Spring into Wheatsville, eat a local carrot and Peruvian ceviche recipe!

Hello Wheatsville friends and fans!

It's Wheatsville's Park Day!

Once again this year, we are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Austin Parks Foundation's It's My Park! Day on Saturday March 5^th!. It's My Park Day is a citywide volunteer event to improve Austin's parks and green spaces.

Projects, led by neighborhood groups, individuals, and organizations, range from simple pruning and painting to highly technical drainage control improvements. Some groups include live music, an educational component, a picnic, or other activities. Meet your neighbors and make a difference!

Some awesome Wheatsville staff are volunteering to plant trees and Zilker park and YOU can help! We need 124 more volunteers to make this a huge success. Sign up here: http://s.coop/eg2

 

Honk! If you love community bands and Wheatsville!

We are also very proud to be the Grand Marshall sponsor of Honk! TX March 11-13.

HONK!TX is a different kind of festival that will present music to Austin in an unprecedented fashion. Twenty community street bands will participate in transforming everyday locations into organic stages where the line between crowd and performers dissolves. HONK!TX's unique format will demonstrate the potential for creative use of our public spaces without the need for amplification or artificial stages. We're especially pleased because our neighborhood and Adams Park is one of the key venues! Join us on Saturday from 11-7 in Adams Park and down Guadalupe for the fun! http://honktx.org/

 

Start your garden now!

We are proud to offer a new seed company here at Wheatsville. Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit that saves and shares heirloom seeds forming a living legacy that can be passed down through generations. We carry organic and heirloom seeds for a variety of plants for your garden! We are also including some signs in the department to help you figure out what to plant when. Learn more about Seed Savers here:http://www.seedsavers.org/

 

 

Scroll down for:

Wheatsville Kombucha!

Green Grocer

New Deli dishes and remember, we do catering.

Gouda news

Meet our sustainable seafood with a Peruvian Ceviche Recipe

Hot New Ancient Grain!

Harpoon!

Save some dough at the co+op.

 

New Wheatsville exclusive!

For all you Kombucha fans out there I would like to introduce wheatsville's own exclusive flavor from the brew masters at Kosmic Kombucha. "Wheatsville's Pear of the Dog" is a prickly pear Mexican martini flavor that was named and flavor tested by the staff here. With its beautiful dark pink color and refreshing flavor it is quickly becoming a staff favorite and we hope that you all enjoy it too. It is found in the beverage cooler between bulk and produce and is priced at $14.99 for a 64oz glass jug.

From your Green Grocer

 

I hope you had a great Valentine's day!  We started a new relationship with a Fair Trade rose distributor this year and it was a big success.  We will bring more in for Mother's day this May.  One of the things that I love so much about working for the co-op is the ability to support businesses that have principles that are aligned with ours.  Paying fair wages and providing safe working conditions to the people who grow our food and make the products we buy is the right thing to do, even more so on holidays when we honor the people we love.

 

We've got some great local products this week. The Hydroponic Green Butter Lettuce from Amador Farms in Dripping Springs is fantastic.  One great thing about hydroponic agriculture, in addition to being extremely water efficient, is the level of consistency and quality possible.  Due to tightly controlled growing conditions, you can be assured that size, flavor, and texture will be consistent all year round.  The butter lettuce from Amador is tender, delicious, and fresher than anything imported from California. $2.49 each.

 

If you remember a couple weeks back, we had some terrific bunched carrots from Johnson's Backyard Garden, located in Southeast Austin.  This week, we're happy to offer 1 pound bags of organic loose carrots for $2.99 each. That is a bit more expensive than what you're used to paying for loose carrots.  The difference in price (and value) is freshness.  Typically, loose carrots are harvested en masse, bagged, and stored for weeks at a time.  While modern produce storage systems do a good job of retaining the nutritional value and flavor of food, nothing can compare to the freshly picked product.  One of the best things about locally grown agriculture is incomparable freshness.  We'll be sampling these carrots heavily, and I know we'll change your mind about carrots.  Seriously, these have to be tasted to be believed.

 

On the seasonal side, we just took delivery of some beautiful and delicious Organic English Shelling Peas from Mexico.  They're great eaten right out of the shell, but also make a great addition to soups and stir-fry.  Pick up a handful and try them on a salad. $3.49/lb.

New Dishes and New Owner Specials from your Deli!

New Deli Item Alert! That's right Wheatsvillagers, the Breakfast Sandwich has arrived! For just $2.99, you can get a heapin' helping of scrambled eggs and two fat slices of white Cheddar cheese on a tasty, toasted ciabatta! From this base, add-on whatever extras you like, from bacon and ham to tomatoes and avocadoes. Our breakfast sandwich can be ordered during our regular breakfast service – from 7:30am to 11am Monday through Friday, and all the way til noon on weekends! Come on in and try one today!

As always, our bakery case is filled with sweet treats like our scones, muffins and cakes – treat your tongue to the new, wonderfully tart and buttery Lightning Lemon Corncake – and be sure to check out chompalicious classics like our chocolate and cherry Black Forest Cookies!

And the perfect accompaniment to your baked treat is just waiting for you at our Organic, Fair-Trade Espresso Bar! The Deli's staff-initiated Featured Coffee program kicks off with the introduction of the Chocolate Strawberry Mocha! This subtly sweet strawberry-chocolate concoction can be made with any sort of organic milk you like – cow, soy or rice!

One of our four current owner specials in the Deli is perfect for the warming weather – pretty in pink Nile Valley Hibiscus Mint Iced Tea, refreshing and lovely at just 99¢ a cup, reg. $1.69!

Want to eat and run, or get something sweet for your little one? 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 one delicious drink! Come on in and taste the love!

On sale for owners right now is our wonderful Italian Stallion signature sandwich – a Mediterranean mélange of fresh mozzarella, house-made pesto and fresh red bell peppers on toasty local Sweetish Hill ciabatta, for just $6.49, reg. $7.49!

Speaking of Pesto, our two Deli pestos are the other two Owner Specials for this period: Basil Pesto and Vegan Pesto, just $5.99, reg. $6.99 for an 8oz tub, are an easy and delicious pasta sauce, sandwich spread, caprese dressing, or addition to a simple veggie dish! Our pestos are a delicious way to usher in our upcoming springtime and currently warm weather!

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 on in and try something new!

Meeting up with old friends or just wanna make some new ones? Take a look at our new, affordable Catering Menu, featuring a complete assortment of platters and trays ranging from Popcorn Tofu, Sliced Meats & Cheeses, Raw Veggies, Middle Eastern mezze, Bakery Bars and Cut Fruit, perfect for every occasion, and for any size gathering! Check out our website athttp://wheatsville.coop/catering.html and call us at the Deli to place your order: 512-478-1164!

Cheese Island

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. If you have not tried either of the cheeses they are amazing! The Gouda is aged for two years and has a very caramel flavor and a smooth texture. It will pair well with apples. I would go with a tarter apple, such as a Pink Lady. The Applewood Smoked Cheddar is from England and it is cold smoked with Applewood. It makes an amazing grilled cheese. I usually make mine with bacon and tomatoes. We also have Boar's Head Vermont Cheddar on sale for $7.99/lb, regularly $8.99/lb.

 

From the world of meat

This week in the self serve case, we've got a new  item. Tanka Buffalo Hot Dogs on sale @$6.99 reg. $7.99. These dogs are gluten, nitrate, MSG, antibiotic and hormone free. This is a great alternative for beef and poultry franks. They even come six to pack, so you only have to buy one bag of buns.

One of the best offerings we have from the Sea Food Case is the Halibut we receive from Trollerpoint Fisheries. I really love dealing with the man that pulls the fish out of the water. This fish is great in many preparations and with many kinds of cooking techniques. But one of my favorite dishes is made even sweeter with this delectable fish.  Here is a recipe for a Peruvian Style Ceviche.

Peruvian Ceviche

The Peruvian cook cleans the fish and lets it soak in salt water for 10 minutes and then removes it and pats it dry.

1 lb fish fillets of Halibut
juice of three lemons
juice of three sour oranges or limes
one medium onion, thinly sliced
salt and pepper to taste
a pinch of cayenne pepper
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 hot pepper, chopped fine
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (coriander)

Cut fish into pieces and place on a platter. Place the thinly sliced onions on the fish. Then add the remaining ingredients, covering with the juices. Place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. Serve on bed of lettuce

I like to add corn to my Seviche.

In the freezer we have brought back the Bastrop Cattle Co. Beef Bones for Pets @3.39/lbs. There is more variation in size, which allows more selection for smaller pets. As always we have several bone and organ options for pets and their humans. We have some great Beef bones for stock and soups, and when you can catch them we even have the occasional Lamb bone.

Speaking of Lamb, here is a simple lamb recipe for our Niman Ranch Lamb Shoulder Chops that also stays in the Peruvian theme of the previous recipe:

3 tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon oregano

4 lamb shoulder chops

1/4 cup salad oil

1/4cup chopped scallions

1/4 cup coffee

1/4cup sour cream

1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese ( about 1 ounce)

 

Combine flour, salt and pepper and oregano; mix well.
Pound flour mixture into lamb.
Heat oil.
Add lamb and scallions and cook over medium heat, until lamb is browned on both sides.
Arrange lamb and scallions in a greased shallow casserole.
Combine coffee and sour cream; mix well.
Pour sour cream mixture over lamb.
Top with cheese.
Bake in a moderate oven (350°F) 30 minutes.

 

 

An Ancient Addition to the Bulk Department

Hi folks, I'd like to tell you a little bit about Organic Pearled Farro, a form of wheat that has just arrived in the bulk department.  Farro is an ancient grain, it was one of the first crops domesticated in the Near East, and it is often used in Italian cooking.  Farro is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and it contains twice the fiber and protein of common wheat.  It has a firm chewy texture when cooked, making it great for hearty soups, grain salads, and in Italian risotto-style dishes.

I'd also like to remind you that Organic Thompson Raisins are currently on Co-op Deals for just $1.99/lb reg $2.39, so it's a great time to stock up on this bulk favorite!

 

Beer!

Harpoon Wintry Mix 12 packs are on sale for just $15.99 regularly $17.99! The package contains Winter Warmer (a dark copper ale blended with cinnamon and nutmeg), UFO Hefeweizen (an American, unfiltered wheat beer), IPA (the flagship brand of the brewery), and Chocolate Stout (a brew with an abundance of chocolate malt and a touch of chocolate only available in this variety pack), Harpoon Munich Dark(a blend of dark malts that creates a malty chocolate-like flavor and a warm malty nose that mingles with the subtle hop aroma.) and Harpoon Belgian Pale Ale,( A blend of Pale, Caramel, and Munich malts creates a golden amber hue with malty, sweet notes up front.  A generous addition of Amarillo hops delivers a floral, citrusy hop character throughout and Apollo hops lend a hint of bitterness to the finish. ) Grab one today!

 

Come in and enjoy our newest Co+op Deals @ Wheatsville! – Brooks Wood, Wheatsville Co+op Deals Assistant

 

Mornings made easy! Cascadian Farm Organic Cereals now $2.99 reg. $4.99, Nature's Path Organic Instant Oatmeal now $2.49 reg. $2.99, Arrowhead Mills Pancake & Waffle Mix now $2.89reg. $3.89, Nature's Path Organic Waffles now $2.29 reg. $2.99, Greek Gods Greek Yogurt now $1.19 reg. $1.49, Nancy's Yogurt now $2.29 reg. $2.89, Rudi's Organic English Muffins now $2.59reg. $3.69, Westsoy Organic Non-Dairy Beverage now $1.99 reg. $2.69, Cascadian Farm Organic Fruit Spread now $2.29 reg. $3.49, Organic Thompson Raisins now $1.99/lb reg. $2.39/lb,Organic Oats now $0.89/lb reg. $0.99/lb, Tazo Tea now $2.79 reg. $3.99 and Luna Bars now $0.99 reg. $1.59.

Bionaturae Pasta is ready to make your meal memorable; now $1.99 reg. $2.89, Napa Valley Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil now $8.99 reg. $13.99, Muir Glen Organic Fire Roasted Tomatoes now $2.29 reg. $2.99 and Eden Organic Beans now $1.39 reg. $1.99.

 

We're excited to introduce a new line of soups from a favorite brand, Pacific Natural Foods. Each new 17.6oz soup is now $1.99 reg. $2.69, Barbara's Crackers now $2.79 reg. $3.59 and Lundberg Farms Organic Brown Basmati Rice now $2.79 reg. $4.19.

 

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

 

Owner Deals are packed with savings! – Brooks Wood, Wheatsville Co+op Deals Assistant

 

Our Deli is offering the Italian Stallion Sandwich now for $ 6.49 reg. $7.49, Hibiscus Mint Tea now $0.99 reg. $1.69 and our house made Basil Pesto & Vegan Pesto, each now $5.99 reg. $6.99.

 

Amy's Pocket Sandwiches are now $2.29 reg. $2.49, Annie Chun's Meal Starters now $2.89 reg. $3.59, Crown Prince Baby Clams Smoked in Olive Oil now $2.49 reg. $2.99, Emperor's Kitchen Organic Chopped or Pureed Garlic & Organic Pureed Ginger now $1.99 reg. $2.79 and Sushi Sonic Wasabi now $4.49 reg. $6.39.

 

Do you have a four legged friend at home? Well of course we're including them in our current sale! Newman's Own Organic Turkey & Vegetable Canned Cat Food now $1.19 reg. $1.39, Castor & Pollux Organix Chicken Cat Treats now $2.99 reg. $3.69, and for the dog in your life, we're offering Newman's Own Organic Adult Dog Formula now $15.99 reg. $19.99, Newman's Own Organic Dog Treats now $2.99 reg. $3.99, Castor & Pollux Good Buddy 4" Meaty Center Dog Bone now $3.29 reg. $3.99 and Castor & Pollux Mac & Cheese Dog Cookies now $3.79 reg. $4.59.

 

Our Owner Deals are easy to reference. Access them from our web site @ http://www.wheatsville.coop and click on the Owners link.

 

I hope you have a most excellent week!

Dan Gillotte

Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy

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We love you and Valentine's too!

Hello Wheatsville friends and fans!

We LOVE Valentine's Day around here! Yeah, we know it's a manufactured holiday and all that, but we think any holiday that encourages giving and eating chocolate can't be all bad PLUS it's all about giving out the vibe of love to friends and family and all your loved ones. If you're a Valentine's curmudgeon please bear with us and we can all get excited about Presidents' Day next week!

If you haven't made a valentine for your loved one(s), friends, favorite Wheatsville staff people, or Frito Pie it's not too late! Show the Wheatsville world your heart at the Hospitality Desk Valentine Making Station. Nothing says I LOVE YOU like a Valentine on your co-op's windows! (It's true!)

 

WHEATSVILLE'S ONE BIG THING!

Every week, our staff nominate and pick ONE thing that we're all SUPER excited about. This week you can find this week's One Big Thing in the produce department, right as you enter the store. In honor of Valentine's Day, Wheatsville is proud to offer FAIR TRADE RED ROSES!

What do we like about FAIR TRADE RED ROSES?

1)    Buy a single rose for $2.99.

2)    Buy two or more roses for $2.50 each.

3)    These red roses are fair trade certified

We'll have a limited supply of the fair trade red roses, so hurry in starting on Saturday, February 12 through Valentine's Day to get this special gift for someone you love!

We just took delivery of 200 Fair Trade Roses, directly from the farm in Ecuador.  As you may know, the floral industry has a long history of exploitive employment practices.  Fair Trade Certified means employees are given a fair wage, safe working conditions, and environmentally friendly growing practices.  What better way to express your feelings than by showing your sensitivity and consideration for the people who bring us such beautiful things?  We feel the Fair Trade Certification is a real added value, something worth supporting.  We're selling single stem roses for $2.99 each, or 2 for $5.  We've also got a limited amount of rose bouquets – three roses plus filler – for $12.99.

Check out www.oneworldflowers.org for more information about these beautiful flowers.

Also, in super limited supply, we have delicious TEXAS Strawberries! These don't look like the best strawberries ever, but my wife, Rosie says that they are! (The best she has tasted in a LONG time!) So, add them to any Valentine's gift to really wow your sweetie!

 

Scroll on down for:

Chocolate Covered Co-op (or is that Co-op Covered Chocolate?)

Love is in the (Dairy) Air

Wine and Dine

Surf and turf plus recipe!

Ravioli! Amore! Tutti! Plus recipe!

Bulk Romance

Lovin' from our Ovens

Green Grocer/ Red Grapefruit

Coop Deals

Vitamin specials

New Animal Lovers Lip Balm

Beer!

Chocolate covered Wheatsville!

This Valentine's Day (next Monday, don't forget!), we have your chocolate needs covered.  Our favorite chocolate, Chocolove is on sale through the 15^th for just $1.79 per bar.  There is a flavor for everyone to suit everyone- from plain Milk Chocolate to Dark Chocolate with Ginger to Dark Chocolate with Chilis and Cherries to the mighty Dark Chocolate with Almonds and Sea Salt. Each bar has a sweet love poem on the inside of the cover.  Two birds, one brick of chocolate!

If chocolate isn't your sweetie's favorite, try a pack of Liz Lovely's Vegan Cookies! There are two giant cookies in each package (perfect for sharing!)  and they're on sale for $2.99 (reg $3.99).  What a sweet deal!  They are all Vegan and many of them are also Gluten Free.  We have the following flavors:  Ginger Snapdragons, Chocolate Moose Dragons, Cowboy, Cowgirl, Gluten Free (GF) Chocolate Fudge, GF Ginger Molasses,  GF Oatmeal Raisin and GF Triple Chocolate Mint. Liz Lovely is one of our favorite companies to work with!  Find out more at http://www.lizlovely.com On sale through Feb. 15^th.

 

Mary Louise Butter's Brownies is another Wheatsville favorite!  We sell their demi-brownies (perfect for a single serving!) for just $1.99.  We already have a huge variety of flavors (Kona Buzz,  Grande L'Orange, Seriously Stout, and Denise, a salted caramel brownie are just a few) and we have just brought in a few more.  Ruby Port is made with wine and espresso, Donna is made with milk chocolate chips (and benefits breast cancer awareness), and Bada Bing is made with bing cherries, kirsch and chocolate.   We didn't just order these because the wrappers are red or pink!  We ordered them because they are amazing!  Enjoy and happy Valentine's Day!

 

PS-Newman's Own Organic Mints are on sale for $1.79 (reg $2.29).  Peppermint, Wintergreen, Ginger or Cinnamon flavors packaged in neat tins.  For all that kissing you will be doing.

 

Beautiful Handmade Boxes of Chocolate

This Valentine's we are proud to offer delicious handmade chocolates and truffles in beautiful handmade boxes from Sjaak's Organic Chocolates. Immensely popular for the past several VDays, Sjaak's (rhymes with 'rocks') Organic Chocolates are uniquely Fair-Trade Certified, Organic Certified and several varieties are vegan. Also, by the way, they are DELICIOUS!  The Nuts & Chews caramel collection includes coconut caramel, almond crunch, pistachio caramel and more! The super deluxe Valentine Heart Truffle Box contains 20 delicious dark creamy truffles with flavors including: raspberry, almond, hazelnut, cherry and orange. The super cute Birdie Box has a smaller assortment of these amazing truffles.

CO-OP BONUS: The adorable heart-shaped boxes are handmade by a Fair Trade women's cooperative in Thailand, using tree-free fibers of mango, mulberry and banana.

Refrigerator Romance

Happy valentine's day from the chill department to all you beloved Wheatsville patrons. I would like to take this time to entice your sweet tooth with a most excellent and delicious local raw desert line by the name of Yummy Living Foods. We carry all five of their flavors of desert cups which are lemon cheesecake, chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, banana cream pie and chocolate hazelnut decadence. We also carry their raw nut milks and cookies. If you have not yet had a chance to try them the owner and creator of the products will be doing a sampling on next Sunday the 13^th from 1pm to 4pm.

Just an FYI I for you Kombucha lovers Kosmic Kombucha has a brewed an exclusive Wheatsville flavor by the name of Pear of the Dog and it is now in our beverage case by bulk with the other kombucha's.

 

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).

 

From the world of meat

Valentine's Day is almost here. It's time to consider that special meal for that special someone. We have plenty of entrée options in the meat department.

Lamb has been making quite a comeback across the nation. Our Niman Ranch Lamb is a great center piece for an intimate meal. From Shoulder Steaks for $6.99/lb. to Boneless Leg Steaks for $9.99/lb, or stew meat to shanks, we have plenty of options for your sweetheart.

Speaking of Sweethearts! We will be offering the Sweetheart Steak. This is a Niman Ranch Boneless Ribeye that we butterfly into the shape of a heart. This is a great way to share your special meal. If this is something you are interested in and do not see it in the Self Serve case, just ask one of our butchers and we will cut this steak for you. For the more budget conscious, The Flat Iron steak is great. It is versatile and delicious.

If your someone loves seafood we have plenty to offer. Organic Peeled and Deveined Shrimp are an easy way to impress. Our Halibut from Trollerpoint Fisheries is another great product. But if you really want to impress I think Scallops are the way to go. These Sea Scallops are sustainable and fantastic. The best way to prepare scallops is simplicity. It can be as simple as some salt and pepper, sautéed in several tablespoons of lime juice until they begin to turn golden brown on each side. Or here is another recipe that is almost as simple:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds bay scallops
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

1. Turn broiler on.
2. Rinse scallop and place in a shallow baking pan. Sprinkle with garlic salt, melted butter or margarine and lemon juice.
3. Broil 6 to 8 minutes or until scallops start to turn golden. Remove from oven and serve with extra melted butter or margarine on the side for dipping.

.

In the freezer, we have 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 your pet is your valentine, we have a selection of beef and Lamb bones that will please any chewer. We also have beef and chicken livers, and beef kidneys. These organ meats are great for felines and canines.

Cheese Island

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. If you have not tried either of the cheeses they are amazing! The Gouda is aged for two years and has a very caramel flavor and a smooth texture. It will pair well with apples. I would go with a tarter apple, such as a Pink Lady. The Applewood Smoked Cheddar is from England and it is cold smoked with Applewood. It makes an amazing grilled cheese. I usually make mine with bacon and tomatoes.

Valentine 's Day is right around the corner. What will are you doing for your Sweetheart? I have a few ideas. Friday I will be receiving heart shaped pasta from Pasta and Company. I am bringing in a four cheese ravioli and butternut squash ravioli.  You can serve it with our Deli's in house Pesto or in a marinara with our Meat Departments in house Italian Sausage. Top with some freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Brie with Balsamic- Strawberry reductionWe also have an assortment of Brie's that can be included in your Valentine's Day Meal. We have a 10 oz Fleur de France round that can easily be baked and I would serve it with a balsamic – strawberry reduction. This is how I do it. I take one of those rounds of brie and wrap it in fillo dough.  I use four sheets cut in half. You will need something to "glue the dough" to the round of brie. For this I use melted butter. Apply the butter to the brie and then carefully fold the dough around the brie. Do this with each half sheet of fillo dough. Pre-heat the oven to 350. While you are waiting for the oven to reach temp you can prepare for making the reduction sauce.  For the reduction sauce you will need balsamic vinegar. The more aged the better, 2 cups of Strawberrys, water and honey. Finley chop up the strawberries and  heat a sauce pan over med heat. By this time the oven should be warm, place the wrapped brie into the oven and let bake until dough is golden brown. This should take around 15 minutes.  While the brie is baking you can start the reduction.  Strawberry Reduction Sauce. Don't forget about the brie!!  Pull the brie when it is golden brown. Top with the Sauce and serve with some Champagne and a crusty bread.

Valentine Sweets in Bulk

I'd like to let you know about some great candies we have available for Valentine's day in the Bulk department.  Chocolate Longhorns make for a wonderful Valentines treat.  If you haven't tried these already, Longhorns are a decadent blend of Texas pecans and caramel covered in either dark or milk chocolate.  These come to us from the local Austin favorite Lammes Candies, and they are positively delicious!

We've also got a great new candy just for Valentines.  Raspberry Licorice Hearts are a sweet all natural treat that make for a wonderful Valentines gift.  They are cute, tasty, and 100% Vegan!

Both of these candies have been pre-bagged for your convenience and are available in the Valentines display near the front entrance of the store.

Valentine's Day Sweets and Owner Specials from your Deli!

Looking to impress your Valentine this year? We all know the way to the heart is through the stomach, so come on down to the Wheatsville Bakery for all sorts of tasty and beautiful Valentine treats! Once again, Wheatsville's bakers have gone above and beyond to create a tantalizing array of homemade sweets this Valentine's Day for you to share with your loved ones! Our homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, in three-packs and singles, and local Tom's Fudge, in six-packs and singles, are an easy way to show your love with chocolate! Our holiday-inspired, vegan Chocolate-Raspberry Heart Cakes and Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes will be available in our Bakery case through Monday, as will our classic raspberry jam-filled Linzer Torte Sandwich Cookies. Any one of these would surely make a delicious and thoughtful Valentine for friends and family, but don't forget to grab a sweet treat for your favorite professor, thoughtful bus driver, or last-minute babysitter, too! With some very decadent muffins in the case this weekend as well, you can even start your mornings with a chocolate fix!

The Deli full-service case will also be filled with all sorts of pretty and tasty salads to fill out the rest of your Valentine's Day dinner, like our Creamy Saffron Bowtie Pasta, Herb-Roasted Potatoes with Goat Cheese, Orange Quinoa, Grilled Asparagus, Honey-Herb Beets with Feta, Risotto Cakes and more!

Want to eat and run, or get something sweet for your little one? Our Valentine's inspired 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 one delicious drink! Come on in and taste the love!

And the perfect accompaniment to your baked treat is just waiting for you at our Organic, Fair-Trade Espresso Bar! The Deli's staff-initiated Featured Coffee program kicks off 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!

Other Deli Goodness

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!

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!

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 on in and try something new!

From your Green Grocer

Our local produce summit was this week and I'm excited about the 2011 local growing season!  We had about 20 people in attendance representing over 12 farms.  The mood was positive and optimistic, and I feel confident that we can make huge strides towards making 2011 a record breaking season for local produce at Wheatsville.  I'll keep you posted on what's happening (be sure to check the produce department's Facebook page for updates and photographs).  Things are getting interesting!

Coming back to Earth, we still love our Texas grown organic rio star grapefruit.  Ralf, our produce buyer, is a recent convert to grapefruit because of these beauties.  If you haven't tried them, come on by for a taste.  We'll be heavily sampling them all week.  Deep pink flesh, mild acidity, and sweet flavors all combine for a really enjoyable eating experience.  They're so good you can eat them like an orange!

We're also happy to bring you broccoli crowns from The Farm Patch and Oak Hill Farms.  Both farms are located just south of San Antonio.  We're really fortunate to live in a place where broccoli can be grown.  Take advantage of it!

 

Love is in the air @ Wheatsville! – Brooks Wood, Wheatsville Co+op Deals Assistant

Everyone's favorite chocolate is on Deal for Valentine's Day! Chocolove Chocolate Bars are stocked for Valentine's Day, now $1.79 reg. $2.39, Green & Blacks Organic Chocolate Bars now 2/$5.00 reg. $3.39 and we can barely keep these stocked they're selling so fast - Pamela's Gluten Free Brownie Mix now $3.99 reg. $5.79.

Bionaturae Pasta is ready to make your meal memorable; 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.

 

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 many customer favorites on Deal this week: 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.

 

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

Vitamin Special

New Chapter Wholemega is going on sale starting today!!!! Save 25% on Wholemega 120 ct and 60 ct softgels. The 120 count, regularly $49.99, is now $37.99 and 60 count, regularly $27.99, is now $20.99. In addition to this 25% off we have in limited quantities $4 off coupons on these items as well. That means you can save $16 on the large size of Wholemega or $11 on the small! Take advantage while our coupon supplies last!!!!

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.

 

Our Owner Deals are easy to reference. Access them from our web site @ http://www.wheatsville.coop and click on the Owners link.

 

ENDANGERED SPECIES LIPBALMS-NEW IN BODYCARE!

New in body care this week are 6 new lip balms made by The Merry Hempsters Company.

These incredible lip balms are USDA certified organic, petroleum, preservative, gluten and cruelty free.  They come in orange, lemon-lime, vanilla, lavender-orange, peppermint, and spearmint and retail for only$2.69! 25% of profits are donated to The Center for Biological Diversity to help to protect endangered animals and their habitat.  So, the next time you're in, pick up a tube or two and help to support this awesome cause!

 

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 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!

 

I hope you have a most excellent week!

Dan Gillotte

Wheatsville GM, e-mail guy and Cupid enthusiast

Super Bowl recipes and snacking and Valentine's Day is coming!

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 14^th 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!

Reduce waste, save money- PRE-cycle! Citrus tasting, deli food bar on sale and a LOVE POTION recipe!

Hello Wheatsville friends and fans!

I hope you are having a most fantastic January!  THANKS to all of you who came and shopped last week to help make it the best sales week in Wheatsville history! We truly truly appreciate your support and are glad that so many of you came out to be appreciated! 2,600 of you saved over $22,000 last week! Wow, that's a lot of economic benefit from being a co-op owner!

Pre-cycling class and discussion!

We're excited to host Wheatsville Owner, Lisa Schneider's Pre-cycling education and discussion session this Saturday starting at 11am. (Ask the Hospitality Desk how to get back to the meeting room.) Learn how to celebrate the two most important Rs, Reduce and REuse which will keep us from even having to recycle! Prevent waste AND save money to boot!

This Sunday, come on out for our Citrus tasting (more about that below) and start planning your Super Bowl party snacking. It's next Sunday and we're gearing up to have lots of good snacking and drinking opportunities to complement your parties!

 

Scroll down for:

New! Local! Vegan! Raw! Delicious! Kosmic! Krunchy!

Two action items of note regarding organic food and Fair trade

Citrus fest and local beets and broccoli

Deli food bar and a preview of Super Snacking!

What's the word? THUNDERBIRD!

Co+op & Owner Deals

Visit Cheese Island

Valentine treats PLUS a Love Potion Recipe!

 

Kosmic Krunch!

I'd like to remind you about our delicious new raw granola "Orange-Cranberry Kosmic Krunch".  If you haven't tried it already you're missing out!  This wonderful product is raw, vegan, gluten-free, and super tasty, and it comes to us from the fine folks at Kosmic Kombucha, right here in Austin.  This granola is made with all raw Pecans, Medjool dates, grade B maple syrup, Almonds, and a variety of dried fuits and seeds. We'll be offering free samples of this tasty treat throughout the weekend in the Bulk department, so be sure to stop by and try some!

Organic and Fair trade Action Items

We've got two action items for you to consider today.

The first requires fast action to sign a petition regarding the pending USDA approval of GMO Alfalfa. This decision could have disastrous and far reaching effects on the entire organic industry and we encourage you to read more and possibly sign the petition here: http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/20110120_action-stop-gmo-alfalfa-contamination

The second is about the term "Fair Trade" and the apparent attempt by Transfair USA to possibly try and copyright it. We tend to believe that it's a movement, not one company, even if it's a non-profit and don't really like the apparent attempt to "own" the name by TransFair. Check more out about it here: http://organicconsumers.org/transfairusa/index.cfm

From Your Green Grocer

This week, we're seeing even more fantastic citrus varieties coming through our back door.  New arrivals this week include Fairchild tangerines, Royal Mandarins, and Gold Nugget Tangerines.The gold nuggets are our current favorite: they have a rich, sweet flavor, plenty of juice, and no seeds.  Easy to peel, easy to please!  The gold nugget's peel is a bit thicker and sturdier than a Satsuma, which makes them a good choice in a lunchbox.  You can throw one in your purse or bag and know you'll not find a squished, wet mess at the bottom a few hours later.  Pick up a few for$1.99/lb.

With all these citrus varieties, we thought we should have a tasting event and celebrate.  This Sunday from 1p-3p, we're having a citrus sampling.  Come by and try some old favorites, and maybe make a new one!

This week, we are also seeing some nice local produce offerings.  Red, Gold, and White(!!) bunched beets are in from Oak Hill Farms in Poteet, TX.  We're super excited to see more locally grown broccoli crowns, this time from The Farm Patch in Pleasanton, TX.  Sustainably grown broccoli crowns for $2.49/lb? Can't be beat!

On another local note, I'm excited to announce the Wheatsville Local Produce Summit. It'll be held on Monday, February 7^th, with the goal of broadening our local selection and supporting more local agriculture.  We want any local farmers who can make it to come.  If you know someone who might be interested, please refer them to me (aking@wheatsville.com) and I'll give them more details.  2011 is going to be a great year for eating locally.  Stick around and see what happens!

Adam King – Produce Manager

 

Food Bar On Sale for Owners and Snack-tastic Superbowl Catering from your Deli!

On sale for owners right now are all of our per-pound Food Bar items! From an ever-changing variety of filling hot bar foods like our Creamy Mac & Cheese, Garlicky White Bean Cassoulet andLil Cheddar Meatloaf Muffins, to our salad bar with an assortment of greens and chopped veggies, and even including our Tiny Brinies bar with olives and other pickley goodness, mix-and-match as you wish for just $6.99/lb, reg. $7.99! Keep it fresh every day, and save!!

Short on time? We have lots of tasty plates, wraps and pasta dishes available from our fantastic local vendors like Kala's Kuisine and Tom's Tabooley in our grab'n'go cooler! Remember that many of these tasty treats can be heated up for a hot lunch on the go!

Local bakery Sweetish Hill's Cherry Cheese Danish is also on sale for owners at $1.99, reg. $2.29! Check the bakery case for all sorts of other sweet treats as well, like our fresh-baked Buttermilk Scones – treat your tongue to the sweetly tangy Blue Cheese! – and our chewy, dense, vegan Peanut Butter Blondies!

And what better to go with your bakery treat than a freshly made coffee drink from our Organic, Fair-Trade Espresso Bar?! Try my favorite, the Spicy Mocha with cayenne, or maybe you're more of a Wheatsvillain person… anyway, we've got something for everyone! Cedar Fever got you down? Try a cup of our fantastic, caffeine-free Hot Gingerade – stir in some local honey and cayenne for an extra immunity booster!

Looking for a beverage that's a bit more filling? Let the Deli Counter school your mouth with our Featured Smoothie, the PB&J! Blending apple juice and soymilk with strawberries, blueberries and organic peanut butter, this unbelievably tasty sandwich in a cup is just $5.49!

Our Featured Salsa right now is the mean, green Salsa Verde! This garlicky dip chockfull of poblanos, jalapenos and tomatillos is terrific on chips and adds a definite element of heat to 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 Honey Maple Ham at $8.49/lb, reg. $8.99 and Pepperjack Cheese, $6.19/lb, reg. $7.19!

Planning a Superbowl Spectacular next weekend? Your Deli is here to help make your gameday a smash! From simple spreads like Spinach-Feta Dip, Walnut Pate and a variety of homemadeSalsas, to a complete assortment of platters and trays like Popcorn Tofu, Sliced Meats & Cheeses, Raw Veggies, Middle Eastern Mezze, Sweet Bakery Bars, Whole Cakes and Fresh Cut Fruit, we will cater to any size gathering! Check out our website at http://wheatsville.coop/catering.html and call us at the Deli to place your order: 512-478-1164!

New local treats: Thunderbird Energetica Bars!

Raw! Vegan! Gluten Free! Local! And by the way…DELICIOUS! New Thunderbird Energetica bars are the next wave of portable energy food, using basic ingredients, to help fuel your next adventure. In their words: "Thunderbird Energetica produces world championship energy bars aimed at making food enjoyable. We implement a holistic theory to energy by considering interactions within our bodies, spirits, and environments. The resulting product is real food that revolves around a community of other people who value health and recreational eating." There's your choice of fresh flavors:Cherry Walnut Crunch, Cashew Fig Carrot, Cacao Hemp Walnut. BONUS FEATURE: Compostable Wrappers! Also, be sure to take a look at their energetic websitehttp://www.thunderbirdenergetica.com/

 

LATE BREAKING NEWS:

After years of searching and patiently explaining to our beloved shoppers that we couldn't find a source, we are finally able to offer Organic Tamarind Paste! USDA Certified Organic, Aunt Patty's Organic Tamarind Paste can be used to make your own chutneys, sauces and syrups. How do YOU like to use tamarind paste? Let us know!

It can be found in Aisle 2 in the Indian Food section by the chutney.

 

Wine and beer deals for you!

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, Sangre 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).

 

Stock up with these great beer deals! Three great six packs from Victory Brewing Company are on sale now. 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.

And, get ready for the Super Bowl (Feb. 6^th) when we plan to feature Sierra Nevada 12 packs and Lone Star suitcases!

 

Come in and stock up during the last full week of current Co+op Deals! – Brooks Wood, Wheatsville Co+op Deals Assistant

 

Cascadian Farms Organic Fruit is now $2.79 reg. $4.59, Nancy's Organic Kefir is now $2.99 reg. $3.99, Organic Valley Organic Yogurt now $3.29 reg. $4.99, Rising Moon Organic Ravioli now $2.79 reg. $3.99, Montebello Organic Pasta now $2.79 reg. $3.79, Koyo Ramen Noodles now $0.69 reg. $1.19, San - J Premium Tamari Soy Sauce now $1.79 reg. $2.59, Muir Glen Organic Soup now $2.39 reg. $3.49, Honest Tea Organic Ready to Drink Tea now $0.99 reg. $1.49, Barbara's Shredded Cereal now 2/$5.00 reg. $4.49 and Late July Mini Sandwich Crackers now 2/$5.00 reg. $3.49.

 

Seventh Generation Bath Tissue 12 pack is now $7.99 reg. $10.99, Biokleen Liquid Laundry Detergent now $7.99 reg. $11.99, Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chips now $1.79 reg. $2.89, Organic Rolled Oats now $0.79/LB reg. $0.99/LB, Organic Walnuts now $7.99/LB reg. $9.99/LB, Whole Sweeteners Organic Blue Agave now $4.99 reg. $6.89, Eco Teas Organic Yerba Mate now $5.79 reg. $7.79, Lundberg Family Farms Organic Rice Cakes now $1.99 reg. $3.39, Glutino Gluten Free Pretzels now $2.99 reg. $4.39, French Meadow Organic Breadnow $4.99 reg. $6.79, PopChips Potato Chips now $1.69 reg. $2.39, BioNaturae Organic Fruit Nectar now $2.79 reg. $3.89, Zevia Natural Diet Soda now $4.29 reg. $5.89, Pirate Brand Snacks now $1.79 reg. $2.59, Green Mountain Gringo Salsa now $2.99 reg. $4.39 and LaraBar Nutritional Bar now $0.99 reg. $1.59.

 

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

Rack up savings with Co+op Owner Deals! – Brooks Wood, Wheatsville Co+op Deals Assistant

 

Wheatsville Seafood Arctic Cod is now on Deal for $13.99/LB reg. $14.79/LB, Wheatsville Meat House Made Chorizo now $6.99/LB reg. $7.99/LB, Earth's Best Organic Whole Grain Rice Cereal now $2.99 reg. $3.39, Nancy's Organic Sour Cream now $1.49 reg. $1.79, Ginger People Ginger Juice now $2.89 reg. $3.59, Sweetish Hill Bakery Cherry Cheese Danish now$1.99 reg. $2.29, Little Bear Low Fat Refried, Spicy Refried & Black Bean Refried Beans now $1.89 reg. $2.19, Justin's Nut Better Maple Almond Butter & Classic Almond Butter Squeeze Pack now $0.79 reg. $0.99, If You Care Parchment Paper now $4.29 reg. $4.99 and Twist Naked Sponge Medium 2-Pack now $2.49 reg. $2.99.

 

We're featuring Organic Turkish Apricots on Deal now $6.99/LB reg. $8.99/LB, Helen's Kitchen Organic Entrees all varieties now $2.99 reg. $4.39, Manitoba Shelled Hemp Seed now$5.79 reg. $7.79 and Happy Baby Organic Apple, Banana & Green Puffs now $2.29 reg. $3.39.

 

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.

 

Visit Cheese Island

Our New York Sharp Cheddar will be on sale for $6.99/lb, regularly $9.99/lb.

Just a heads up; we are carrying Galaxy Vegan Parmesan again.

So it has been decided, Packers meet the Steelers in Dallas. 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 cheedar that would go along with a nice Niman salami. Look for some nice Cheesy specials next weekend and recipes.

 

Get ready for Valentines Day!

Sweets for Your Sweetie!

Valentine's Day is still a few weeks away but we already have lots of cute cards and gifts for your special someone.  Set a romantic mood by drawing a luxurious bath and brewing an aphrodisiac tea with our bulk Red Rose Buds & Petals and Damiana Leaf, both are less than $1.00 per ounce!  Find the perfect card to express your love with our beautiful selections from local favorites FlatFlower Botanical Cards.  We even have convenient 20-count valentine packs for your kiddos to hand out to classmates.

 

Damiana and Rose Petals available from bulk herbs for Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day only comes once a year and so does this seasonal offer! Those hopeless romantics in bulk herbs and teas have brought you Damiana Leaf $13.19lb/ $.82 oz and Rose, Red Buds & Petals $11.49 lb/ $.71 oz for your sipping or soaking pleasure (you can use both as a tea OR bath!).

While Rose's delicate and intoxicating fragrance needs no introduction, you may not know that Cleopatra used this famous flower to seduce Mark Antony. Passion-inducing Damiana, while lesser known, has been used traditionally to help sweethearts spice up their love life and contains antidepressive and mood elevating properties. Both are great in an after dinner tea, sprinkled in a bath, or infused in your favorite wine! Here's a simple formula that's sure to impress your special someone this Valentine's day:

1) Start with your favorite red wine (a higher alcohol content is better for extraction, especially when using fresh herbs).

2) Choose you favorite aromatic herbs: Ginger, mints, liccorice or cinnamon for a stimulating effect. Oatstraw, lavender, sage, and catnip for a calming blend. Rose or damiana for love - or choose your own favorites!

3) Combine herbs and wine either in a mason jar or the bottle itself if it has a screw-top, and let it sit for two weeks (shaking occassionally).

4) Separate out herbs before serving with a cheesecloth or a mesh strainer.

Serve with chocolates and a romantic string quartet!

 

Housewares item of note

All Natural Air Purifying Bags

Moso Bags are an economical and all natural way to freshen closets, bathrooms, gym bags, and other spaces that get stinky or musty.  They're made from bamboo charcoal which effectively removes odors, pollutants, bacteria, and allergens, and helps prevent mold and mildew.  You can find them on aisle 4 with the air freshening and cleaning products.

 

Have a great week!

Dan Gillotte

Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy!