Chiles! Chocolate! Wine and more!

Hi Wheatsville friends and fans! We've been having a great September so far and I hope you have, too! This break from 100 degree weather gets us in the mood for heartier fare and cooking! Woo hoo! This week, check out entries from our newest folks, Adam King, produce manager and Riley Luce, recently promoted to Bulk Buyer.

Scroll down for:

Chile is king!

Wine for a deal!

Loving local in the meat department

Cheese island

New bakery bars and so much more!

Take a walk on the wild rice side

BEST chocolate bar EVER!

Meet Mark, one of our board candidates

Greetings from the produce department!

This is Adam King, the new produce manager at Wheatsville.  I'm still getting settled in here in the produce department, so bear with me!  I hail from Albuquerque, New Mexico, where we eat chile, not chili.  We do have some yummy hatch green chile in the produce department, which makes me think of home.  These days, you can't drive down the street in any New Mexico city without smelling the lovely aroma of roasting green chile.  To me, it's the smell of the end of summer, and the approach of autumn.

I think roasted chile is better than any other preparation, and this technique can be applied to any chile pepper (jalapeño, Serrano, poblano, even regular old bell peppers).  Unfortunately, this method requires a gas stovetop.  If you don't have a gas stovetop, you could use a barbeque grill.  You also need one of those collapsible vegetable steamers and a pair of cooking tongs.

Open up the vegetable steamer and set it on top of your gas burner.  Put a couple green chiles on it, and turn the burner to a medium-low heat.  Using the tongs, turn the peppers over every 10 seconds or so.  The pepper is cooked when the skin dries slightly and begins to separate from the flesh.  Remove the peppers from heat and let them cool.  When cool enough to handle, peel the skins and remove the seeds.  Chop them up and eat them any way you please!  My favorite applications are atop a hamburger or turkey sandwich, or stuffed to make chiles rellenos.

If chile isn't your thing, don't worry!  Several new varieties of pears have just arrived: Organic Star Krimson, Bosc, and Tosca Pears have joined the Bartletts on our displays.  These are all new USA crop pears, much better than the South American varieties that've been in storage for so many months.  Speaking of new USA crop tree fruit, you'll see more and more USA-grown organic apples on our shelves in the coming weeks.  You'll find organic Washington Ginger Gold Apples and 3lb bags ofWashington Gala Apples right now, with more to come.

Swing by the produce department and say hello!

Adam

Don't whine! We have a awesome new WINE deal!

I am happy to announce that we have a new wine deal we are unveiling. Buy six or more bottles of wine and get 10% off. Any wine! Any price! Mix and match! We are also offering a great way to transport your wines with our spiffy new Wheatsville six bottle carrier. These are very cool bags that hold six bottles of your favorite beverages and they are only $1.99 each! Best of all they have the Wheatsville logo on the side so you can bring it to a party with co-op pride!

Loving local

Hey our friends at Richardson's farm are now our grass-fed lamb provider.  We'll  be offering our members and customers great selection of lamb cuts; Rib Racks $17.99/lb, Loin Chops (2) pack $17.99/lb, shanks $6.99/lb, Bone-in Leg roast $9.99/lb, Shoulder chops $7.29/lb. Richardson's Farm have been our provider of pasture raised pork, which many of you already enjoy. The same care is taken with all the animals they raise.

We got a couple of new sausages.  Niman Ranch Apple cinnamon breakfast sausages $6.99 12oz. Stuffed into lamb casing, a traditional breakfast link, with lots of snap when you bite into it. Also new from our friends at Pederson's, try the new Bison Beirwurst $9.89 10oz pack. Great cooked up with cabbage or gilled on a bun this is a great anyway you want it. It's also certified humane!

Hey folks check out a new item in the freezer.  Henry & Lisa's Battered Salmon filet, at a introductory price of $5.99.  It's made from wild Alaskan salmon, and is gluten-free too.  Look for it on the top shelf of the freezer next to the Henry & Lisa salmon burgers.  While you're perusing the freezer look for the $1 off Organic Prairie coupon good for any of the Organic Prairie products.

Hey folks we have wild caught Texas gulf shrimp again!  We're selling the Jumbo 16-20 ct. for $14.99 lb.  The seasoned just started and the shrimp look great.  So don't be shy help support our gulf coast fisherman.

Look for great special on Buddy's leg quarters $1.49 /lb, regular $2.99/lb.

Fresh-made shrimp cakes. Made in a crab cake style, these cakes have lots of flavor. Made with chopped shrimp fresh herbs and fresh lemon, there easily pan fried or baked.  Pick them up for only $10.49 /lb for an introductory price, regular $10.99/lb.

Cheese Island

We have a few things on sale this month. Organic Valley 6 pk Stringles are on sale for $3.99 each, regularly $4.99. Also we have our New York Sharp Cheddar onsale for $6.39/lb, regularly $9.99/lb. White Mild Cheddar is on sale for $3.29/lb, regularly $3.99/lb. Yellow Mild Cheddar is on sale for $4.29, regularly $4.99/lb.Smoked Goat Gouda is also on sale for $8.39/lb regularly $9.99.

Next Thursday is Dies y Seis De Septiembre, the 200^th anniversary of Father  Hildalago's grito declaring Mexico free and independent from Spain. Look, in next weeks e-mail,for some wonderfully cheesy recipes to help celebrate Mexico's independence.

September Deli Deals, New Bakery Bars and lots more!

New items abound in the Bakery case, including two new vegan bars that have caused a lot of excitement and big grins among staff and owners: salty-sweet Peanut Butter Blondies and chewy, nutty Caramel Pecan Bars! At just $2.49 each, these big bars will satisfy your sweet tooth and then some. Try a sample at Deli Counter – I guarantee you will be coming back for more! We've also brought some other tasty treats back into production this month – Apple Squares and Hansel & Gretel's Ginger Bars, I'm lookin' at you!

Also recently introduced to our Deli's grab'n'go case this week are two hit platters! Tom's Tabooley's Mediterranean Platter has generous portions of hummus, falafel, tabouli, and pita with a stuffed grape leaf for just $7.49. Kala's Kuisine's Nepali Platter features chole garbanzo beans, saag spinach, chapati bread, potato samosa, spinach pakora and two sauces for just $6.49! Both of these plates are ideal for a quick, easy and tasty lunch or dinner, or a picnic-perfect shareable snack for two!

We have one more week to go on this month's Fresh in the Deli recipes! From Community Mercantile in Lawrence, Kansas, we have Curried Cauliflower with Carrots!This beautiful dish pickles cauliflower and carrots in a curry vinegar and tosses those flavorful veggies with cooked potatoes, green onions and olive oil!

And from the Oryana Food Cooperative in Traverse City, Michigan comes Ramen Cabbage Crunch! This Asian-inspired coleslaw tosses shredded cabbage with toasted ramen noodles, green onions and sliced almonds in a tasty dressing of rice vinegar, tamari and sesame oil. More than a side, this is a meal!

 

This is also the last week of our first round of September Owner Specials! You have one more week to get a deal on our most popular sandwich, the vegan classicPopcorn Tofu Po'Boy, $5.99 each, reg. $6.49! Get all the veggies and a drizzle of our Cashew-Tamari Dressing and your belly will croon with delight! Also on sale until the 15th is our newest beverage, the staff favorite Gingerade, just $1.19 each, reg. $1.69! This incredibly refreshing drink is made with fresh ginger, spices and a blend of three fruit juices, and can be served iced or HOT! To round out this first session of Deli specials, our Green Chile Hummus adds some spice to the menu, $4.99/lb, reg. $5.49. This hot little number is much-loved by our fans of spicy foods and makes a great dippin' companion to a raw veggie plate or bag of pita chips!

 

Beat the heat with our Acai Superfood Smoothie for just $6.29 each! This month's smoothie special blends acai with strawberries, bananas, apple juice and soymilk for a frozen drink that's good for your body and tastebuds, too! September's salsa of the month, Salsa de Otono, combines smoky ancho and sweet red bell peppers with organic apple juice for a taste that beckons autumn, $4.99/lb – ask for a sample at the Deli Counter!

 

Also on sale at the Deli Counter are tasty cold cuts: Boar's Head Honey-Maple Ham at $8.49/lb, reg. $8.99 and Muenster Cheese, $4.99/lb, reg. $5.99!

Come on in to your Deli and try something new!

The Wild Side of Rice

This is Riley in the bulk department here to put the spotlight on the wonderful and organic Canadian Wild Rice we have available in bulk. Wild rice is actually the grain harvested from a grass that grows in shallow water, and ours comes from North Bay Trading Co. which harvests theirs from the lakes of northern Canada. Wild rice is a very nutritious and versatile grain and definitely worth giving a try. I've included a simple soup recipe if you're interested:

TEMPEH WILD RICE SOUP

1/2 c. uncooked wild rice

3/4 c. chopped celery

1/2 c. chopped onion

2 cloves chopped garlic

1/3 c. green pepper

1 package Lightlife Smokey Tempeh Strips

18 med. fresh mushrooms

6 cups vegetable stock

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

Salt and pepper to taste

Wash and boil wild rice for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside. Fry tempeh, crumble and set aside. In the same pan, saute celery, onion, garlic, and green pepper until tender. Combine rice, soup, broth, sauteed vegetables and sliced mushrooms. Simmer together 2 hours.

THE BEST CHOCOLATE BAR EVER!-Niki Nash, Wheatsville Merchandising Manager

I know this is not a statement to make lightly but OMG the Chocolove Almonds & Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate is the best chocolate bar I have ever had! Chocolove knows how to do dark chocolate right…..very dark yet very smooth and creamy. They add the right amount of coarse sea salt crystals and almond pieces that complement each other. Rather than adding salt uniformly throughout the bar, there are little bursts of sea salt that really accentuate the toasty flavor of the almonds. BONUS: a lovely love poem is included in every bar. It's usually something by Lord Byron or Keats but I think that someone needs to write an "Ode to the Almonds & Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate Bar". These bars are on sale through Tuesday the 14^th, so buy a case of 12 and hand them out to friends, strangers and the ones that you love (and buy a secret case to hide under your bed)

Mark Wochner moved to Austin in early 2006 to accept a position at UT researching acoustics and became a member of Wheatsville and The Black Star Co-op soon afterward. In October of 2008 he was elected to the Board of Black Star and in August 2009 he was elected its president. He is also active in the co-op community as a member of the Austin Co-op Think Tank and as a regular visitor to Wheatsville's monthly Board meetings. He is a regular cook and home brewer and in his remaining spare time he performs around town on the trumpet and bass guitar with both the singer/songwriters Vanessa Lively and Mauricio Callejas. He has a PhD in Acoustics from Penn State University and a BA in Physics from Vassar College.

Have a great week every one!

 

Dan Gillotte

Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy

 

Chilies! Chocolate! And more!

Hi Wheatsville friends and fans! We've been having a great September so far and I hope you have, too! This break from 100 degree weather gets us in the mood for heartier fare and cooking! Woo hoo! This week, check out entries from our newest folks, Adam King, produce manager and Riley Luce, recently promoted to Bulk Buyer.

Scroll down for:

Chile is king!

Wine for a deal!

Loving local in the meat department

Cheese island

New bakery bars and so much more!

Take a walk on the wild rice side

BEST chocolate bar EVER!

Meet Mark, one of our board candidates

Greetings from the produce department!

This is Adam King, the new produce manager at Wheatsville.  I'm still getting settled in here in the produce department, so bear with me!  I hail from Albuquerque, New Mexico, where we eat chile, not chili.  We do have some yummy hatch green chile in the produce department, which makes me think of home.  These days, you can't drive down the street in any New Mexico city without smelling the lovely aroma of roasting green chile.  To me, it's the smell of the end of summer, and the approach of autumn.

I think roasted chile is better than any other preparation, and this technique can be applied to any chile pepper (jalapeño, Serrano, poblano, even regular old bell peppers).  Unfortunately, this method requires a gas stovetop.  If you don't have a gas stovetop, you could use a barbeque grill.  You also need one of those collapsible vegetable steamers and a pair of cooking tongs.

Open up the vegetable steamer and set it on top of your gas burner.  Put a couple green chiles on it, and turn the burner to a medium-low heat.  Using the tongs, turn the peppers over every 10 seconds or so.  The pepper is cooked when the skin dries slightly and begins to separate from the flesh.  Remove the peppers from heat and let them cool.  When cool enough to handle, peel the skins and remove the seeds.  Chop them up and eat them any way you please!  My favorite applications are atop a hamburger or turkey sandwich, or stuffed to make chiles rellenos.

If chile isn't your thing, don't worry!  Several new varieties of pears have just arrived: Organic Star Krimson, Bosc, and Tosca Pears have joined the Bartletts on our displays.  These are all new USA crop pears, much better than the South American varieties that've been in storage for so many months.  Speaking of new USA crop tree fruit, you'll see more and more USA-grown organic apples on our shelves in the coming weeks.  You'll find organic Washington Ginger Gold Apples and 3lb bags ofWashington Gala Apples right now, with more to come.

Swing by the produce department and say hello!

Adam

Don't whine! We have a awesome new WINE deal!

I am happy to announce that we have a new wine deal we are unveiling. Buy six or more bottles of wine and get 10% off. Any wine! Any price! Mix and match! We are also offering a great way to transport your wines with our spiffy new Wheatsville six bottle carrier. These are very cool bags that hold six bottles of your favorite beverages and they are only $1.99 each! Best of all they have the Wheatsville logo on the side so you can bring it to a party with co-op pride!

Loving local

Hey our friends at Richardson's farm are now our grass-fed lamb provider.  We'll  be offering our members and customers great selection of lamb cuts; Rib Racks $17.99/lb, Loin Chops (2) pack $17.99/lb, shanks $6.99/lb, Bone-in Leg roast $9.99/lb, Shoulder chops $7.29/lb. Richardson's Farm have been our provider of pasture raised pork, which many of you already enjoy. The same care is taken with all the animals they raise.

We got a couple of new sausages.  Niman Ranch Apple cinnamon breakfast sausages $6.99 12oz. Stuffed into lamb casing, a traditional breakfast link, with lots of snap when you bite into it. Also new from our friends at Pederson's, try the new Bison Beirwurst $9.89 10oz pack. Great cooked up with cabbage or gilled on a bun this is a great anyway you want it. It's also certified humane!

Hey folks check out a new item in the freezer.  Henry & Lisa's Battered Salmon filet, at a introductory price of $5.99.  It's made from wild Alaskan salmon, and is gluten-free too.  Look for it on the top shelf of the freezer next to the Henry & Lisa salmon burgers.  While you're perusing the freezer look for the $1 off Organic Prairie coupon good for any of the Organic Prairie products.

Hey folks we have wild caught Texas gulf shrimp again!  We're selling the Jumbo 16-20 ct. for $14.99 lb.  The seasoned just started and the shrimp look great.  So don't be shy help support our gulf coast fisherman.

Look for great special on Buddy's leg quarters $1.49 /lb, regular $2.99/lb.

Fresh-made shrimp cakes. Made in a crab cake style, these cakes have lots of flavor. Made with chopped shrimp fresh herbs and fresh lemon, there easily pan fried or baked.  Pick them up for only $10.49 /lb for an introductory price, regular $10.99/lb.

Cheese Island

We have a few things on sale this month. Organic Valley 6 pk Stringles are on sale for $3.99 each, regularly $4.99. Also we have our New York Sharp Cheddar onsale for $6.39/lb, regularly $9.99/lb. White Mild Cheddar is on sale for $3.29/lb, regularly $3.99/lb. Yellow Mild Cheddar is on sale for $4.29, regularly $4.99/lb.Smoked Goat Gouda is also on sale for $8.39/lb regularly $9.99.

Next Thursday is Dies y Seis De Septiembre, the 200^th anniversary of Father  Hildalago's grito declaring Mexico free and independent from Spain. Look, in next weeks e-mail,for some wonderfully cheesy recipes to help celebrate Mexico's independence.

September Deli Deals, New Bakery Bars and lots more!

New items abound in the Bakery case, including two new vegan bars that have caused a lot of excitement and big grins among staff and owners: salty-sweet Peanut Butter Blondies and chewy, nutty Caramel Pecan Bars! At just $2.49 each, these big bars will satisfy your sweet tooth and then some. Try a sample at Deli Counter – I guarantee you will be coming back for more! We've also brought some other tasty treats back into production this month – Apple Squares and Hansel & Gretel's Ginger Bars, I'm lookin' at you!

Also recently introduced to our Deli's grab'n'go case this week are two hit platters! Tom's Tabooley's Mediterranean Platter has generous portions of hummus, falafel, tabouli, and pita with a stuffed grape leaf for just $7.49. Kala's Kuisine's Nepali Platter features chole garbanzo beans, saag spinach, chapati bread, potato samosa, spinach pakora and two sauces for just $6.49! Both of these plates are ideal for a quick, easy and tasty lunch or dinner, or a picnic-perfect shareable snack for two!

We have one more week to go on this month's Fresh in the Deli recipes! From Community Mercantile in Lawrence, Kansas, we have Curried Cauliflower with Carrots!This beautiful dish pickles cauliflower and carrots in a curry vinegar and tosses those flavorful veggies with cooked potatoes, green onions and olive oil!

And from the Oryana Food Cooperative in Traverse City, Michigan comes Ramen Cabbage Crunch! This Asian-inspired coleslaw tosses shredded cabbage with toasted ramen noodles, green onions and sliced almonds in a tasty dressing of rice vinegar, tamari and sesame oil. More than a side, this is a meal!

 

This is also the last week of our first round of September Owner Specials! You have one more week to get a deal on our most popular sandwich, the vegan classicPopcorn Tofu Po'Boy, $5.99 each, reg. $6.49! Get all the veggies and a drizzle of our Cashew-Tamari Dressing and your belly will croon with delight! Also on sale until the 15th is our newest beverage, the staff favorite Gingerade, just $1.19 each, reg. $1.69! This incredibly refreshing drink is made with fresh ginger, spices and a blend of three fruit juices, and can be served iced or HOT! To round out this first session of Deli specials, our Green Chile Hummus adds some spice to the menu, $4.99/lb, reg. $5.49. This hot little number is much-loved by our fans of spicy foods and makes a great dippin' companion to a raw veggie plate or bag of pita chips!

 

Beat the heat with our Acai Superfood Smoothie for just $6.29 each! This month's smoothie special blends acai with strawberries, bananas, apple juice and soymilk for a frozen drink that's good for your body and tastebuds, too! September's salsa of the month, Salsa de Otono, combines smoky ancho and sweet red bell peppers with organic apple juice for a taste that beckons autumn, $4.99/lb – ask for a sample at the Deli Counter!

 

Also on sale at the Deli Counter are tasty cold cuts: Boar's Head Honey-Maple Ham at $8.49/lb, reg. $8.99 and Muenster Cheese, $4.99/lb, reg. $5.99!

Come on in to your Deli and try something new!

The Wild Side of Rice

This is Riley in the bulk department here to put the spotlight on the wonderful and organic Canadian Wild Rice we have available in bulk. Wild rice is actually the grain harvested from a grass that grows in shallow water, and ours comes from North Bay Trading Co. which harvests theirs from the lakes of northern Canada. Wild rice is a very nutritious and versatile grain and definitely worth giving a try. I've included a simple soup recipe if you're interested:

TEMPEH WILD RICE SOUP

1/2 c. uncooked wild rice

3/4 c. chopped celery

1/2 c. chopped onion

2 cloves chopped garlic

1/3 c. green pepper

1 package Lightlife Smokey Tempeh Strips

18 med. fresh mushrooms

6 cups vegetable stock

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

Salt and pepper to taste

Wash and boil wild rice for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside. Fry tempeh, crumble and set aside. In the same pan, saute celery, onion, garlic, and green pepper until tender. Combine rice, soup, broth, sauteed vegetables and sliced mushrooms. Simmer together 2 hours.

THE BEST CHOCOLATE BAR EVER!-Niki Nash, Wheatsville Merchandising Manager

I know this is not a statement to make lightly but OMG the Chocolove Almonds & Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate is the best chocolate bar I have ever had! Chocolove knows how to do dark chocolate right…..very dark yet very smooth and creamy. They add the right amount of coarse sea salt crystals and almond pieces that complement each other. Rather than adding salt uniformly throughout the bar, there are little bursts of sea salt that really accentuate the toasty flavor of the almonds. BONUS: a lovely love poem is included in every bar. It's usually something by Lord Byron or Keats but I think that someone needs to write an "Ode to the Almonds & Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate Bar". These bars are on sale through Tuesday the 14^th, so buy a case of 12 and hand them out to friends, strangers and the ones that you love (and buy a secret case to hide under your bed)

Mark Wochner moved to Austin in early 2006 to accept a position at UT researching acoustics and became a member of Wheatsville and The Black Star Co-op soon afterward. In October of 2008 he was elected to the Board of Black Star and in August 2009 he was elected its president. He is also active in the co-op community as a member of the Austin Co-op Think Tank and as a regular visitor to Wheatsville's monthly Board meetings. He is a regular cook and home brewer and in his remaining spare time he performs around town on the trumpet and bass guitar with both the singer/songwriters Vanessa Lively and Mauricio Callejas. He has a PhD in Acoustics from Penn State University and a BA in Physics from Vassar College.

Have a great week every one!

 

Dan Gillotte

Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy

 

To unsubscribe click here.

Best of Austin and so much more!

Hello Wheatsville friends and fans!

We're delighted to once again be voted Best Neighborhood Grocery in the Austin Chronicle Best of Austin awards! Thank YOU for your strong support that helped get us recognized again! (We've won this award every year since 2007!) Yay!

It's Labor Day weekend and even though summer goes on and on here in Texas, many people still think of this as the unofficial end of summer. So get out there and have fun grilling! We're open all day long normal hours on Labor Day, so come on in!

Scroll down for:

Hello Co+op Deals!

Meet your Board Candidates

Wine and Beer Tasting FRIDAY and buy 6 wines get 10% off!

Sliced Cheese on Cheese Island AND IMPORTANT Morningland Cheese RECALL information.

New Bulk-ness

Local Kombucha goodness

Deli specials and Labor Day yumminess

Gulf Shrimp is back!

Sunburst Pizza recipe

Goodbye Co-op Advantage Program….Hello Co+op deals!

Our sales program has a fresh new look and name: the Co-op Advantage Program is now Co+op Deals! Beginning now, you'll discover a vibrant and enticing flyer filled with appetizingly delicious food, rich content and great prices on Co+op Deals for you and your family.

We're also streamlining our signage of sale items in the store, making it easier and more efficient to quickly know what's on sale and how much you're saving. Even better, all of this information is available at the top of our home page on our web site at www.wheatsville.coop! Just click on the Co+op Deals icon and you'll know instantly what's on sale!

Co+op Deals will be changing every other Wednesday (as opposed to the former system of once a month) to offer you more variety and exciting changes! The first period of sales is September 1-September 14, then September 15-September 28. Also, look for more frequent sampling of Co+op Deals foods in the store. We love these products and we want you to know just how tasty they are!

p.s. We'll continue to offer Owner Specials for Wheatsville owners only but they will also be changing every other Wednesday and are now called Owner Deals!

Board Candidates of the Week

 

The nominations committee has worked diligently to bring you seven candidates for four open seats on the co-op's nine-member board of directors. We'll be featuring one or two of them every week until voting starts on October 1.

 

Born and raised in Harlingen, in South Texas, Adrian Cortez attended Yale University. He then spent time in Shanghai, working on investment projects and business development on projects that took him on extended stays in England, Bosnia and Serbia, Korea, India and Hong Kong. Adrian has also spent time on charity projects in China and North Korea. He currently resides in Austin with his wife and two dogs.

 

Steven Tomlinson currently serves as Treasurer of the Wheatsville Board of Directors. He teaches entrepreneurship at the Acton School of Business and consults with Fortune 500 companies on communication skills and strategies. In addition he is an accomplished theatre artist whose one-man shows explore spiritual questions about business and technology.

 

To find out more about all the candidates, visit http://wheatsville.coop/election/questionnaire.html

 

Wine and Beer tasting this Friday.! Come get an early start on Labor day by tasting some great wine and beer this Friday at the Co-op. Wheastville will be Hosting a tasting of some fabulous wines from Ruffino Winery this Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 and beers from the New Belgium Brewing Company also from 5:00 to 8:00 on Friday. Come by and try some on us!

I am happy to announce that Wheatsville Co-op has a new wine deal we are unveiling. Buy six or more bottles of wine and get 10% off. Any wine! Any price! Mix and match! We are also offering a great way to transport your wines with our spiffy new Wheatsville six bottle carrier. These are very cool bags that hold six bottles of your favorite beverages and they are only $1.99 each! Best of all they have the Whatsville logo on the side so you can bring it to a party with co-op pride!

Cheese Island

We have a few things on sales this month. Organic Valley 6 pk Stringles are on sale for $3.99 each, regularly $4.99. Also we have our New York Sharp Cheddar on sale for $6.39/lb, regularly $9.99/lb.

This weekend is Labor Day weekend and we have sliced cheese for those burgers and shredded cheeses for those hot dogs and fajita tacos. We also have other cheese that you can shred yourself and make those burgers tacos, and hot dogs even better. We have Applewood smoked cheddar, pepper jack, gouda and more. Why not try topping your hot dog or taco with any of the Pure Luck Chevres ? Or stuff that pork tender loin with Pure Lucks June's Joy or Hoplessly Blue.

Morningland Cheese Voluntary Recall Notice

Yesterday we received word that Morningland Dairy was voluntarily recalling 69,000 lbs of their cheese after their Hot pepper Colby and Garlic Colby tested positive for lysteria bacteria by the California Department Of Health. Though it was only two flavors of the cheeses Morningland has volunteered to re-call all of their cheeses, and is having their cheeses tested by the Missouri Department of Health as well. Here is the link to the FDA sight and a link to Morningland Dairy's Blog for more info.

 

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm224494.htm

http://morninglanddairy.webs.com/apps/blog/

 

If you have purchased any of the Morningland cheeses please return it for a full refund.

Howdy from Bulk!

This is Riley Luce, the new bulk buyer, with some exciting new product info for the bulk department.  The dried fruits have been moved to their new home next to the nut butters which has freed up some space for new items.  Just recently we have added the often requested Fava and Cannellini beans, as well as a delicious "Olde world" Pilaf mix.  We have more great products coming soon so keep your eyes peeled, and please feel free to offer any suggestions you might have!

Local Kombucha Deliciousness!

Honey Dew is a new featured flavor by our own local Kombucha maker's Buddha's Brew. Not only is this beverage sweet and refreshing but it is boasted by many for its healthy benefits.

http://www.buddhasbrew.com/about.html

the Honeydew and other Kombucha flavors can be found in the beverage cooler right next to the produce department in front of bulk. We sell the Buddha's Brew at $3.19 a bottle, one of the best prices in town!

Early September Specials, New Dishes and Labor Day Weekend!

Don't forget, this weekend is Labor Day Weekend, and we'll have plenty of ready-made dishes to help make your celebration a success! Whether you're chillin' on the couch or camping along the river with your posse, we'll have lots of spreads, salsas and sides on hand to make your personal partyin' a breeze! If you're feeling the need for abundance, take a look at our Catering Menu, featuring a mouth-watering assortment of Meat & Cheese Trays, Crudités & Dip Trays, Middle Eastern Trays, and Fruit & Cheese Trays! Platters and salads, like our Thai Pasta, Popcorn Tofu Platter and Ginger Tempeh Pasta are perfect for every occasion, and for any size gathering! Check out our website at http://wheatsville.coop/catering.html or call us at the Deli to place your order: 512-478-1164! Have a ball this weekend, and leave the work to us!

New in the Deli grab'n'go case this week are delicious and filling meals to go from our local vendors Tom's Tabooley and Kala's Kuisine! Tom'sMediterranean Platter has generous portions of hummus, falafel, tabouli, and pita with a stuffed grape leaf for just $7.49. Kala's Nepali Platter features chole garbanzo beans, saag spinach, chapati bread, potato samosa, spinach pakora and two sauces for just $6.49! Both of these plates are ideal for a quick, easy and tasty lunch or dinner, or a picnic-perfect shareable snack for two!

September is here and we have delicious new dishes for you to try! Our featured Fresh in the Deli recipes are so tasty! From the fine folks at Community Mercantile in Lawrence, Kansas, we have Curried Cauliflower with Carrots! This interesting dish pickles cauliflower and carrots in a curry vinegar and tosses those flavorful veggies with cooked potatoes, green onions and olive oil!

And from the Oryana Food Cooperative in Traverse City, Michigan comes Ramen Cabbage Crunch! This Asian-inspired coleslaw tosses shredded cabbage with toasted ramen noodles, green onions and sliced almonds in a tasty dressing of rice vinegar, tamari and sesame oil.

 

Beat the heat with our Acai Superfood Smoothie for just $6.29 each! This month's smoothie special blends acai with strawberries, bananas, apple juice and soymilk for a frozen drink that's good for your body and tastebuds, too! September's salsa of the month, Salsa de Otono, combines smoky ancho and sweet red bell peppers with organic apple juice for a taste that beckons autumn, $4.99/lb.

 

Looking for a deal? September brings a double shot of Owner Specials to your Co-op for the first time! Though the 15th, the Deli is running a sale on our most popular sandwich, the vegan classic Popcorn Tofu Po'Boy, $5.99 each, reg. $6.49! Get all the veggies and a drizzle of our Cashew-Tamari Dressing and your belly will smile with delight! Also on sale for the next two weeks is our newest beverage, the staff favorite Gingerade, just $1.19 each, reg. $1.69! This incredibly refreshing drink is made with fresh ginger, spices and a blend of three fruit juices! To round out this first session of Deli specials, our Green Chile Hummus adds some spice to the menu, $4.99/lb, reg. $5.49. This hot little number is much-loved by our fans of spicy foods and makes a great dippin' companion to a raw veggie plate or bag of pita chips!

Also on sale at the Deli Counter are tasty cold cuts: Boar's Head Honey-Maple Ham at $8.49/lb, reg. $8.99 and Muenster Cheese, $4.99/lb, reg. $5.99!

Look for new items in the Bakery Case, and some tasty treats that are making an appearance for the first time in a while – delicious Hansel & Gretel's Ginger Bars, I'm lookin' at you!

Come on in to your Deli and try something new!

 

New stuff in meat and seafood and the return of gulf shrimp

Hey folks check out a new item in the freezer.  Henry & Lisa's Battered Salmon filet, at an introductory price of $5.99.  It's made from wild Alaskan salmon, and is gluten-free too.  Look for it on the top shelf of the freezer next to the Henry & Lisa salmon burgers.  While you're perusing the freezer look for the $1 off Organic Prairie coupon good for any of the Organic Prairie products.

Hey folks we have wild caught Texas gulf shrimp again!  We're selling the Jumbo 16-20 ct. for $14.99 lb.  The seasoned just started and the shrimp look great.  So don't be shy, help support our gulf coast fisherman.

Ok folks I'm going to let you guys in on a secret.  Niman ranch sausages are freaking awesome. Many of you may be able to second that.  Whether it's the sweet Italian, the bratwurst, or the habit forming Apple Gouda, all the Niman sausages taste great.   Well we got a new one…shhh.  It's out of sight, and is selling out as fast as I can stock them.  It's the Niman Ranch Apple cinnamon breakfast sausages $6.39 12oz. Stuffed into lamb casing,a traditional breakfast link, with lots of snap when you bite into it.

Look for great special on Buddy's leg quarters $1.49 /lb, regular $2.99/lb.

Also check out another new item in the QTF case. Fresh-made shrimp cakes. Made in a crab cake style, these cakes have lots of flavor. Made with chopped shrimp fresh herbs and fresh lemon, there easily pan fried or baked.  Pick them up for only $10.49 /lb for an introductory price, regular $10.99/lb.

Don't forget Labor Day is coming up soon. We'll have all your favorite cuts. Like Niman Ranch beef Ribeye & Top Sirloin steaks. Family packs ofbuddy's chicken leg quarters at $1.49/lb, on special for Labor Day. Also lots of fresh made sausages like hot and sweet Italian, chicken cilantro lime, and savory breakfast sausage; that are fantastic for grilling. Don't forget we the best price on Niman ranch ground beef 80/20 for $4.99/lb or $4.79/lb for a 3lb family pack. It "Dr. Grandin" animal welfare approved.

But wait Mr. Meat man, what's Dr. Grandin 21 point animal welfare approved?  Dr. Temple Grandin has been working with ranchers to improve animal conditions since the mid-seventies.  Some of you might know her from her equally profound work in treatment and diagnosis of autism.  Dr. Grandin began to create at welfare certification consisting of 21 points to assure livestock physical and mental well-being. It was first adopted by Niman Ranch, and has become an ambitions benchmark for rancher and farmers to follow industry wide. The check list is long, but to those of you who are interested I'd be happy to print you a copy. Here are a couple of examples.

1. There must always be a dry area where all animals can lay down at the same time without becoming soiled on the belly

 

20. Certified farmers and ranchers must raise animals in a manner that protects or enhances the quality of the environment, animal health and public health.   This includes, but is not limited to manure management practices, stocking densities, and methods for disposal of mortalities, which must meet all county, state and federal standards

 

If you'd like to learn more call or email me at meatdept@wheatsville.coop or check out this video profile of Wheatsville and Nimanhttp://wheatsville.coop/AustinWheatsville/index.html

Check out this article in this month's Edible Austin, on Windy Bar Ranch Beef. We sell cuts from this great local producer, come by and try it. Oh and hey Edible Austin how about a shout out for Wheatsville? We love you guys.

Sunburst Squash Pizza recipe from our new Produce Manager Adam King

We're delighted to welcome our new produce manage Adam King to Austin. Previously, he was tending the produce department at La Montanita co-op in Albuquerque. So, say hi to Adam when you see him and enjoy this easy recipe that he was talking up this week!

Sunburst Squash Pizza

Take a local sunburst squash and cut a small amount off the bottom to create a flat spot to set the squash down on.

Cut the top of and scoop out the seeds.

Put a dollop of your favorite pizza or tomato sauce into the scooped out part.

 

Add some mozzarella.

Put it on a lightly oiled baking sheet and Bake at 400 until the cheese is nice and melty!

Enjoy!

 

Have a great week!

Dan Gillotte

Wheatsville GM and e-mal guy

Welcome and welcome back and so much more!

Hello Wheatsville friends and fans!

 

I hope the end of August is treating you well! Yep, we've almost made it through the hottest part of the year! Yay us!

 

We want to give a welcome and a welcome back to students new and returning as well as all of our friends that work in our schools! We're so glad to see you back!

 

Scroll down for:

We love our eggmen and women!

Co+Deals are coming

Deli welcomes students!

Meat for lunch PLUS we can't stop talking about BLTs!

Bulk Change

Shampoo, Lunchboxes, Ginger tea and more!

Beer Tasting THIS week!

Last of the Texas Peaches

 

We at Wheatsville understand the importance of having healthy food and would like to inform you that during this scare of egg contamination we carry an abundance of local and certified organic eggs that will not have the salmonella risks that are being produced from the Iowa based plants even our Cal-Maine eggs are produced and packaged here in Texas.

The two local egg producers that we have are H&J ranch and Alexander Family Farms both are stocked up in the dairy cooler. We also carry Vital Farm eggs which are local and certified organic. So there is no need to worry about our egg supply they are all safe and delicious.

 

Goodbye Co-op Advantage Program….Hello co+op deals!!

Our sales program has a fresh new look and name: the Co-op Advantage Program is now Co+op Deals! This program now offers our owners and customers more deals more often on the products we love. Beginning this September, we're turning up the volume to enhance our sales flyer. You'll discover a vibrant and enticing flyer filled with appetizingly delicious food, rich content and better Co+op Deals for you and your family. We're also streamlining our signage of sale items in the store, making it easier and more efficient to quickly know what's on sale and how much you're saving. Even better, all of this information is available at the top of our home page on our web site at www.wheatsville.coop! Just click on the Co+op Deals icon and you'll know instantly what's on sale!

 

We have also spiced up our monthly Owner Specials. Owners will enjoy fresh new specials twice a month. This is a great way to get to know more about the fabulous products we carry and how they can make every meal more interesting. In addition to providing so many creative ways to save, we're enhancing our Co+op Deals Coupon books. These coupons will be good for three months, which gives us all more time to stock up on the products we love most.

 

We're making these tools and improvements available to you through our partnership with the National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA). As a member of NCGA, our partnership gives us an important competitive edge because we're able to leverage our purchasing power to get the lowest possible prices, which impacts everyone's bottom line. NCGA provides Wheatsville with these resources as a benefit of membership, allowing us to increase savings to our customers and to focus our energy on making Wheatsville the best grocery resource in Austin.

 

Are you interested in learning more about how Co+op Deals are nourishing communities? Join the conversation around our table and learn more at www.strongertogether.coop.

 

Welcome Back Students and Teachers!

 

To welcome back all of you who have been away for the summer, the Wheatsville Deli has so many new items to whet your palate! We are super-excited about our brand new vegan Greenburgers! We use great ingredients like fresh zucchini, chickpeas, fresh herbs and spices, and fry 'em up to get a crispy, crunchy outside and tender middle! We are delighted to present our Greenburgers as an incredibly tasty and affordable new item! Greenburgers are available in the Deli full service case for $2.49 each as a patty, or $4.99 as a sandwich option!

 

Another new dish we've quickly come to love is Quinoa Polenta Corn Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce! Combining quinoa, polenta, roasted corn and red peppers, these gluten-free little cakes are chockfull of goodness and go for just $1.99 each with a bonus side of smoky red pepper sauce! We are selling tons of these tasty little treasures!

 

Beat the heat with our Strawberry Daiquiri Smoothie, for just $3.99 each, as this month's special blends strawberries and lime juice for a creamy, cold treat! Or, if you're in need of a caffeinated wake-up call, Wheatsville's home-brewed Iced Coffee Toddywill fit the bill nicely, $1.99 each. August's salsa of the month, the brown sugar and ginger-spiked Roasted Pineapple Salsa,$7.99/lb, not only tastes great over a black bean taco, but works as a delicious chutney for fish and pork entrees – luau anyone?! Speaking of ginger, have you tried our brand new super fantastic staff favorite Gingerade?! This incredibly refreshing drink is made with fresh ginger and a blend of three juices, just $1.69 each.

 

Looking for a deal? August Owner Specials are also ready for you in the Deli! Blueberry or Raspberry Smoothies are on sale, $4.49, reg $4.99! Also, you can get an Applegate Farms Roasted Chicken sandwich for just $5.99, reg. $6.99! And our best-selling Ginger Tempeh Pasta Salad is also on sale for $7.99/lb, reg. $8.49/lb! Come on in and get a deal!

 

And don't forget, Labor Day Weekend is just around the corner! Come by to pick up all your picnic and grilling supplies – we'll have more fresh and tasty deli sides than you can shake a stick at!

 

Welcome Back!

Are you interested in gluten-free products?  Wheatsville's meat department has several choices for those with concerns about gluten in their diet.  The Niman Ranch brand of meat is a great place to start.  All of their pre-packaged products are gluten free.  This includes salamis, bacon, sausages, and BBQ products like the pulled pork and St Louis style ribs.  Also all the lunchmeats we sell are also gluten-free.  We sell Applegate farms & Organic Prairie lunchmeats; Natural and Organic.  Our Summer sausage and snack sticks from Uncured Natural meats is also no gluten.  We also have several other choices in the freezer like; Applegate farms & Ian's brand chicken nuggets, and all the Shelton's turkey products.  So no matter what your hungry for you can shop the meat department with confidence.  If you're unsure just ask we love to help!

Speaking of lunchmeat… What a great way to get back into the groove with a simple & convenient sandwich.  It's an inexpensive and healthy way to get the nutrition and energy you need for a long day of work or school. We excited about our new selection ofOrganic Prairie sliced lunchmeats.  Being certified organic and certified humane treatment is a great way to start off the new school year, & guilt free, too!  We have smoked chicken breast $6.99 6oz, roast beef $7.69 6oz, roasted turkey $7.59 6oz,smoked turkey $6.99 6oz, and smoked ham $6.99 6oz.  Organic Prairie is great line of products that also use 50% less packaging material than most zip seal packages.  Organic Prairie products are a cooperative group of farmers with a belief in sustainability and humane treatment.  Also look for $1 off coupons for Organic Prairie products!  And don't forget to swing by the cheese case for a great selection Organic Prairie sliced cheeses.

 

Need a quick easy snack? Enter the humble B.L.T. One of the easiest & tastiest snacks anyone could ever want. It's simple to make and affordable too. Let's break it down. The B: Bacon or "pork candy" to some. Wheatsville has plenty to choose from. Niman uncured smoked bacon $7.99/lb has a nice thicker cut than others. It cooks great with no shrink. Applegate provides us the best variety. We have Organic Uncured Bacon $7.99/lb, Uncured Bacon $5.39/lb, and Turkey Bacon $5.39/lb. Applegate Farms bacons are thinner sliced and are best if you love crispy bacon. And our most popular is also most affordable. Boar's Head Baconin 1/2 lb package $2.99. Great when you only need a little. We even sell vegetarian and meatless options. No matter what you choose it's going to be great. Why? Cause it's bacon!!

 

The lettuce choices range from green leaf, romaine lettuce, butter leaf, red butter leaf (my personal favorite) to iceberg. If you want something different try spinach, arugula greens or any other micro-green for a more elegant BLT. Tomato season is winding down so our local choices are a bit limited. But be sure to pick up some great Fredericksburg local tomatoes. Bread is important too. Really, it makes the sandwich. Sliced bread works great and we have many choices; everything from gluten-free to organic and everything in between. We have Rudy's Organic sliced breads on sale this month as an added perk! But I personally love a great piece of artisan bread, like the great fresh-baked La Brea breads in the deli. Pain Rustique is a favorite of mine, as is the Roasted Garlic. Sliced thick, buttered and grilled. Boy, now that's the makings of an earth shattering BLT.

Specials for the month!

Natural sea cod filets and sticks $4.69 8oz, regular $6.59
Niman Ranch all natural pork tenderloins $13.99/lb in 2 piece cryovac, regular price $14.49/lb

Buddy's natural chicken bone-in split breast $5.29/lb, regular $5.49/lb (customer requested!).

Cheese Island

This month we have a few sales at Cheese Island. Our fresh Mozzarella is on sale for $7.49/ lb. regularly $9.99/lb.  We have introduced a product that we have carried, but in new packaging. Saint Andre Triple Cream Brie now comes in a 6 oz. size and anintroductory price of $4.99 ea. It will retail for $6.99. Also, Smoked Goat Gouda is on sale for $8.39/lb, regularly $9.99/lb.

Welcome back students from your friends on Cheese Island!  We know how busy you are, and sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done.  But you need sustenance and we have great snacks that will keep you nourished without bogging you down.  We have wee cheeses that would go great with a nice apple, pear or a handful of grapes. We also have a great selection of spreadable cheeses that would go great on crakers or a crusty bread.

 

One more week and it is the first game of 2010 Longhorn Football season. Keep a look out for tailgating recipes, gameday recipes and cheese and beer pairings. While you are waiting take look at this website  The Cheese and Burger Society. For some awesome burger and cheese pairings to take your tailgating to the next level! You're in college now after all!

 

Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes…..

Slowly but surely over the weeks the bulk department has been getting a face lift.  We would like to thank-you for bearing with us and helping to make it a success.  Our coffee section is brand new and has expanded to include two new local roasters, Third Coastand Fara Coffee.  The bulk herbs and spices have moved to a more visible and convenient location.  The dried fruit will soon have its own section near the nut butters and the oats will move into extra-large, easy-to-use gravity bins where the dried fruit bins used to be.  We have also done away with twist ties and stickers in favor of writing directly on bags and containers with sharpie markers or tape, in order to cut back on trash and expense. Thank you again for helping us do our part to clean-up our store!

Another change for Bulk is the hiring of a new buyer.  Janelle Buttery will be heading back to Michigan to pursue her own business and Riley Luce will continue on with making Wheatsville's bulk department a wonderful place to shop!!

 

News from the Health Team

New in Bodycare:

Three new shower gels from Griffin Remedy.  This super-clean line of bath and body products contains no parabens, no sodium laurel sulfates, and no petro-chemical derived ingredients.  We offer their moisturizing shower gel in 3 fragrances: refreshing Orange Blossom, soothing Bulgarian Lavender, and invigorating Peppermint Tea Tree, and all are made with real essential oils!  Visitwww.griffinremedy.com to learn more about this company's commitment to quality.

 

New in our Bulk Herbs and Teas Department:

All-Purpose Seasoning, $14.39/LB  $ .90/oz.  This is a savory blend of dried onion, parsley, basil, lemon peel, thyme, garlic, celery, red bell pepper, and lemon powder, no salt added!  Perfect in pasta salad, soups, or mixed in plain yogurt to make a tasty veggie dip.

Organic Lemon Ginger Tea, $19.39/LB  $1.21/oz.  A staff favorite, this is a delightful tea featuring roasted chicory root, ginger root, orange peel, lemongrass, lemon essential oil, hibiscus flowers, coriander seed, and cinnamon chips.  It makes a soothing hot drink and an incredibly refreshing cold beverage.  We like to make a large pitcher and keep it in the fridge for post yard-work bliss.

 

Featured in the Housewares Department:

Stainless Steel Tiffins from T-Go Ware, http://www.to-goware.com. We have the Classic, 2-tier, and 3-tier designs, as well as 2-tier and 3-tier "action packs" with recycled cotton carrying bag.  Tired of using disposable utensils?  Check out their nifty bamboo cutlery sets, including a knife, fork, spoon, and chopsticks in a sleek carrying case made from recycled plastics.  Never used a tiffin set before?  Here's a neat video of these stackable containers in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tc1Ue0UaHs

 

Packing your lunch in reusable containers isn't just good for our environment, it's a smart and economical choice you can feel good about! http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6316063129229678651#

 

Beer is good!

Magic Hat Sale and Tasting! Please join us this Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 for a tasting from Vermont's Magic Hat Brewery.  Magic Hat Night of the Living Dead Variety 12 Packs now$12.99 regularly  $14.99, Magic Hat Hex Ourtoberfest 6 packs now$7.49 regularly $8.49 , and Magic hat #9 Not So Pale Ale 6 packs now $7.49 regularly $8.49, so now is the perfect time for a little magic!

 

Produce news!

 

Johnny Livesay, long-time Wheatsville staff person and most recent Produce Manager has moved on to his dream job of creating the delicious food of our soon to open sister co-op, Black Star Co-op Brew pub at the mid-town commons on Lamar. We're sorry to see Johnny go, but wish him well. (Check out the new issue of the Wheatsville Breeze for more on this…)

We are excited, though to welcome our new produce manager Adam King. Adam hails from La Montanita co-op in Albuquerque New Mexico and comes with years of experience. He'll be joining the team next week and we're delighted to have him. Give him a great big Wheatsville welcome when you see him!

 

Eat your Texas  peaches while ye may!

 

The produce department is sad to say that the epically good Texas Peach season is ending THIS week. We have the LAST of the peaches we expect to have for the year in now. So, pause and reflect on the wonderfully juicy and delicious season we had, thank the farmers and the trees for their bounty and STOCK up! You may even want to "put some up" via canning or freezing to get some of that good Texas peach taste after the season's gone.

Here's a link to a great blog that can help you get started:

http://www.pickyourown.org/peachvarieties.htm

and a video with a pretty simple canning demonstration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVugd8o_q6Q&feature=related

 

We're also excited that our organic grapes continue to be sweet and delicious. We've got Green, Red and Black right now, so remember to enjoy these sweet treats, too!

 

Have a great week!

 

Dan Gillotte

Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy