Hello Wheatsville friends and fans!
We're pretty excited that February is here. And, we're even kind of excited about this REAL winter weather. It makes us want to bake and cook and eat! I hope you stay warm and cozy and safe! We have all intentions to be open regular hours tonight and tomorrow, come what may. But, if the weather is horrendous give a call first before you venture in though, ok?
We are stoked for the BIG GAME this weekend. Yep, the Super Bowl is here and it's become a fun almost national holiday and we are ready to help you have a swell food time! There are plenty of great ideas for Super Bowl snacking further down the page, so check it out! This blog post is a couple years old, but it has a pretty nice list of suggestions for lighter and healthier Super Bowl snacking if you're so inclined- http://s.coop/atl
We're also looking forward to Valentine's Day on the 14th and we have all kinds of sweet things throughout the store to show the people you love just how much you care. BUT, even better, we have our annual Make your Own Valentine Station set up at the Hospitality Desk. Make a Valentine for a friend, your wife, your husband, boyfriend or girlfriend, kid, favorite staff people, Popcorn tofu, beer or any other of your most beloved products! We've got the makings to show what's in your heart! So come on and do it!
Thank you, by the way for your generous contributions to our children's book drive for the People's Community Clinic waiting room. You and our staff donated an amazing 594 books!!! Wowza! So much kindness and generosity amongst us!
Scroll down for:
Safeplace donation drive
One Big Thing is TOFU!
Have a Super Game day with:
Popcorn tofu, Hot Wings and more
Green Grocer Guacamole
Super Beers!
Meaty Snacks
Cheese bowl!
Super bulk champions!
Don't forget the chips!
Deli hearts February
You'll flip for Flapjacks!
Valentine's Day preview
Bullish on Wine
NEW Wheatsville t-shirts!
Seeds, it's almost time to plant!
Free money?
SafePlace Donation Drive
SafePlace is Wheatsville's Community Action Wednesday group for February. SafePlace exists to assist people who have survived sexual or domestic violence. Through community efforts, individuals come together to make an impact on the lives of thousands of survivors. As our Community Action Wednesday recipient, SafePlace will receive 1% of February's Wednesday sales. There is also two new exciting ways in which generous patrons can contribute. At any time a customer can choose to donate any amount at the register (Just let your cashier know that you would like to give extra). In addition, Wheatsville will be collecting the following items during the month of February:
- Toiletries such as: full size bottles of adult shampoo, conditioner, body wash or soap and tooth paste and tooth brushes
- Diapers (sizes 4-6) and pull-ups sizes 2T-5T
- Personal care products for women such as pads and tampons
- Ethnic hair care products
- Canned goods and other non-perishable food items
Community donations help provide for a family's basic needs and are an important first step in helping survivors start over. We truly appreciate your contributions in supporting SafePlace!
ONE BIG THING W/E 02-06-2011
This week's One Big Thing is actually two things involving a special only-at-Wheatsville delicacy: popcorn tofu! In honor of this weekend's Super Bowl, the deli is featuring POPCORN TOFU PLATTERS and POPCORN TOFU PARTY BAGS.
What do we like about POPCORN TOFU PLATTERS/PARTY BAGS?
1) The platter ($15.00) contains 2 lbs of popcorn tofu for the price of 1 ½ lbs and the party bag ($29.99) contains 4 lbs of popcorn tofu for the price of 3 lbs!
2) Whether on the platter or in the bag, popcorn tofu pairs perfectly with our cashew tamari dressing.
3) Popcorn tofu is a crowd-pleasing snack for vegans and non-vegans alike!
If you haven't already, check out the Wheatsville Popcorn Tofu page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wheatsville-Popcorn-Tofu/93189827362
Sit Back, Enjoy the Game and Let the Wheatsville Deli make your Superbowl a Smash!
Planning a Superbowl Spectacular this Sunday? Starting this Friday and running through Sunday, your Deli will be stocking all sorts of party foods to help make your gameday a smash! If you're taking our advice and rocking out with Popcorn Tofu, don't forget to grab a bottle or two of our Cashew-Tamari Dressing for dunking!
In the Deli, we will be featuring many other Superbowl-friendly entrees like our awesome Hot Wings, made from oven-roasting Buddy's local, all-natural chicken with a spicy Sriracha glaze, and our infamous L'il Cheddar Meatloaf Muffins – betcha can't eat just one! Tempeh Chili and Turkey Chili will also be available for your gameday Frito pies! For sides we'll have the bacony Baked Potato Salad, Bucky's Baked Beans, Meme's Coleslaw and lots more! Raw Veggie Platters are the perfect take-along to a party, and are fantastic dipped in our creamy Spinach-Feta Dip, which is on sale for owners right now, just $8.99/lb, reg. $9.99/lb! Or just grab a box or two of crackers, some savory Walnut Pate, and a Garlic Chive Cheddar Cheese Ball – easy and delicious, too! And it just wouldn't be Superbowl in Texas without a heaping assortment of our Homemade Salsas like Sweet Mango Fire, Roasted Tomato, Ancho Bomb and Pico de Gallo, plus our legendary, easily re-heatable Vegan Queso for your chip-dippin' delight! We also have a nice variety of mini-platters available from our fantastic local vendors like Kala's Kuisine and Tom's Tabooley in our grab'n'go cooler! If you're looking for larger trays from our Deli and Bakery for your gathering, like Sliced Meats & Cheeses, Middle Eastern Mezze, Sweet Bakery Bars, Whole Cakes and Fresh Cut Fruit, check out our website at http://wheatsville.coop/catering.html and call us at the Deli to place your Superbowl order: 512-478-1164!
From your Green Grocer
It's Super Bowl week! Whether you're a Steelers or Packers fan, we've got plenty of snacks for the game day.
If you're hosting a party or just going to one, plan on bringing some GUACAMOLE! We're being told that there are nearly 500 avocadoes coming our way this Friday that will be perfectly ripe for your dip making on Sunday! Here are two for two different approaches to guacamole making:
Alton Brown's simple version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edrYjcn-fXQ&feature=relmfu
Tyler Florence's super simple one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD0tg0o_QME
Here's a nice recipe from 101cookbooks.com http://s.coop/atg
To make it easy on you, we also have three varieties of Wholly Guacamole's ready-made guacamole. Choose original or spicy, 14oz for $4.99, or pico de gallo, 7 oz for $2.59. You can stretch these quantities a bit by adding additional diced onion, tomato, or tomatillo, and you can spice them up with a jalapeno or serrano pepper.
Our featured local item this week is sustainably grown bunched Chioggia beets from Oak Hill Farm in Poteet, TX. I found a great recipe for pickled beets this morning. We had pickled beets and turnips at our staff party this year and they were a huge hit! Try them at your Super Bowl party.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch (4 or 5) beets
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- Salt and pepper
Method
1 Remove greens from beets and save for future use (beet greens can be prepared like any other greens and are closely related to chard). Roast beets by wrapping them whole in foil and cooking them in a 350°F oven for about an hour. This will preserve their beautiful candy-stripe pattern. Alternatively, you can steam or boil them. A fork easily inserted into the beet will tell you if the beets are done or not.
2 Drain the beets, rinsing them in cold water. Use your fingers to slip the peels off of the beets. The peels should come off easily. Discard the peels. Slice the beets.
3 Make the vinaigrette by combining the cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and dry mustard. Whisk ingredients together with a fork. The dry mustard will help to emulsify the vinaigrette. Adjust to taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. Combine beets and vinaigrette in a bowl and allow to marinate for a half hour at room temperature.
Serves four.
Super Beers for the Super Bowl!
We have more sales going on in the beer cooler than ever before at the co-op! Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Glissade 12 packs are Just $12.99 regularly $14.99! Sierra Nevada Glissades subtle malt flavor, balanced against delicate aromas of spicy and floral European hops helps Glissade slide across the palate. Harpoon UFO White, UFO Heffeweizen and India Pale Ale 6 packs are just $7.99 regularly $8.99. Brooklyn Lager and East Indian Pale Ale 6 packs are just $7.99 regularly $8.99. Victory 6 packs are also on sale. Victory Prima Pils is just $8.49 regularly $9.49. Heaps of hops give this pale lager a bracing, herbal bite over layers of soft and smooth malt flavor. Victory Hop Wallop $11.49 regularly $12.49. This beer is a vivid, robust ale that serves as Victory's annual homage to the hop harvest; expect loads of aromatic splendor and bitter beauty. Victory Hop Devil six packs are just $8.49 regularly $9.49. Menacingly delicious, with the powerful, aromatic punch of whole flower American hops backed up by rich, German malts. Look for all these sales and more to help your game party be truly super!
From the world of meat
Just in time for the big game we have brought in Buddy's Chicken Wings. These delectable bites are a great finger food for game day or any day. They are simple to cook and wonderfully messy to eat, just toss in your favorite rub and put in a 350 degree oven. When the skin starts to dry-out (about 10-15 minutes), coat with your favorite sauce. Every ten minutes flip and baste. Usually 3 turns will do it, but 165 degrees is done. Unless you really love scrubbing your pans, I highly recommend using parchment paper. There is almost no end to flavor combinations with wings, so be creative. Remember, the higher the sugar content of your sauce, the faster it will burn. With these sauces you will want to baste more frequently, or let them get a little crispy and charred.
We are also offering Wings in the quick to fix case. These will have the tips removed, and be coated in a 6 pepper rub. The easiest sauce I know of is:
1 cup of Sriracha
1/3 cup of Canola oil
Blend well.
You can add tobasco, or any hot sauce to give it more heat. You can certainly exercise your creativity here.
We have plenty of other game day selections as well. We have Pederson's Kielbasa and Bacon Sausage. These are local and delicious. Niman Ranch has a variety of sausages to choose from, as well as the Uncured Fearless Franks. We have several Apple Gate Farms hot dogs. The Great Organic Hot Dogs are available in the self serve case, while the freezer has Apple Gate Farms Stadium Hot Dogs and Turkey Dogs. Buddy's natural chicken also has some sausage you can choose from including Italian, Garlic and Jalapeño. Our in house Chorizo goes great in queso. As always, we have a great selection of Niman Ranch ground beef for burgers and Chili and a selection of steaks that go great on the grill. Finally we have Niman Ranch Baby Back Ribs. This is one of my favorites. We will have these in whole pairs or broken down into single serving options.
In the freezer, we have brought in Organic Prairie Chicken Breast for $12.99. These have two 8 oz. breasts per package. If you're looking for some easy portion control this product is certainly a great organic option.
If you're throwing it or just bringing something to it, stop by the meat department for your party needs.
Unfortunately, we will be missing the Dewberry Hills whole chickens this week. The nature of a sustainable and local chicken makes it difficult during the winter to always have these chickens in stock. Hopefully, next week, we will have these fine chickens back in stock.
CHEESE ISLAND
We have a few specials just in time for Super Bowl. We have our Aged Gouda on sale for $17.59/lb, regularly $18.99/lb. Also Our Applewood Smoked Cheddar is on sale for $11.29/lb, regularly $14.99. We are going to continue to run the New York Sharp Cheddar special through the weekend so get it while you can. Sale price $6.99/lb, reg. $9.99/lb. So what are you going to do for the Super Bowl? Here is a web site to give you some burger ideas.
http://www.cheeseandburger.com/.
We have shredded cheese for those hot dogs or fajita tacos. We also have cheeses for some real chile con queso, or chori-queso for your dipping and scooping pleasure. We have some nice feta crumbles and blue cheeses to top those salads. We have some nice cheedars that would go along with a nice Niman salami. Look for some nice Cheesy specials next weekend and recipes. Also look for our Small Domestic Cheese Trays in our Front Super Bowl display.
Real Chile Con Queso
http://homesicktexan.blogspot.com/2008/04/more-natural-chile-con-queso.htm
Note from Greg, Captain of Cheese island: I like this recipe. But, I personally would not use the flour and would use a sharp Cheedar and Queso Asedero or Montery Jack.
Super Snacks in Bulk
We've got a delicious new snack available in the Bulk department just in time for your Super Bowl festivities! Sweet Cajun Heat is a spicy snack mix packed with butter toffee peanuts, it makes for a very tasty and unique combination and I highly recommend you give it a try. This mix comes to us from the Lone Star Nut & Candy company located in Houston, TX.
You can find it in the bulk snacks area, and also on our Super Bowl display right next to the cashiers, along with some other great bulk snacks that are pre-packed for your convenience. We'll be sampling these great snacks throughout the weekend in the Bulk department so stop on by!
Don't forget the chips!
Austin's own El Lago Tostaditas are on sale just in time for the Super Bowl! Regular and Finitas (very thin chips) are on sale 2 for $5 (reg $2.69).
Speaking of the Super Bowl, have you seen our Super Bowl Party Snack display? Walk across the front of the store, toward the Deli and you can't miss it. Here, you'll find everything you need to set up a great party including Nacho Mom's Vegan Queso in Ultimate and Gluten Free Fire Roasted (on sale for just $3.49, reg $3.99), Velveeta and Ro*tel for traditional queso, Garden of Eatin's party size chips (Blue, Yellow or Red Hot Blue 16 oz each bag) on sale for just $3.49 reg $4.29. You'll also find amazing deals on pre-bagged snacks from our Bulk Department, like Zen Mix, Wasabi Peas and Salted Mixed Nuts.
The Deli LOVES February!
On sale for owners right now is our infamous vegan Popcorn Tofu Po'Boy – we're shaving a whole dollar off the price of most popular sandwich – crunchy, savory batter-dipped and deep-fried tofu nuggets on a hoagie with a drizzle of our cashew-tamari dressing, and loaded with your choice of veggies for $5.49, reg. $6.49!
As always, the bakery case abounds with sweet treats like our fresh-baked muffins – treat your tongue to the wonderful Orange Chocolate Raspberry! – and be sure to check out other new favorites like our fruity, streusely Blueberry Cobbler Bars!
And the perfect accompaniment to your baked treat is just waiting for you at our Organic, Fair-Trade Espresso Bar! This week sees the kickoff of our Deli's staff-initiated Featured Coffee program with the introduction of the Chocolate Strawberry Mocha, just in time for Valentine's Day! This subtly sweet strawberry-chocolate concoction can be made with any sort of organic milk you like – cow, soy or rice! Try a 12oz for $4.00, or a 16oz for $4.50!
Also working on the Valentine's theme, our Featured Smoothie is the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie! Strawberries and organic, fair-trade chocolate syrup are blended with bananas, your choice of milk and apple juice, making a pretty and pink drink! Come on in and taste the love!
Cedar Fever got you down, or just trying to cut the caffeine? Owners are in luck as our Gingerade – sunshine in a cup, served hot or cold! – is on sale right now, 16 oz for just 99¢, reg. $1.69. Stir in some local honey and cayenne for an extra immunity booster!
Our Featured Salsa right now is the Ancho Bomb, a longtime winner with the smoky taste of ancho chiles melding with sweet roasted red bell peppers and fresh orange juice! It's a gorgeous sunset-red salsa that would be great spooned over simple chicken or fish, and tastes great on an order of our Deli's famous $1.99 Rice & Beans!
Also on sale at the Deli Counter are classic cold cuts: Boar's Head Turkey Pastrami at $9.49/lb, reg. $9.99 and Muenster Cheese, $4.99/lb, reg. $5.99! Come & Git It!
Grocery news!
Until last week I had never heard of a flapjack. Well, I had, but I thought it was some kind of giant pancake. Then, Ms. Julia Cheung, owner of the High Tea Baking Company came to Wheatsville with some samples that changed my life forever! A traditional British tea-time treat, flapjacks are sweet bars made with oats, butter and sugar. That's it. I never would have thought that those three simple ingredients would create the most delicious baked good I have ever tasted. But they did and you should come try one. All this cold weather is just begging for a hot cup of coffee or tea and a sweet treat to go with it. You can find the High Tea Baking Co.'s Flapjacks ($1.99) over by the deli, near the self serve coffee. Enjoy! Tell me what you think!
Valentine's Day is coming and we LOVE our Owners! – Brooks Wood, Wheatsville Co+op Deals Assistant
Immaculate Baking Company Cranberry Orange & Blueberry Scones as well as Cinnamon Rolls now $3.99 reg. $4.19, Greek Gods Honey & Honey Strawberry Greek Yogurt now $3.29 reg. $3.69 and Ginger Peoples Shortbread & Ginger Anzacs now $3.49 reg. $3.99.
Organic Flax Seeds now $1.49/lb reg. $1.79/lb, Organic Split Red Lentils now $1.69/lb reg. $2.19/lb, Ancient Harvest Gluten Free Elbows now $3.49 reg. $4.29 and Ancient Harvest Gluten Free Garden Pagodas now $3.49 reg. $4.29.
Amy's Organic Tofu and Mexican Tofu Scramble now $3.99 reg. $4.79, Amy's Cheese, Apple and Strawberry Toaster Pops now $2.99 reg. $3.19 and Amy's Organic Gluten Free Chocolate Cake now $3.49 reg. $4.39.
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.
Valentine's Love is in the air @ Wheatsville! – Brooks Wood, Wheatsville Co+op Deals Assistant
Bionaturae Pasta is ready to complement any meal now $1.99 reg. $2.89, Bionaturae Organic Tomatoes now $1.99 reg. $2.89, Mediterranean Organic Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil now $4.99 reg. $6.99 and Muir Glen Organic Pasta Sauce now 2/$5.00 reg. $3.99.
Sweets for all! Chocolove Chocolate Bars are stocked and ready to be enjoyed just in time for Valentine's Day, or any other day of the week, now $1.79 reg. $2.39, Green & Blacks Organic Chocolate Bars now 2/$5.00 reg. $3.39 and Pamela's Gluten Free Brownie Mix now $3.99 reg. $5.79.
Baby its cold outside! How about a nice hot bowl of Amy's Organic Soup? It's on Deal for $1.99 reg. $2.89, add some Kashi TLC Crackers now $2.79 reg. $3.99, how about a hot Amy's Pizza now $4.99 reg. $6.89 and nothing soothes like a hot cup of tea, Yogi Tea is now 2/$6.00 reg. $4.39.
We also have lots of customer favorites on Deal this week and they include: Annie's Homegrown Pasta and Cheese Dinner now $0.89 reg. $1.99, Evol Burritos now 2/$4.00 reg. $2.99, Newman Own Organic Cookies now $2.99 reg. $4.49, Kashi Heart to Heart Cereal now $2.99 reg. $4.99 and R. W. Knudsen Organic Juice now $2.99 reg. $4.59.
Remember, our Deals are easy to reference. Go to http://www.wheatsville.coop and click on the Co+op Deals link.
Bullish on wine
Torres Sangre de Toro Red is on sale $7.99 regularly $8.99. This is the wine with the little plastic bull on the bottle and its name indeed means the blood of the bull. A fine wine, made from Garnacha and Cariñena, Snga de Toro is superb with roasts, casseroles, game and traditional Spanish dishes. Deep ruby color with a hint of ochre. Rich complex Mediterranean aromas with exuberantnotes of spices and blackberries. Velvety tannins are noted on the palate with elegant flavors of liquorice and small dark forest fruits (blueberries and blackcurrants).
NEW WHEATSVILLE T-SHIRT DESIGNS!
New Wheatsville T-Shirts are here in fresh new colors and styles. We still have the classic men's and ladies' style you love for $9.99 and now we have men's raglan ¾ sleeve, ladies' ringer tees and ladies' tank tops for just $14.99. We still have a very limited stock of the previous batch of shirts featuring the Texas logo for the crazy low closeout price of $2.99!
New items from Sunbeam Candles
Check out the new votives from Sunbeam Candles, available in 4 yummy fragrances: Cedar Sage, Peppermint, Frankincense Bergamot & Orange, and Lavender Sage & Ylang Ylang. This candle company uses solar and wind power to run their factory, pays their workers a living wage, and recycles/reuses supplies and materials. We're especially excited to offer their unique A Gift of Love Beeswax Pillars for Valentine's Day.
Seed Savers Exchange Heirloom Seed Packets *NEW* at Wheatsville!
While your pipes may be frozen and garden covered in bed sheets now, those perfect spring days are right around the corner - and Wheatsville now carries SEED SAVERS EXCHANGE for your garden year-round! Seed Savers Exchange offers all heirloom seeds and many organic varieties to choose from. They are non-profit and GMO-free, and committed to "conserving and promoting heirloom vegetables herbs and flowers for future generations." We are so proud to now offer at $1.99 a packet in our store!
We, at Wheatsville, recognize the unique planting conditions that Austin and central Texas has to offer and all seed varieties are carefully selected with OUR weather and soil types specifically in mind. As the seasons change our seed selection will change accordingly, so you can be sure that the majority of seeds we have available are safe to plant now! When in doubt, check out our planting schedule chart for Travis County, located behind our beautiful new seed rack!
Happy planting!
Do you have free money at the Hospitality Desk?
Hopefully you have heard or seen that Patronage Rebates for the fiscal year ending May 2010 are available at the Hospitality Desk. They've been available since before the holidays, but as of last week, only about 50% of the total rebate dollars had been redeemed. This means that many of you still have a patronage rebate to pick up. Rebates expire at the end of this month, so please check with us on your next visit to see if you have free money that you can either apply toward your shopping trip or cash out at any register. Rebates that are not redeemed have to be taken back into taxable income, and we would much rather give the money to our owners than pay income tax on it. So check on your rebate today!
I hope you have a stupendous week!
Dan Gillotte
Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy and February enthusiast!
