Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Chillin', Grillin' and Savin'!

Wheatsville Logo

Hello Wheatsville!

Thanks to everyone for making last week such a great one for us. We had the most shoppers ever in one week at Wheatsville, great sales and lots of fun! Even though summer has decide to barge in on Spring, we're hoping that May delivers some good weather to enjoy the outdoors and our patio.

We're gearing up for Hemp History Week next week. Hemp History Week seeks to celebrate America's rich history with industrial hemp and generate strong support for the re-legalization of hemp farming. Learn more here.

And don't forget Mom! Mother's day is just 11 days away!

Check out our new e-mail posting format and tell us how you like it.

Scroll on down for:

This week's One Big Thing

Wheatsville's One BIG Thing

Every week, Wheatsville staff picks the product we're most excited about right now! You'll find this week's One Big Thing merchandised at the Hospitality Desk and in Housewares—back by popular demand, it's the WHEATSVILLE PINT GLASS.

What do we like about WHEATSVILLE PINT GLASSES?

1)    Each WHEATSVILLE PINT GLASS is just $5.99!

2)    WHEATSVILLE PINT GLASSES feature a retro WV Co-op logo—they could become collectors' items once they're sold out.

3)    Looking for a summertime beverage to fill up your WHEATSVILLE PINT GLASS? Try Maui Brewing Company Coconut Porter—sold in single cans for $2.49 each!

Flip for Summer Beer!

New Belgium brewing Co. Somersault Ale 6 packs are here! This perfect summer lounge around beer is ridiculously fun and easy to drink. There is an opening brace of citrus aroma from Centennial hops, a soft apricot fruitiness tucked into the flavor, a fresh snap from a sliver of ginger root, finished with oats in a long cool mash. Grab a six pack today!

Wine for you!

Santa Rita 120 Cabernet only $6.99 regularly $9.99! Brilliant ruby red color. An intense bouquet developed through a combination of mature red fruits and plums and vanilla tones with a fine toast from the barrels.

Sprouted Whole-Grain Goodness

I'm very excited to let you know about a great new product available in the Bulk department,  Organic Sprouted Brown Rice from Tru Roots organic foods.  This rice is soaked until it begins to sprout and then it is dried, this process wakes up dormant enzymes in the rice, and gives you a rice that is packed with health benefits, cooks quicker, and tastes better!  Compared to regular brown rice, sprouted rice has triple the amount of the essential amino acid lysine, and ten times the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).  You can substitute it in any rice dish, and it's super tasty!  So be sure to stop by the bulk department and try some today!

Springtime Changes Bring Delicious New Dishes To Your Wheatsville Deli!

We are excited about a ton of new dishes and specials we have for you this week!

Our two new Fresh in the Deli dishes are a refreshing Mango & Black Bean Salad from Bloomingfoods Market in Bloomington, IN, and an Indian hot bar dish, the flavorful but not too spicy Peas & Paneer from Food Front Coop Grocery in Portland, OR. Keep an eye out for these very tasty specials!  Check out our blog for more on the Deli's new dishes.

If you'd like to order some items ahead to show your Mom some love, take a look at our new, affordable Catering Menu, featuring a complete assortment of platters and trays like Raw Veggies, Antipasta, Cheeses, Bakery Bars, Fresh Cut Fruit, Banana Bread, Muffins, Coconut Cream Pies and Whole Cakes! Check out our website's catering page and call us at the Deli to place your order: 512-478-1164!

We'll have lots of wonderful holiday treats for both Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day next week including some tasty holiday hot bar menus and brunchy heat'n'eat whole Quiches plus unique bakery specials like vegan, heart-shaped "Mom" strawberry shortcakes and real, make-your-own shortcakes made with whole wheat pastry flour and heavy cream!

From the world of meat

The seasons have left you with no more excuses, so pull up a fuel source, maybe grab a beer, and let's see what we can put on some heat.

Burgers. We have our own Bacon Cheddar Burger @$10.99/lb. that supports the small farmer. Made from Windy Bar Ranch ground beef (which by the way is now available in the freezer in two pound packages @$5.99/lb.), Niman Ranch Bacon and Organic Valley Cheddar Cheese. Niman Ranch meats are certified Humane, sustainable, and produced by small farms. Organic Valley is a Co Op of small fams and Windy Bar Ranch is a Ranch in Stonewall Texas.   Also in the burger family we've got an asian inspired Salmon Burger @$14.99/lb. and a Spicy Cilantro Lime Chicken Patty @$6.99/lb. Also great for the grill is our Seasoned Fajita @$9.99/lb.

We also have some great grilling cuts from Windy Bar Ranch. Flat Iron Steaks, Flank Steak, Inside and Outside Skirt Steaks are all fantastic on the grill.

If you're looking for fish Mahi Mahi @$12.99/lb. is a great grilling fish. It is a firm flesh fish with a great flavor. So good they named it twice.

We have Niman Ranch Brisket @ $5.99/lb. We also have a Market Trimmed Brisket @ $8.99/lb if you are shopping for something a little smaller than a whole Brisket.

When you're over by the the freezer you might see some new faces inside. There are a couple new gluten free options. Ian's GF Fish Sticks @ $5.49, and Applegate Farms GF Chicken Nuggets @ $5.99. Also from Applegate Farms, Chicken and Sage Breakfast Sausage @ $5.79.

There are some new frozen Seafood options in there as well. Ahi Tuna Steaks @ $4.99 and Flounder Filets @ $5.99. These are two to a pack and individually frozen and wrapped. These are sustainable and brought to us by Orca Bay. Here is a link to their website.

http://orcabayseafoods.com/ and I highly recommend checking it out.

We also have Richardson's Unsliced Pork Belly. If you're interested in making your own bacon this would be the place to start. Here is a link to home curing Bacon. http://ruhlman.com/2010/10/home-cured-bacon-2.html This is from the Food52 blog that is also worth checking out. Right now there is a Charcuterie contest going on. It is a great place to learn about this aspect of meat preparation.

Cheese Island

This is the last week that our Bulgarian Feta, Domestic Feta, and Port Salut will be on sale. Come on in and buy these delicious cheeses at a discounted price.  Also, we have one more 6 pound block of the Charlie Cheese.  It really is more than just a cheese with a pretty smile. It is a delicious cheddar with a sharp bite.

Check out this link to some money saving Organic Valley coupons and go here for our Feta and Port alt specials.

From Your Green Grocer

"To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art" – Francois de La Rochefoucald

In Wheatsville's produce department, we're on a quest to make it easy to eat intelligently.  In fact, most co-op shoppers and members are well on their way, but there is always room for improvement.  One of my goals is to help people see how cooking is easy and fun.  I see too many people shopping from a recipe, afraid to make substitutions or to alter their meal plan in the slightest.  The reality is that if you start with good, fresh ingredients, it's very hard to go wrong!  The only way you'll mess it up is if you try too hard.

Right now is a perfect time to start experimenting.  We're seeing lots more locally grown produce on our shelves these days, with more on the way.  Drought conditions are wreaking havoc on farmer's plans and while we can't bring them any rain, Wheatsville can buy produce at the best possible price to sell in our store.

Hairston Creek Farm, located on 17 acres in Burnet, is a certified organic farm that's been in operation for over twenty years.  Gary and Sarah are real characters!  Committed to a life they love, they're in it for the long haul and we're so glad to be a part of it.  This week, they dropped off several hundred pounds of beautiful zucchini.  I cooked some up in a frittata this morning and it was such a treat! Click here for a great, but simple recipe!

Another local farmer all-star is Brent Johnson from Johnson's Backyard Garden. I had the great opportunity to visit Brent earlier this spring.  Brent is the model for the new American small farmer: half entrepreneur, half agricultural engineer, all passion.  Brent sells most of his produce through his CSA and at the farmer's markets, but Wheatsville provides a valuable service: absorbing surplus quantities of product.  This weekend, we're receiving organic broccoli, bunched beets, red butterleaf leattuce, and a return of the incredible organic carrots we saw earlier this spring, this time in bunched form.  I don't know what Brent does to grow such amazing carrots, but I sure hope he keeps doing it!  Come by the co-op and check out what Johnson's Backyard Garden is growing – and visit him at the farmer's market this weekend!

Last few days to stock up on Ann Webb and Badger Suncreen

That's right… just a few more days to stock up on all of your favorites from Ann Webb and Badger!  Our incredible sale ends April 30th, so pop in and pick up all of your faves while you still can.  Brooke from Ann Webb will be doing an in store demo on Friday, 4/29 from 4-7 PM and will be happy to answer any and all of your questions!

Fun Kitchen Goodies from Our House Wares Department

Add a little action to your tea party with NinjaBread Men Cookie Cutter Sets, just $7.99 for a set of 3!

Matryoshka Measuring Cups are back!  These measuring cups nest inside each other like Russian dolls, saving space and looking adorable at the same time.  Set of 6 for $9.99. And don't forget the Matching Spoons for just $5.49.

Powerful Sale on Your Vitamin Aisle

It is time to get out and enjoy all that the Austin outdoors has to offer.  Herbalogic Peak Power can help you maintain energy whether you find yourself wearily chasing toddlers or wondering why you joined that boot camp.  This natural energy boost is made by a local company, Third Coast Herb Co., and is a great companion for all your adventures!

Get Herbalogic's Peak Power on sale now through May 10th for $14.99 (reg. $19.99). Try a free sample this Sunday, May 1st, from 11-2pm!

Cool Co+op Deals!

Customer favorite Stahlbush Island Farms Frozen Fruit is on Deal beginning today for only $2.99 reg. $3.99. Choose from antioxidant packed blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, Marion blackberries or the healthy berry blend. Stock up your freezer for quick and easy smoothies or the perfect addition to your morning cereal. Click here for more Co+op Deals valid Wednesday, April 27th – Tuesday, May 10th.


I hope you have a most excellent spring week!

Dan Gillotte

Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy

Adam's Simple Frittata Recipe

Here's my simple frittata recipe:

A frittata is a great way to make a delicious, wholesome breakfast that's far and away a better alternative than a stack of pancakes or a bowl of cereal.  You can use any vegetables you have left over in your fridge, which is great if you're  the type that buys a bunch of vegetables without a clear plan of what to do with them (like me!).

Ingredients:

-       eggs (2 or 3 per serving)

-       milk (1/4 cup for every 2 eggs)

-       cheese (optional)

-       sausage or bacon (optional)

-       whatever veggies you have on hand: broccoli, onions, summer squash, sweet potatoes, etc.

Super easy directions:

-       preheat oven to 350 degrees.

-       In a small mixing bowl, combine eggs and milk.  Stir.

-       In a frying pan, cook bacon or sausage until ½ cooked.  Add vegetables and cook until nearly done – 5-7 minutes.

-       Add milk and egg mixture to the frying pan.  Cook until eggs are about half cooked, stirring frequently.

-       Cover the top of this concoction with cheese of your choice: parmesan is great but really any cheese would be great.

-       Put it in the oven for 15-20 minutes, uncovered.  Keep an eye on it.  It'll be done when the top is browned and there's no more liquid visible in the center.

 

Yummmmm in the deli!

Our featured salsa is the beautiful, veggie-laden Tomatillo Fire, boasting a trio of roasted peppers blended with tomatillos, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro and cumin!

Fresh-baked muffins & scones await you in our Bakery case every morning! Come on in & start your day with a tasty pastry – perhaps our brand-new, vegan Blueberry Bran Muffin? – & a fresh-brewed espresso drink from our fair-trade, organic Coffee Bar! Our featured coffee is not really a coffee at all! It's the Mate Latte, made for you at our Deli Counter by blending our house-brewed Yerba Mate with your choice of steamed milk! Have it hot or iced!

As the weather keeps warming up, our cool Deli drinks are more popular than ever! So much so that we are now featuring a Grab'n'Go Beverage Box in front of the Deli Counter filled with our icy beverages for you to grab with no wait! Expect to see our infamously eye-opening Iced Coffee Toddy and the pretty pink and refreshing Hibiscus Mint Iced Tea out there alongside our fruity, allergy-crushing Gingerade, which happens to be on sale now for owners, just 99¢, reg. $1.69!

Our featured all-fruit, no-filler smoothie is the beloved Blueberry Banana Dream, which is so delightfully creamy! Try adding peanut butter! Plus, this featured smoothie is on owner special through May 10th, just $3.99, reg. $4.99, for a cup!

Other exciting changes in the Deli include a revamp of our olive bar and the addition of three of our most popular salads to the bar so you can come in and get them anytime: Ume Bean Salad, Sumi Salad & Spicy Mango Quinoa! Also new on our salad bar is the wonderfully sweet and light, vegan and soy-free Coconut Rice Pudding! Try some today!

Looking for lunch? Come on in and try our brand new and truly amazing Chickenless Chickpea Salad, a vegan mock chicken salad that has incredible flavor and wonderful texture. Get a tub to take home from our self-serve Grab'n'Go case! Highly recommended spread on pita bread with veggies!

Also in our self-serve case, our Spinach Feta Dip, thick and creamy, is on sale now for owners, just $8.99/lb, reg. $9.99!

Classic cold cuts on sale: sweet Boar's Head Honey Maple Ham at $8.49/lb, reg. $8.99 and spicy Pepperjack Cheese, $6.19/lb, reg. $7.19!

Fetas on sale!

Feta is on sale for $4.99/lb, regularly $6.29/lb. Romainian Sheep's Milk Feta is on sale for $5.99/lb, regularly $7.99/lb. And Bulgarian Sheeps Milk Feta is on sale for $6.29/lb, regularly $7.29/lb

Also, we have our Port Salut on sale for $13.99/lb, regularly $ We have our in-house packaged Fetas on sale. The Domestic Cow's Milk 17.99/lb.

These Co+op Deals are packed with great snack ideas, loaded with foods that celebrate Mom, products that nourish babies, savory Thai favorites and the perfect fix for your sweet tooth!

 Brooks Wood, Co+op Deals Assistant

Snacks fuel our bodies and keep us energized! Wheatsville has the perfect snack combinations for you and your family. Cascadian Farms Granola Bars now $3.29 reg. $4.69, Back To Nature Sea Salt Roasted Cashew Almond Pistachio Mix now $5.49 reg. $6.99, energy packed Clif Bars now $0.99 reg. $1.39, Stretch Island Fruit Co. Fruit Leather now $0.39 reg. $0.59 and Lundberg Farms Rice Cakes now $2.29 reg. $3.39.

We've planned the perfect Mother's Day menu for you. Arrowhead Mills Pancake Mix now $2.79 reg. $3.89, Shady Maple Farms Organic Grade B Maple Syrup now $9.29 reg. $16.79, Bionaturae Organic Fruit Nectar now $2.99 reg. $3.89, Yogi Cereals now $3.29 reg. $4.99 and Straus Family Creamery Organic Yogurt now $2.99 reg. $3.89. Remember, we have festive Proseco and wonderful Champagnes to add to your celebration!

Babies need healthy foods to help them grow. So we've put Happy Baby Organic Puffs on sale now 2/$5.00 reg. $3.39 each. We've also lowered prices on Seventh Generation Diapers now $9.99 reg. $14.49 and for easy clean ups, Seventh Generation Baby Wipes now $2.99 reg. $4.79.

Sweet & savory Thai Foods are on Deal at Wheatsville! Thai Kitchen Stir Fry Noodles now $1.79 reg. $2.39, Thai Kitchen savory Pad Thai Sauce now $3.29 reg. $4.19 and Thai Kitchen Organic Coconut Milk now $1.79 reg. $2.29.

Have you tried our delicious new shelf stable So Delicious Coconut Milks? They come in 4 amazing flavors, Original, Unsweetened, Chocolate and Vanilla, all on Deal now for $2.00 reg. $2.69, and we've made our favorite cookies from Newman's Own even sweeter with a sale price of $3.49 reg. $4.49. Do you prefer cookies that are Gluten Free? We've got you covered with Pamela's Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies on Deal now $2.69 reg. $3.69. 

Our Deals are easy to reference! Go to http://www.wheatsville.coop and click on the Co+op Deals link.