Happy New Year Wheatsville!
Thank you for such a fantastic 2010. We had lots of good times with you all and I enjoyed the many side conversations from readers who liked something they read in here throughout the year or to tell me one great thing they had or just said hi!
2011 , our 35th birthday year is certain to be our best ever, BUT we're not quite done with 2010, we've got to CELEBRATE! I hope you have a fun, safe and happy New Years and that next year brings you all you could hope for in joy and fun (and we hope to continue to be a part of it!)
Our Holiday Hours are:
New Year's Eve 7:30AM-9PM
New Year's Day CLOSED
Regular hours resume on January 2! See you then for all day brunch on the hot bar!
Scroll on down for:
Guaranteed luck and prosperity (with a recipe)!
Bubbly deli celebration
Prosper with Produce
Cheese party in your tummy
Resolve to cleanse
What's the date?
New Year surf and turf
Co+op Deals and Owner Deals
Tofurky Feasts are flying!
Bulky New Years
Don't forget the Black-Eyed Peas!
All good Texans know that you MUST eat at least one black-eyed pea on New Year's Day to ensure luck and prosperity for the coming year. If you're knew to Texas, you might be scratching your head about this long-standing tradition. There are many theories on how the humble bean came to be held in such high regard but regardless of the origin of the custom, we recommend eating black-eyed peas because they taste good! At Wheatsville we are happy to offer fresh ones in the Produce Department, grown in Texas! Also, we have two varieties of canned BEP, organic and conventional, plus bulk and pre-bagged bulk for your convenience. If you aren't sure what the heck to do with them, try the following recipe from Emeril:
Hoppin' John Recipe
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large ham hock
1 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 pound black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and rinsed (or use canned and cooked for convenience)
1 quart chicken stock
1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves
Salt, black pepper, and cayenne
3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
3 cups steamed white rice
(Vegetarians can substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock and omit the ham hock)
Directions
Heat oil in a large soup pot, add the ham hock and sear on all sides for 4 minutes. Add the onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic, cook for 4 minutes. Add the black-eyed peas, stock, bay leaves, thyme, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the peas are creamy and tender, stir occasionally. If the liquid evaporates, add more water or stock. Adjust seasonings, and garnishwith green onions. Serve over rice. Enjoy!
Ring in the New Year with bubbly,celebratory chow and new Owner Deals from your Deli!
We have some great deals on Champagne and sparkling wine at the co-op including Piper-Heidsieck Champagne $36.99 was $44.99, Piper-Sonoma Brut $15.99 regularly $19.99, and Carousel Brut for just$9.99 a bottle, and don't forget that when you buy six or more bottles of wine sparkling or otherwise you get 10% off!
The Deli is once again elated to share space in the front cooler near the store's entrance, which is being dedicated to must-have items for your New Year's Eve parties and First of the Year celebrating! For your grab'n'go ease, we're putting together some crispy, chewy Popcorn Tofu Platters (2 pounds for the price of 1½!) and fresh, beautiful Raw Veggie Platters – don't forget to grab a large container of ourCashew-Tamari Dressing for dippin'! Also, our huge, savory Garlic Chive Cheddar Cheese Balls will be in abundance, as well as our thick, garlicky Spinach-Feta Dip, perfect for crackers and raw veggies! A rotating assortment of our delicious, vegan Chocolate Raspberry, Coconut Pineapple and Carrot Cakes – whole, frosted, and ready to go! – are also here for you to bring along to your get-togethers, no advance notice required!
Looking for the power trio of black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread to usher in 2011 with Southern luck? We've got you covered! We'll have grab'n'go containers of our Lucky Black Eyed Pea Soup – with kale too!, Braised Organic Kale with Black Eyed Peas, and cold Texas Caviar! We use only organic black eyed peas and organic kale in these dishes! In addition to being available in our self-service case, the soup will also be served hot on our food bar, the Texas Caviar will be in our full-serve Deli case and the Greens will be running on our hot bar alongside our Bakery's cornbread!
Speaking of our cornbread, both our cheddar- and green-onion speckled Southwest Cornbread and our maple syrup-sweetened, spelt- and flaxmeal-laden Vegan Cornbread are on Owner Special for the next two weeks – $1.49, reg. $1.99! – and will certainly be available for your New Year's delight!
Also on sale for owners at our Deli Counter is our very tasty BLT, made for you on toasted sourdough bread with six crispy slices of Boar's Head bacon, mayo and the classic veggies, $3.99, reg. $4.49!
Take note that these are the last few days to get your mouth on December's Salsa of the Month, Roasted Tomato! Starting in January we will be featuring our delectable Salsa Verde!
This is also last call for our Deli Counter's "Very Berry Christmas" Smoothie of the Month! In January we will be starting our PB&J Smoothie special!
Also on sale at the Deli Counter through the end of December are classic cold cuts: Boar's Head Smoked Ham at $8.49/lb, reg. $8.99 and Provolone Cheese, $4.99/lb, reg. $5.99 – so stock up by Friday to get the best deal!
Hoppy New Beers! Gets your new year's party going with some great beer from Sierra Nevada Brewery! Sierra Nevada 6 packs are on sale for $7.49 regularly $8.49 all styles and Sierra Nevada 12 packs are on sale for just 12.99 regularly $14.99! 12 packs are Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Sierra Nevada Celebration and six packs are Pale Ale, Torpedo, Porter and Stout!
From Your Green Grocer
Happy New Year!
I'm not much of a night owl anymore, so I'll probably be in bed long before midnight on the 31st, but I am planning on a day of relaxation on New Year's Day. With breakfast, I'll be making mimosas with delicious Cara Cara Navel Oranges. They're a bit more expensive than a normal navel, $1.49 per pound, but they are oh so good. They're sweet and very low in acid, but I wouldn't call them mild. They have a much more complex flavor than a normal navel, and remind me of creamsicles – they have a flavor with notes of vanilla and cherry. We've got them merchandized with Carousel Champagne in our front cooler. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
New Year's wouldn't be complete without Organic Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas. We've got the collards for $1.49 a bunch and fresh black-eyed peas, 12 ounces for $1.79. Eating black-eyed peas will bring you prosperity and good luck (and magnesium, iron, and protein) in the New Year, and the collards will bring you money (and vitamin C and fiber).
If you're anything like me, the New Year means coming off about six weeks of indulgence: family's been in town and you've eaten out too often, spent too much money, consumed more sweets than your dentist would approve of, drank a bit too much, and skipped out on the gym more than just a few times. Well, let's put that all behind us and make some changes. One easy thing you can do is pledge to eat more home cooked meals. You save money, control your portion size, eat healthier, and spend more time with your family. You might actually like it! I recognize that sometimes you get home from a long day at work and spending another hour and a half in the kitchen just doesn't seem appealing. Our cut fruit and veggie guy, Robert, has come up with an easy solution: fresh stir fry kits made three times a week here at the co-op. They're reasonably priced at $3.99/lb, and a one pound package typically serves two. Right now, they're a mix of bell pepper, onion, mushroom, and squash, but we're tweaking the mix as we go, so any constructive criticism would be appreciated. You can throw in some stir-fry meat from the meat department, add a couple cups of rice or quinoa and you are set. We make it easy on you – just dump it in the skillet and go!
CHEESE ISLAND
Are you throwing a New Year's Eve party? Attending a New Year's Eve party? I have an assortment of cheese trays to meet your snacking needs. I have a small and simple yet delightful small domestic cheese tray for $15. Also, we offer a large domestic cheese and fruit tray containing 5 domestic cheeses and seasonal fruit, for $50. We offer 2 new trays. One tray is a Local Cheese tray. It is filled with offerings from Pure Luck Dairy, Veldhuizen Family Farms and Brazos Valley Cheese Company for $100. There is also a very elegant Brie and Preserve tray for $50. It will be the star of the appetizer table.
Parmigiano Reggiano is on sale for $18.99/lb, regularly $21.29/lb. We are now stocking Vermont Butter and Cream's Crème Fraiche. It is $4.99 for an 8 oz tub.
We have brought in a few new cheeses for the holidays. We have two new Montechevre goat cheese logs. One is chevre and honey and the other is a chevre with figs. Both are $3.29 each. And I also brought in a Wenslydale with cranberry $15.29/lb. We have also brought in Le Roule Garlic and Herb cheese spread and Aloutte Roasted Sweet Pepper and Olive Tapanade Torta and their Sundried Tomato and Garlic Torta. I also have a new local cheese for the holidays. We are stocking Brazos Valley's Von Sormon. It was created because of a mistake in the production of their Montassio. Instead of throwing the wheel of chees away Mark decided to rub the rind with cinnamon and vanilla. The taste of the vanilla and cinnamon become stronger as you get closer to the rind. We have also brought in a fig and almond cake. It is made in Spain from Pajarero figs and Marcona almonds and is traditionally eaten along with cheese. It can be eaten by itself or on a salad. It definitely is a great component to any cheese plate. And just for New Year's Eve and Day,, I am dropping the price of the Canadian brie to $8.99/lb, it is regularly $9.99/lb.
Cleansing in the New Year
After all of the festivities surrounding this time of year it is not uncommon to feel fatigued bloated, stressed, or maybe just a few pounds heavier. If any of this sounds like you, it may be a great time to cleanse. Right now in your Health department we have Renew Life Cleanses on sale. Never cleansed before? Start with their 14-day First Cleanse for $21.99 (save $5). If 14 days sounds too long for you there is a 7-day Total Body Rapid Cleanse for $23.99 (save $5). Beginning a diet? Try Renew Life's Diet Start Cleanse for $23.99 (save $6). For general all-around cleansing they also have an Organic Total Body Cleanse for $27.99 (save $7). It should be noted that it is not required to make unreasonable dietary changes while cleansing. However, it does not hurt to stay away from processed foods and toxins such as alcohol, tobacco, ect. Also, as always, remember to drink plenty of water!
Calendar Countdown!
2010 is winding down and it's your last chance to pick up your 2011 calendar! In addition to wall calendars we still have a few day planners, including the ever-popular Slingshot, as well as some page-a-day calendars for the origami artist or cuteness lover in you. These make excellent gifts for your New Year's party hosts. Once our stock has run out we won't be re-ordering so get 'em while you can!
From the world of meat
Another year is drawing to a close, but there is still time for that one last party. The meat department has plenty of offerings for your party's culinary needs. The Smoked Salmon Lox from Fish Brothers is a great addition to your festivities. Fish Brothers also offers some hot Smoked Salmon in Garlic or Black Pepper varieties. For a closer look at Fish Brothers visit them at:
http://www.fishbrothers.com/www.fishbrothers.com/Home.html
Our Summer Sausage from Uncured Natural Meats or the Italian and Herb Salami's from Niman Ranch will complement many wines and cheeses. Also from Niman Ranch; the pre cooked Pulled Pork is a quick and easy option as well as any of our three types of Niman Ranch Hams.
If a dinner party is more your speed, we have some great choices. For a larger gathering we can cut and tie a Niman Ranch Rib Roast, Leg of Lamb Roast, or a Pork Loin or Pork Shoulder Roast. We also have whole sides of Sockeye Salmon and Coho Salmon.
Maybe you're looking for a mélange of proteiny goodness; we have some wonderful Surf and Turf options. On the turfy side we have Niman Ranch Ribeye Steaks and Flat Iron Steaks. We also cut a great Flat Iron Steak from one of our local beef providers, Windy Bar Ranch. On the surfy side we have: Organic Peeled & Deveined Shrimp, some amazing Sea Scallops from Trollerpoint Fisheries and Oysters that we get from our sustainable sea food provider, Northern Fish.
Speaking of Windy Bar Ranch, we are rolling out a new product in the quick to fix case. It's Windy Bar Beef tenderized, stuffed with Gorgonzola Cheese and Wheatsville's own Pesto, then rolled and tied into a pinwheel. They are easy to cook and delicious.
For our Co-op deals Owner Special we are featuring Wheastville's in House Chorizo Sausage for $6.99/lb. reg. $7.99/lb. Great with eggs or in your favorite queso, this sausage can ride passenger or fly solo.
If you're feeding a few or feeding a throng, why not let the meat department give you a hand.
New Co+op Deals for a New Year! – Brooks Wood, Wheatsville Co+op Deals Assistant
Warm and comforting foods are on Deal. Pacific Foods Creamy Soups are now $2.49 reg. $3.69, Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes now $1.29, reg. $1.99, Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea now $2.29 reg. $2.99, Annie Chun's Noodle Bowls now $2.39 reg. $3.29, PJ's Organic Frozen Mexican Snacks now $3.29 reg. $4.69, Sunshine Burger Organic Vegetarian Burgers, 3 pack, now $2.79 reg. $3.99,Rustic Crust Organic Readymade Pizza Crust now $2.99 reg. $4.99, Alexia Sweet Potato Fries now $2.29 reg. $3.99 and Lundberg Family Farms Organic Risotto now $1.29 reg. $2.99.
Delicious and easy options for mornings include, Brown Cow Plain Yogurt, now $2.29 reg. $2.99, Rudi's Organic Bakery Organic Bread now $2.99 reg. $4.39, R.W. Knudsen Simply Nutritious Juice now$2.29 reg. $3.89, So Delicious Non-Dairy Coconut Milk Yogurt now $1.49 reg. $1.89, Kind Fruit & Nut Bars now $1.19 reg. $1.69, Nature's Path Organic Flax Plus Cereal $2.99 reg. $4.39, Rice Dream Enriched Rice Beverage $1.99 reg. $2.99, Cascadian Farm Organic Granola Bars $2.99 reg. $4.79 and Organic Golden Flax Seeds now $1.49/LB reg. $1.79/LB.
Remember, our Deals are easy to reference. Go to http://www.wheatsville.coop and click on the Co+op Deals link.
Co+op Owner Deals for the New Year! – Brooks Wood, Wheatsville Co+op Deals Assistant
Our New Year's Deals include so many of our favorites! Arrowhead mills Organic Crunchy & Creamy Peanut Butters are now $3.99 reg. $4.99, Kashi GoLean Slimming, Crunch & Honey Almond Flax are now $3.99 reg. $4.99, Newman's Own Olive Oil & Vinegar, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Ranch, Lighten Up Raspberry & Walnut Dressings now $3.99 reg. $4.69, Middle Earth Organics Pasta Sauces All Varieties now $4.99 reg. $6.69, Pamela's Products Corn Bread & Muffin Mix now $3.49 reg. $4.29, Earth Balance Organic Whipped Buttery Spread now $3.79 reg. $4.49, Annie Chun's Chicken & Cilantro Wontons now $2.59 reg. $3.19 and Organic Pearled Barley now $1.19/LB reg. $1.39/LB.
Our Deli has our famous B L T on Deal for $3.99 reg. $4.49, Southwest Cornbread now $1.49 reg. $1.99, Vegan Cornbread now $1.49 reg. $1.99 and House Made Chorizo is now $6.99/LB reg. $7.99/LB.
Remember, our Owner Deals are easy to reference. Check them out on our web site @ http://www.wheatsville.coop and click on the Owners link.
OMG! Tofurky Feast Clearance SALE!
Well the holidays are winding down and it's time for us to clear out the beloved Tofurky Feasts, so we're marking them down from regular price:$26.59 to the low price of $13.99 (while supplies last)
One feast contains:
- One Tofurky® Roast (made with organic non-genetically engineered soybeans) - now 20% larger
- Savory Giblet Gravy
- Wild Rice, Whole Wheat Bread Crumb Stuffing
- Tofurky® Jurky Wishstix
- New ! Organic Chocolate Cake from Amy's Kitchen
- Happy Tofurky Day card & coupons
Each feast is 100% vegan, cooks in about an hour, serves six and tastes fabulous!
So go ahead and invite some friends over and have yourselves a fancy vegan dinner to ring out the new year!
p.s. the delicious Wholly Wholesome Traditional Bake-at-Home Pumpkin Pies are also on clearance, marked down from regular price $7.99 to sale price $4.99!
Happy New Year from the Bulk Department!
I'd like to wish you all the happiest of new years, and remind you to stop by the bulk department for our wonderful Organic Black Eyed Peas. Having recently moved here from the pacific northwest, this new-years tradition is new to me, but I'm not taking any chances! This year we have dried black eyed peas pre-packaged for your convenience located at the front of the store near the cashiers, and at only $1.79/lbthey are a very inexpensive way to ensure good luck this year!
For those of you having bad luck with allergies right now, we have an exciting new item available. Local Bee Pollen is now available for sale from the bulk department. The pollen comes from Walker Honey Farms in the Temple, TX area (about an hour north of Austin), and it is located in the cooler next to the Health Team desk.
I truly hope you have a most awesome New Year and a happy and health 2011!
Most sincerely,
Dan Gillotte
Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy!
