Hudson River.  They brew a number of unusual styles, but I suggest you try the Oatmeal Stout and you’ll be glad you did; it is dark, silky, smooth, and oh so rich.  It’s no wonder they won a Gold Award at the 2004 World Beer Cup and you’ll be as surprised as I that they haven’t won another since.  This beer is a perfect pairing with a hearty winter stew or a rich Salmon dish, but also so versatile that you can serve it with your favorite chocolate dessert (OK, I will admit I had it for dessert at least once).

Heading East to Massachusetts (where Price Chopper also has locations) is the home of Harpoon Brewery (http://www.harpoonbrewery.com).  Rich Doyle and Dan Kenary founded the brewery in 1986 after completing college and traveling through Europe. (After tasting their beer I’m convinced they were both brilliant students.)  In 1992, they brewed a Summer Seasonal IPA that was so popular that it became their flagship offer and was renamed Harpoon IPA.  It’s a medium bodied beer with floral notes and a long clean hop finish.  The finish is created by using a technique called dry hopping; that is adding fresh hops to the beer during the conditioning process.  If you wish to serve Harpoon IPA with a meal you need not feel many limitations.  It pairs well with grilled seafood, spicy chicken dishes or sharp cheeses.

Traveling north to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, we have the Smuttynose Brewery (http://www.smuttynose.com), which was founded in 1994. They make a great Winter Ale and it’s reminiscent of a Belgian Abby Double.  It is characterized by fruity aromas, balanced by soft crystal hops and you’ll note flavors of caramel and toffee with just a hint of chocolate.  Enjoy a glass in front of your fireplace on a cold winter’s evening or serve it with braised beef, or well aged creamy cheeses like camembert.

Reversing our trail, heading west back to New York, let us highlight the Long Trail Brewing Company (http://www.longtrail.com).  It was founded in 1989 in Bridgewater’s Corners Vermont and moved to its scenic riverside state of the art brewery in 1995. Their Long Trail Ale is a German Alt-bier style (means old beer).  The top fermenting yeast produces an ale that is both clean and crisp making pairing with food is quite simple.  Try it with smoked meats, sausage, hearty soups or even pizza.

Each year we try to find popular up and coming new brands to stock in our Price Chopper Beer Coolers, but if you have your own favorite please let us know as it may just end up in one of our coolers soon.

Last note, I believe there’s no such thing as a bad beer; some are just better than others.  Just think how much fun you can have looking for that next great beer! I hope to see you on the trail; in hot pursuit of the next great beer!  Remember the search started long ago and we have no intention of ending it any time soon. CHEERS!

*Please remember to always drink responsibly.

Scores summarize 30 nutrients into one easy to use score, from 1-100.  The higher the number, the more nutritious the food is!  Use the NuVal Scores on the shelf tag to make better-for-you choices throughout the store.  Find the brouchure at the pharmacy, meat and seafood counters.  Choose food items that score above the average for the food category to make sure you are making your best choice. 

Enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle with Eating Well recipes—they inspire great meals that also protect your health!  All Eating Well recipes are suitable for diabetes and heart health, and include nutrition analysis for those who need nutrition facts.  Eating Well recipes can be found in most stores in seafood, meat or produce departments or online at pricechopper.com under the Recipes link.  There are also great articles on nutrition and diabetes there, under the HealthyU link.

Gluten Free is easy at Price Chopper!  Find the gluten free shelf tags throughout the store and pick up a copy of our gluten free brochure.  Gulten free recipes cooking videos, tips and a list of gluten free Price Chopper and national brand items are all on the Price Chopper website under HealthyU.  Print the coupon below for $1.50 off Kellogg’s products!

My family has stopped eating a lot of meat. My daughter is a vegetarian, my son eats it only occasionally and my husband is trying to eat less meat because of his high cholesterol.  For a while I would always cook a vegetarian version of a meal, but lately I’ve started to just leave meat out entirely and no one seems to mind.  But cutting down on meat or poultry means having to replace it with something that provides the protein and other nutrients we look for in meat—beans and legumes are the perfect answer.

In fact, there are many reasons to include more dried or canned beans in your family meals. Aside from their flavor, beans provide protein, fiber, important minerals and plenty of healthful antioxidants.  They are also nature’s best source of folate—a vital nutrient during pregnancy. They’re inexpensive and help stretch the family food budget.  Beans are versatile and can be a part of every mealtime.  There’s also a lot of new medical research that links eating beans to improved blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, cardiovascular health and even weight loss.

Perhaps you want to include more beans and legumes in your meals but you just don’t know how.  Here are some tips and recipes to get you started.  Another resource for recipes and information about beans is http://www.beaninstitute.com

Tips for Including More Beans in Family Meals

• Breakfast Burritos: wrap some beans, grated cheese, scrambled eggs & salsa in a corn or flour tortilla. It’s a quick grab & go breakfast!
• Make it a Meal Salad: toss any kind of bean into your salad to make it a filling entrée with added protein & fiber.
• Beans & Pasta: add some beans to your favorite pasta dish—you’ll find that it’s a great complement to either a tomato or cream sauce.
• Hearty Soups: nothing is easier than making soup out of leftovers—simply add a can of beans and some broth and make a delicious heart warming soup.
• Baked Potato Bar:  bake up some sweet or white potatoes and top them with beans, grated cheese and your favorite veggies—dinner’s ready in minutes!
• Snacks: try roasting rinsed canned garbanzo or lima beans tossed with a little oil, salt and your favorite spices.  A perfectly healthy snack to nibble on!

There are over 50 recipes on the Price Chopper website that feature beans and legumes, here are a few of my favorites:

  Slow-Cooker Black Bean Mushroom Chili

Squash, Chick Pea and Red Lentil Soup

Smoky Corn-Black Bean Pizza

Greek Dinner Salad

Mediterranean Lima Beans

Baked Curry and Brown Rice Lentil Pilaf

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

Click to view slideshow.

Now that the holidays are over, we’re partnering with Clorox to help you clean up! Our customers have told us in the past that Clorox products come in handy when those big messes happen. Clorox can help you with laundry, cleaning, and keeping your home and family healthy.  Tell us about your most memorable mess and how you were able to restore order!  We’ll choose three winners to each receive a $100 Price Chopper gift certificate.

We also know how important it is to keep your family healthy throughout cold and flu season.  Washing your hands often and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can help slow the spread of cold and flu viruses.  Clorox disinfecting products such as Clorox® Regular-Bleach, Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes, Clorox® Clean-Up Cleaner with Bleach, and many more, not only clean but also kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses.* Stop by the pharmacy in your local Price Chopper for a free Clorox customized kit with samples and tips on how to disinfect your home and stay healthier this season. There are limited quantities of coupons for $1 Clorox wipes available at the pharmacy!

Make sure you check the coupon tab on our Facebook page later this week for hot offers on Clorox products!  There are also great savings on your favorite Clorox products like wipes, bleach and clean up spray in this week’s ad!  Read official rules here.

 *Use products as directed on hard, nonporous surfaces. See label for organisms and more information.

Nutrition Consultant

On October 15, 1995 I was presented an unusual birthday gift: the diagnosis of Celiac.  This was a brand new, never-before-imagined present for me, turning 36. With it came challenge both nutritionally and emotionally. My resolution to be gluten-free was an un-chosen, non-refundable and resisted thing. Why me? Was it not enough to live with three other autoimmune conditions? Wow, being healthy is certainly trying, I thought. Such is life. However, after many questions and expressed concerns… after asking for the gift of sympathy in addition to this diagnosis…AND after consuming about 20 Snickers bars over the course of 2 months (“Why?”, my dentist asked. “Because I CAN”! I exclaimed), I accepted the challenge and a brand new year in my life began. And now another new year, 2012, begins. What better time to reflect on facing challenges, changes and resolutions. In honor of 2012, I bring you 12 thoughts to support a happy and healthy outlook for the New Year:

1. Take a POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE. Reframe celiac as a clearer picture; a gift of knowing. All you need is the right lens to make gluten-free eating acceptable and workable for you. The positive of being GF, by the way, is being WELL!
2. SEE an RD. A registered dietitian who is specialized in gluten-free nutrition AND is upbeat will help you to see the growing amount of gluten-free choices there are. The idea is to focus is on what you CAN eat more than on what you cannot.
3. DO NOT ISOLATE yourself. Because you live with Celiac does not mean life is over. And you are not alone. Almost 1% of the US population has Celiac. Connect with others who understand, can educate and can support you. Support groups, printed resources, web information, health care providers, vendors of gluten-free products…the resources are growing…as are the number of chefs educated about GF eating and restaurants offering more and more GF choices.
4. EXPECT EMOTION. Frustration, anger, relief, sadness, jealousy, disappointment, fear, whatever you may feel that comes with the “gift” of gluten-free living. Expect and accept where you “are at”. Find healthy outlets of expression. It is less about what we are given to deal with and more about how we deal with it.
5. BECOME INVOLVED. If you can’t beat Celiac, well bring it on and join a support group….get blogging…go to a favorite restaurant and request a new GF entree…If you don’t see a desired GF product at Price Chopper, ASK! (They listen!)…volunteer at community groups to educate others on eating GF…the sky is the limit as to how you stay connected and accepting.
6. Spend TIME WITH FRIENDS. Friends are the gifts we give ourselves. Do not shut them out. They are your friends. They want to spend time with you. Let them in. They can help you be you and be there if you need to vent too.
7. GET PHYSICAL. Move. Get fit. Yes, it is good for managing the now absorbable calories you are consuming being GF, good for your immune system and many other health reasons, but exercise is also great for stress busting and mood elevating! You do not know how good you can feel!
8. BE REALISTIC. Set realistic short and long term goals for being healthy. Meet GF challenges one at a time and as best as you can.
9. ACCEPT CELIAC. The first step toward meeting any goals and getting anyplace is accepting where you are at. Accepting the need to be gluten-free is the first step toward being happy and well.
10. STAY CURRENT. Processed product ingredients can change. When in doubt (Is this still gluten-free?), check it out. Also, change it up: Just as you hanker for a change in wall color or a new wardrobe item, you will be looking for a change in GF food choices as time goes on. Try a new gluten-free grain….a new recipe, baked good, combination of GF foods….a new place to eat, etc. There is more to choose from every day!!!
11. THINK MORE NOT LESS. Thinking about what can you eat more of vs. less of is a more positive mindset and a good coping strategy for meeting the challenge. More whole foods, fruits and veggies, water, proteins… More new choices and new recipes…more energy and good health! This thinking counters the thought of having to “give up” things and the feeling of loss and deprivation.
12.  RELAX AND REFRESH. Get a good night’s sleep. Take a mid-day break. Remember your strengths. Take a slow deep breath. Get a massage. Treat yourself. Reflect on what you DO have. Picture yourself in a wonderful place. GF living is easier when relaxed.

Happy New Year!

We love this local product because it not only tastes great but has a story behind it! The original company closed its doors in the early 1920’s, however, the Saratoga Specialties Company was launched in 2009 and its mission was to reintroduce the Saratoga Chip.  These delicious chips are made by gourmet kettle artisans, in individual batches and sold in a replica of the original packaging used by George Crum in 1853.

Tell us why you love local products and you could win 2 boxes of Saratoga Chips!  Post your entry below and on the corresponding Facebook post and you could be one of the 10 winners to receive this great local product.  Read official contest rules here.

December is usually filled with planning and attending numerous parties throughout this festive season.  Whether it’s a work function or a family affair, here are some quick and easy appetizer suggestions to fit within your budget:

• Our Bakery Department now offers bagel chips in a convenient 7 oz. package for $1!!!  Lay out bagel chips on a platter and top with cream cheese and your choice of our Central Market Classics Major Grey’s or Fruit Chutney, Thai Chili Roasted Garlic Dipping Sauce, or Bruschetta.
• Mix a 16 oz. container of Price Chopper sour cream with a salad dressing packet for a quick dip recipe or add your own seasonings for a unique taste.  Dips are great to pair with vegetables, breads, and fruits.  Make your own tray by purchasing precut vegetables and fruits.  Arrange on a serving dish with your dip and serve.
• If you’re looking for a quick and convenient option for school parties, try our new club pack sizes of our scratch baked Homestyle cookies, nut breads, and crumb cakes from our Bakery Department.  They’re only $5! Cut the nut breads and crumb cakes into single serving sizes before serving.
• Price Chopper bagged shrimp from the Seafood Department has a firm snap with a delicious explosion of flavor.  It’s a great value as there are no broken pieces in the bag.  Remove right from the bag, place on a tray and serve with your favorite cocktail sauce.  Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.
• Try our Central Market Classics line of frozen appetizers and desserts if you’re pinched for time.  From coconut shrimp, bacon wrapped scallops, and assorted mini quiche to molten lava cake andNew York style cheesecake, there’s an option for even the pickiest of eaters to enjoy.
• Cheese and crackers are always a crowd pleaser.  You can purchase pre-cubed cheese to arrange on a platter with your favorite crackers.  Stop by the Specialty Cheese kiosk to sample local and international cheeses you may want to add to your platter.  If you’re looking for something a little different, try creating your own cheese board to serve with your crackers.
• Arrange Price Chopper pretzels on a cookie sheet and place an unwrapped Rolo candy on top of each pretzel piece.  Bake in the oven for 5 minutes at 275 degrees, remove from oven, and press a pecan halve on top of each pretzel.  Place in freezer to firm up and serve.

The holidays are a fun time of year to catch up with friends and family while enjoying mouth watering foods and dishes unique to the season.  We hope that you’ll try some of these and share with us some of your favorite appetizers!  Happy Holidays!

 OR

Do you enjoy summer fun, or are you more of a winter fan?  Now through December 24^th at Price Chopper you can purchase a 2012 Season Pass to the Great Escape in Lake George, NY for $52.49.  That’s 25% off the regular price, and the lowest price in years! Season Pass holders can visit the park any day it’s open to the public, as many times as they want, including Splashwater Kingdom water park.  This also includes the addition of Alpine Freefalls, a two level water slide complex set to open in May, 2012! This pass is a perfect last minute gift for a summer-loving friend!

In addition to this great offer, you can also purchase one of our Ski Any 3 Passbooks!  Price Chopper’s Ski Any 3 Passbooks are available in stores through January 1, 2012, and include three passes good for a one-day lift ticket at your choice of mountains. The Big Mountain Passbook sells for $139 and passes can be redeemed at Gore, Whiteface, Mount Snow, Smugglers Notch, Bromley, and Mount Sunapee. The Family Mountain Passbook is $109 and passes can be redeemed at Jiminy Peak, Windham, Pico, West, Toggenburg, Bolton Valley, Song, Plattekill, Wachusett and Granite Gorge.  Each passbook includes many other money-saving offers, as well! (Sunday-Friday, non-holiday, thru end of season, Spring 2012. For specific end of season dates, please contact mountain directly. Cannot be combined with any other discount offer. Non-refundable. Cannot be resold. No cash value. Non-transferable. Not valid on the following dates: December 23, 2011 – January 1, 2012; January 14-16, 2012; February 18-26, 2012)

Tell us about what activities you enjoy during your favorite season and you could be entered to win either a Ski Any 3 Passbook or aGreat Escape Season pass!  Two winners will be chosen for each pass so make sure to tell us why you would love either a season pass to the Great Escape or a Ski Any 3 Passbook!  See official contest rules here.

A homemade present is a gift from the heart that says, “I care about you” to the person who receives it.  It’s a time-honored way to give something meaningful and personal, especially when it’s a gift of food.  Who hasn’t questioned the materialism surrounding Christmas or Hanukah—do we really need more stuff?  Why not give something people can actually use?

There are many reasons why I find the time to make holiday food gifts. Here are just a few:

1. They are personal and unique gifts that share my love of food with others.
2. Making them is fun, so it’s a great activity to share with children and friends.
3. I can be as creative as I want to be or have time for, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Martha Stewart—Watch out!
4. They are perfect for “the person who has everything” or is hard to buy for.
5. It’s easy on the pocketbook—no need to spend too much money; you can tailor your gifts to what you can afford.
6. They are always appreciated; no one scoffs at a tin of freshly baked cookies!
7. Giving and sharing foods is a traditional way of celebrating the holidays in all cultures. It’s a loving act of kindness that is universally understood and appreciated.

Here are some budget friendly holiday food gifts to make and share.

Rolled Christmas Sugar Cookies or Spiced Holiday Cookies

Cranberry-Orange- Nut Cookies

Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons

Ginger Crinkle Cookies or Cherry Biscotti

Homemade Hot Chocolate Gifts

Maple Nut Granola

Cinnamon Streusel Bundt Cake or Chocolate Walnut Cake

Drunken Prunes

Almond Italiano

Chex Caramel Crunch

December is here and there is no month quite like it, as we have Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve and holiday parties to celebrate!  Whether you’re throwing a party or just going to one, you’ll need to pick out some wine. Let me share some suggestions of great holiday wines that are also great holiday values!

Red wine enthusiasts will love Louis Martini 2009 Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, rated 88 points by The Wine Advocate, Robert M Parker Jr. It is one of the “Great Cabernet Buys” from Northern California today. They have taken 90% Cabernet and blended it with Merlot, Petite Syrah, and Cabernet Franc.  The results speak for themselves, withsoft notes of plums, blackberries, red cherries, and herbs that punctuate this well made Cabernet. This is the perfect wine to accompany your holiday prime rib.

Guests will love Gnarly Head 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel, on the Wine Spectators Top 100 Biggest Bargains of 2011! This wine comes to us from Lodi California with some of the oldest vines in California today, over 80 years old!  The zinfandel grape enjoys the hot summer sun in Lodi, but only because of the refreshing afternoon breeze travels from the ocean up the Sacramento River to cool the fruit every evening. Let me assure you of the pleasant surprise you’ll experience as you lift your glass, you’ll note the deep hues, and enjoy the powerful dark raspberry and black cherry flavors with layers of spice and chocolate. Enjoy this wine with beef, spicy dishes, or chocolate.

If you’re thinking white wines, let me offer this suggestion from the California North Coast Region; Clos Du Bois Chardonnay (pronounced clo do bwau). The Silver straw-yellow hue is complimented by aromas of apple blossoms and sweet lemon drops followed by flavors of apple and pears, concluding with a fresh, satisfying finish. You can serve it with shellfish, roasted poultry, white meats or even creamy pasta dishes.

It wouldn’t be right if I failed to suggest a holiday sparkling wine or champagne!  Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee is a great choice and you won’t break the bank with this selection. Please don’t think you have to wait for the holiday to enjoy this wine for it is certain to tickle your toes; buy two bottles and have one tonight! The flavor profile is sweet with fruit aromas and flavors of green apples and jasmine with hints of kiwi and peach followed by a long, crisp, lingering finish. You can serve it with cakes or pastries, cheese and crackers, or other simple appetizers. (Also available in extra dry and other styles.)

One additional note for the holiday season, I’ve found it is always a good idea to add a few extra bottles of wine to your home selection.  After all, you never know when a party might break out… be prepared!!!

Have a wonderful Holiday Season, Cheers!

Kevin

*Please note that we only carry wine in Vermont, New Hampshire and the following Massachusetts stores: Pittsfield, Shrewsbury, Lenox.