Thursday, June 24, 2010

Happy Summer Wheatsville Fun Time!

Happy Summer Wheatsville friends and fans!

 

I hope you're bearing up under the heat. We'd like to help.

Try this Awesome and healthful Summer Smoothie!

Scroll down for:

Eat local challenge!

Wine tasting THIS Friday

Meat local

World Cup Cheese

Texas Tea

Deli for a quick and nutritious lunch

New and exciting and cold!

Summer fun and sunscreen

We need you to run (for the board)

Eat Local Challenge Central

We've got some great local items in produce right now! If you are participating in the Eat Local Challenge come in and see us. Currently we're carrying fresh shelled creamer and purple hull peas and butterbeans form Just Peachy Farms in Palestine, TX; home grown tomatoes and cherry tomato medley pints from Oak Hill Farms in Poteet; organic zucchini and yellow squash from Martinez Farms in Pleasonton; unreal peaches from Rhew Orchards in Floresville; seedless Texas watermelon; sweet corn (the sweetest) and organic green beans from J&B Farms in Hondo; organic shallots and bunched carrots from Lund Produce in Elgin; bibb lettuce from Amador Farms in Dripping Springs and, as always, sprouts and sprouts salads from our friends at the New World Produce out by Lake Travis. Our best local season is in full swing, so come in and get some delicious seasonal produce!

 

Nice Melons!

It's also melon season and although we haven't gotten many local melons this year, we have some really amazing organic melons this week. Large galia melons, honeydew, cantaloupe and Crenshaw are in and delicious! We still have sweet Texas watermelons available. Come get some!

 

Got berries?

Berries are getting close to peaking for the season and are looking and tasting phenomenal. We've got strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries in stock. My favorites right now are the strawberries and the raspberries, with blueberries trailing right behind. Berries plus fresh whipped cream equals a special summer treat from kids of all ages.

 

Stonefruits

Stonefruit season is our favorite season around here. Beside the bib requiring Texas peaches, we've also got organic nectarines, organic peaches and organic pluots in stock. We don't refrigerate our stonefruit, so they are ripening at room temp which makes them extra delicious and juicy with no mealy texture.

 

Wine tasting this Friday! Wheatsville will be hosting a wine tasting this Friday from 4:30 to 7:30. We will be sampling Parducci Sustainable Red and Parducci Sustainable White . Parducci Winery is locally owned and operated in California's Mendocino County. They are committed to sustainable winegrowing practices that yield top quality grapes and wines while protecting the environment.

Sierra Navada on sale!  Sierra Nevada 6 packs are on sale $7.49 regularly $8.49, all flavors except Bigfoot. With Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Summerfest, Torpedo, and Kellerweis all on sale there is something here to please everyone!

 

Eat Local meat in June!

Wheatsville has always been a strong supporter of all things local, and the meat counter is full of great local products, including many names you may have seen at the farmers market, likeBastrop Cattle CompanyDewberry Hills Farm, Loncito's Lamb, and Richardson's Family Farm. We have a great selection in the freezer of all these suppliers. You can also find some great local options in the "quick-to-fix" case. We use local Windy Bar beef for our beef skirt steaks for fajitas seasoned in-house with peppers and onions, ready to grill for just $8.99/lb.Also, pick up some of our house-made Bacon Cheddar Burgers made with Windy Bar ground beef and local Veldhuizen "Redneck" Cheddar for $8.99/lb. These are a great way to eat local – all you have to do is fire up the grill!

We have plenty of local options for your staple purchases. Check out Bastrop Cattle Company grass-fed Beef for Ground beef $7.99/lb, Ribeye steaks $21.99/lb. Thunderheart Bisonpasture raised bison products-- Ground bison $8.99/lb and bison jerky $7.99 ea for 4oz pack.Lonestar farm raised semi-boneless quail $18.99 pack of 4. Pederson's Natural Porkcertified humanely treated pork products, try the smoked kielbasa $5.99 16oz pack and bacon flavored sausage $6.99 12oz package. We have a full line of fresh Buddys Chickensincluding sausages (chicken Italian, garlic, & Jalapeno flavors) $5.99 12oz pack. We also sellDewberry hills Farm pastured chicken; hand raised for Wheatsville, get whole chicken for $4.99/lb and Cornish Game Hens $4.99/lb. Here's a great story about our friends at Dewberry Hills, Jane & Terry Levan.

http://www.countryworldnews.com/news/headlines/616-chickens-growing-in-popularity-at-ranch.html

We just received a fresh supply of Loncito's grass-fed lamb, and the cuts are larger and more robust thanks to lots of rain this spring. Loin chops in packs of two $22.99/lb, boneless legs $14.99/lb, and giant rib racks 2 per pack $22.49/lb. Fresh supply of Richardson family farm pasture raised pork products also delivered this weekend. Beautiful bone-in pork chops $8.49/lb, delicious Link and pan breakfast sausages $8.49/lb.

Lots for specials still in stock for June:

Buddy's All Natural boneless skinless breasts on sale for $7.39/lb, regularly priced at $7.69/lb

Niman Ranch BBQ Pulled Pork $8.49 for a full pound of "heat and eat" shredded BBQ goodness, regularly priced at $8.89

Niman Ranch Top sirloin Full cut steak $8.49/lb, regularly $8.99/lb

Niman Ranch Top sirloin Ambassador cut $8.99/lb, regularly $9.49/lb

Niman Ranch Top sirloin Petite cut $9.49/lb, regularly $9.99/lb

Niman Ranch Ground sirloin 85% lean $7.99/lb, regularly $8.99/lb

Niman Ranch Ribeye steaks $16.99/lb, regularly $18.99/lb (while supplies last)

Cheese Island

Hello guys. What an exciting World Cup it has been. It is not over yet. There is plenty of football to be played and the Final game is a little over a week away. We have cheeses from all over the world to help you route on your favorite teams. English stilton, german ementaller, Gouda from Holland, queso fresco, American cheese, and much more. We also have cheese trays starting at $9.99, $40, and $60. Also, we have slices for burgers, shreds for tacos, fresh feta and mozzarella for pizzas and salads. And we have plenty of local cheeses for those of you that are taking the Eat Local Challenge. Check out Pure Luck's newest offering June's Joy. It is made with Goodflow's local honey, and thyme straight from their fields. Also, there is Veldhuiezen cheddars, Brazo Valleys Cheeses, Full Quiver Neufchatel and Mozzarella and Wateroak Farms Chevre and Ricotta.

In The Grocery Aisle

Texas Tea

Wheatsville has a great deal right now on a great local product. Texas Tea is made with local ingredients like Good Flow Honey and Fredericksburg Peaches. Five flavors are on sale now for 99 cents, regularly $1.49. Whether you like your tea sweetened, unsweetened or naturally flavored, Texas Tea has what you need to cool off. Justin Merrifield, Grocery Buyer

Come to the Deli and pack up a quick and nutritious lunch for your summer outing!

Summer is here and your Wheatsville Deli's self-serve case is stocked with all sorts of nutritious grab'n'go salads to take on your hike, bike ride, or afternoon at Barton Springs! You can choose from our spicy, wheat-free Thai Pasta, beloved Alpha Omega kamut grain salad loaded with bits of fresh veggies, seeds and fruits, popular Ginger Tempeh Pasta in an Asian-inspired peanut sauce, and so much more! Some items are available every day and some change during the week. Drop by before you head out and pick up something to keep you cool and energized no matter how hot it gets!

We're also very excited that our wonderful Wheatsville bakers have been working on creating delicious new savory pastries! Our brand new Italian Sausage & Feta Pie is a whole lunch that fits in your hand! Sold out of our full serve case for just $2.99 each, these rustic treats wrap our in-house all natural, certified humane beef and pork Italian sausage with veggies and tangy feta cheese in a homemade, tender pie crust. Yum!

Smoothie time is here! Come get your all-fruit, no-filler, icy-cold and super-thick smoothies, made just how you like 'em with all sorts of add-ins possible! Choose your fruit(s) and build from there: pineapple, blueberry, strawberry, mango, raspberry, banana and peach are all on the menu! With a grand array of fruits plus tons of extras from spirulina to cacao nibs, there is a smoothie for everyone – try a Banana Dream with peanut butter and chocolate syrup, or aStrawberry-Mango smoothie with rice milk and almond butter! Want more suggestions? OurSmoothie of the Month is Strawberry Pineapple! Just tell us what you like and we'll blend it up!

Want more of a pick me up while trying to stay cool? Try our amazing Iced Coffee Toddy, a 24 hour cold brewed burst of caffeineated deliciousness on sale for owners for $1.49, reg. $1.99! Other cold brews available include our sweet and milky Thai Iced Coffee, earthy Yerba Mate, the pretty in pink Nile Valley Hibiscus Mint Iced Tea, and locally-sourced Iced Chai Tea! Don't forget, you can order any of your favorite espresso drinks iced as well!

Our other two owner specials this month are for some of your Deli's most popular items! Grab'n'go containers of our house-made Tuna Salad, studded with chunks of juicy apples, celery, red bell peppers, carrots and green onions are available for $7.99/lb, reg. $8.99/lb! And from our Deli Counter, the tasty and filling Falafel Black Olive Hummus Pita Sandwich is on sale for just $4.99, reg. $5.49!

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

 

New in the Frozen Department!

The heat of summer is here and we have some new, sweet items in the Frozen Department to help cool you down!

Ciao Bella gelatos and sorbets are made with organic ingredients and sweetened with real, organic cane juice.  We have their novelties (each box just $5.29), Blood Orange Sorbet BarsDark Chocolate Dipped Vanilla and Raspberry Gelato Bars and Key Lime Graham Sandwiches.  The Gelato in the Key Lime Sandwiches is sweet & tart & so refreshing.  This one is my favorite!

Alkemie Organic, Vegan ice cream is a unique product made with cashew milk, coconut cream and sweetened with agave nectar.  We have Dark Chocolate, Vanilla Bean and Mint Chocolate Chip.  Let me know how you like it!

If baked goods are your thing, we also have French Meadow's ready-to-bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Fudge Brownies (just thaw and enjoy!)  These tasty treats are gluten-, peanut-, casein- and lactose-free.  They are loaded with chocolaty deliciousness!  Each box is$6.59.

Another new, exciting Gluten-Free additions are Udi's Blueberry or Lemon Streusel Muffins.  Four BIG muffins are $6.19.  What a yummy way to start a gluten-free day!

Over in the Refrigerated Department, we are pleased to offer a new, unique line of Hummus. Baby Zach's Smoked Hummus is made right here in Austin, using local ingredients.  We have Smoked BBQ, Smoked Curry and Smoked Traditional Hummus.  An 8 oz tub is$4.99.  (psst-Zach will be in the store this Saturday, June 26th from 1-3pm handing out samples.)  This is something you really should try!  The BBQ hummus with tortilla chips is my new favorite snack!

 

Summer Fun Stuff and Sunscreen

We have Babushka Measuring Cups $ 9.99- http://www.worldwidefred.com/m-cups.htm

Chimp Sticks- $ 5.99- Made for kids, but you can use them too!http://www.worldwidefred.com/chimpsticks.htm

All Terrain KIDSPORT SPF 30- Specially formulated for kids. Uses Z-Cote® which offers the broadest UVA/UVB spectrum protection available. No Slip/Dry Grip, No Eye Sting, Water and Sweat Resistant.

All Terrain AQUASPORT SPF 30- Natural Remedies for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Badger SPF 30 (scented and unscented) http://www.badgerbalm.com/c-12-babies-kids.aspx

Badger SPF 30 (anti-bug formula)

Badger sunscreen SPF30 All season face stick- This stick is an easy to carry alternative for people on the go!

California Baby SPF 3  sunblock stick-http://www.californiababy.com/index.htmlCalifornia Baby is both chemical and Tear-Free

California Baby SPF 30 (unscented)- Because your baby already smells good….

Run for the board!

The Board is ramping up its annual election process, and the Nominations Committee would like to invite all Wheatsville owners to think seriously about running for a seat on the board. This is a different kind of leadership opportunity than you can find at any other organization. As a board, we are charged with acting on behalf and for the benefit of the owners of our co-op. We do this by using an incredible governance system that facilitates our leadership by focusing our energies on the "big-picture" questions, leaving the work of running the grocery store in the hands of Dan and his incredible staff. We have the great privilege of working for you, a diverse and passionate group of people who have invested in a business you believe in.

Members of the board serve three-year terms, receive a discount on purchases, and help to change the world in which we live through the perpetuation of co-op values and principles.

With our store renovation complete, this is a very exciting time to serve on the board. If you are interested, please click on the link to download a 
Board Packet and Application or pick one up at the Hospitality Desk.

In order to run as an 'endorsed' candidate (see Board Application for more information), you must attend at least one board meeting (always from 6-9pm) and one Orientation Session (times TBD).  Please see the schedule below and RSVP if you plan on attending:
nominations@wheatsville.coop

June 30    (Wednesday)        Regular meeting of the Board of Directors
July 13    (Tuesday 6pm)        Orientation for Prospective Board Candidates 
July 17    (Saturday 1pm)        Orientation for Prospective Board Candidates 
July 27    (Tuesday)        Regular meeting of the Board of Directors
August 1    (Sunday)                Deadline to submit your application
August 24    (Tuesday)    Regular meeting of the Board of Directors


If you want an even better pitch for running for the board, take a look at this
 Breeze article 
Cooperatively Yours,
The 2010 Nominations Committee

I hope that you have the best summer ever!

Dan Gillotte

GM and e-mail guy

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Show dad the love, feel the pride, and run for the board!

Hello Wheatsville friends and fans!

I hope you are enjoying yourselves. This weekend is Father's Day and we love Dads at Wheatsville, so we're doing all we can to help you find cool ways to show your dad the love!

 

We also just got back from the annual Food Co-op Conference, CCMA in Bloomington, Indiana where we came home with the 2010 Howard Bowers Cooperative Excellence Award! The award is in recognition of a retail cooperative that has made significant progress in meeting the needs of members through growth in net sales and earnings, initiation of new and innovative programs, and expansion of member services. We're really proud of winning this award and hope you share our pride! Come take a look, it is happily showing itself off at the Hospitality Desk.

 

Tonight is also our first Orientation for Prospective Board Candidates from 7:30-8:30 in our World headquarter offices just north of the store. Scroll down to learn more!

 

What else can you expect if you scroll on down?

Close Shave!

Grill it up!

Beer and wine and dad

Dadcakes!

World Cup Cheese

Summer = Fruit Win!

Run for the board

Cheesy, Brie-zy burger recipes

It's Summer!  It's Father's Day!!  It's a great time to have a shave!!!

The traditional art of shaving has been lost in a land of disposable razors, but I want to suggest that shaving with a brush, mug, and bar soap is a treat for Dad, and all those near and dear to him.  And, even if you aren't a father, there's nothing wrong with bringing a little artistry to your morning routine.  Here's a link to some traditional shaving techniques, http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/6886845/, and the tools we have at Wheatsville to keep you all looking cool this Father's Day.

Herban Cowboy Grooming Brush- $ 4.29

Herban Cowboy Mug- $ 3.59

Herban Cowboy Shave Soap- $ 3.59-This soap smells amazingly good!  No cologne required when you use this stuff.

Lamar Soap Company- $ 7.19- It's local, and it's vegan

South Austin People Soap- $ 3.29- Kaolin Clay Shaving Bar that's local and 100% organic.

Jason beard and skin shave therapy- $ 6.59- Easy pump dispenser.  And it has Aloe and Jojoba Beads to help exfoliate the skin.

And, if shaving is not your thing…  We also have:

Moustache Wrestler-$ 9.79- Handmade, vegan moustache wax to keep you looking smooth.  The Coen Brothers are using this one in their newest film, a remake of True Grit being filmed in Granger, TX. http://twitter.com/LamarSoapCo

Have a great Father's Day, and always look your best!

We're also especially proud of how well our sunscreen stacks up in the Environmental Working Group's recent published study of the best sunscreens- check it out here.

Father's day beer and wine!

This Sunday is Fathers Day and we have some great deals here at the co-op. Sierra Nevada 6 packs are on sale $7.49 regularly $8.49, all flavors except Bigfoot. With Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Summerfest, Torpedo, and Kellerweis all on sale there is something here for every dads taste! If your pops is more of a wine lover why not grab a bottle of Chateau Marmot Bordeaux only $7.99 regularly $8.99. This is a lovely little wine from the Bordeaux region of France has a nice complexity for a wine so affordable. We also have some great singles in the beer cooler so come on in and grab your dad something that is sure to make his Father's Day a special one!

Grillin' Dads and Eatin' Local

Great thing about Father's Day is Pops doesn't mind cooking. But make it special, with some new or different. Since its summer it's got to be about the grill. We have a lot of great things on sale to make any day a great one to be cooking outdoors on the grill, but with a little effort you can take the every day and turn it extra-ordinary.

Some of my favorite things to grill when I want to change it up include: Grilled shrimp wrapped in bacon and stuffed with a sliver of jalapeno and smoked Gouda. You can use a toothpick to hold it all together, makes the best appetizers.

Or try your hand at kabobs—easy to make and everyone can join in and make their own kabobs.  It's this summer the meat market is cutting extra large kabob size pieces of beef, pork and lamb. Just pick up some skewers, which we sell, and you favorite veggies to complete them. Season or marinade how you like.

How about turkey in the summer? We have all your favorite pieces of turkey available in the case or by special order. I love to smoke boneless turkey breast over hickory chips which we happen to sell for $1.49 for 1/lb of chips. Or make BBQ turkey drumsticks with Stubbs's BBQ sauce, yum. Ok, I'm done & I'm hungry now—I'll see YOU at the grill!

Super great specials for the grill this week, don't miss them!

Buddy's All Natural boneless skinless breasts on sale for $7.39/lb, regularly priced at $7.69/lb

Niman Ranch BBQ Pulled Pork $8.49 for a full pound of heat'n'eat shredded BBQ goodness, regularly priced at $8.89

Niman Ranch Top sirloin Full cut steak $8.49/lb, regularly $8.99/lb

Niman Ranch Top sirloin Ambassador cut $8.99/lb, regularly $9.49/lb

Niman Ranch Top sirloin Petite cut $9.49/lb, regularly $9.99/lb

Niman Ranch Ground sirloin 85% lean $7.99/lb, regularly $8.99/lb

Niman Ranch Ribeye steaks $16.99/lb, regularly $18.99/lb (while supplies last!)

June is also Eat Local Month! Wheatsville has always been a strong supporter of all things local, and the meat counter is full of great local products, including many names you may have seen at the farmers market, like Bastrop Cattle Company, Dewberry Hills Farm, Loncito's Lamb, and Richardson's Family Farm. We have a great selection in the freezer of all these suppliers. You can also find some great local options in the "quick-to-fix" case. We use local Windy Bar beef for our beef skirt steaks for fajitas seasoned in-house with peppers and onions, ready to grill for just $8.99/lb. Also, pick up some of our house-made Bacon Cheddar Burgers made with Windy Bar ground beef and local Veldhuizen "Redneck" Cheddar for $8.99/lb. These are a great way to eat local – all you have to do is fire up the grill!

World Cheese

Week one is done, but we still have three more weeks of World Cup left.  Yes! We have cheeses from around the world to help celebrate your favorite teams. We also have cheese trays and cheeses to complement those breakfast tacos, burgers, hot dogs and fajitas.

We have:

Manchego on sale for $13.69/lb, regularly $16.29/lb.Marscapone is on sale for $3.99, regularly $4.29.

Fleur de France 8oz Brie is on sale for $5.29, regularly $5.99.

Organic Valley 8 oz. Feta, Mozzarella and Raw Sharp Cheddar are all on sale for $3.99, regularly $4.99.

Galaxy Mozzarella Shreds is on sale for $2.89, regularly $3.79.

Also, Fathers day this weekend and we have cheeses for all your grilling needs. Scroll down to the end for some incredible burger recipes using our featured cheese of the month, fabulous Brie!

Pancakes Father's Day

Bob's Red Mill Pancake Mixes are on Owner Special this month. Choose from 10 grain, Buckwheat and Buttermilk—all are delicious for a Father's Day breakfast! The owner special price is $2.99; regularly $3.99. Take a video tour of their incomparable factory/ mill.

No time to cook from a mix? Check out Organic Batter Blaster for a super simple pancake breakfast with no muss or fuss! You can watch their kitschy demo video here

Coombs Maple Syrup is also on sale this month to top off all your yummy cakes, so stock up before June 30th!

Produce is the reason for the season

Some of the best of nature's bounty is at peak flavor in the summer. Enjoy it now because even though it may feel like it, summer does not ACTUALLY last forever!

Now in stock: Local peaches, Cherries. Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Melon, Grapes and more! Carry a towel when eating the peaches, you'll need it. (Note: our peaches are NOT refrigerated in order to help ensure that you get the most flavorful peach possible. But, this means you should buy them for a day or two at a time and eat accordingly.)

And, although fruit is rightly praised in this season, please, please, please eat some of this incredible local corn we've been getting. It is truly special.

Run for the board!

The Board is ramping up its annual election process, and the Nominations Committee would like to invite all Wheatsville owners to think seriously about running for a seat on the board. This is a different kind of leadership opportunity than you can find at any other organization. As a board, we are charged with acting on behalf and for the benefit of the owners of our co-op. We do this by using an incredible governance system that facilitates our leadership by focusing our energies on the "big-picture" questions, leaving the work of running the grocery store in the hands of Dan and his incredible staff. We have the great privilege of working for you, a diverse and passionate group of people who have invested in a business you believe in.

Members of the board serve three-year terms, receive a discount on purchases, and help to change the world in which we live through the perpetuation of co-op values and principles.

With our store renovation complete, this is a very exciting time to serve on the board. If you are interested, please click on the link to download a
Board Packet and Application or pick one up at the Hospitality Desk.

In order to run as an 'endorsed' candidate (see Board Application for more information), you must attend at least one board meeting (always from 6-9pm) and one Orientation Session (times TBD).  Please see the schedule below and RSVP if you plan on attending: nominations@wheatsville.coop.

June 16    (TONIGHT! Wednesday 7:30pm) Orientation for Prospective Board Candidates
June 30    (Wednesday) Regular meeting of the Board of Directors
July 13    (Tuesday 6pm) Orientation for Prospective Board Candidates
July 17    (Saturday 1pm) Orientation for Prospective Board Candidates
July 27    (Tuesday) Regular meeting of the Board of Directors
August 1    (Sunday) Deadline to submit your application
August 24    (Tuesday) Regular meeting of the Board of Directors


If you want an even better pitch for running for the board, take a look at this
Breeze article
Cooperatively Yours,
The 2010 Nominations Committee

 

Well, that wraps it up for this week! I hope it's a great one for you and yours!

Dan Gillotte

Wheatsville GM and e-mail guy!

Facebook Twitter Myspace LinkedIn Digg It! Del.ico.us Newsvine Reddit StumbleUpon
 

Burger Recipes!

THE BRASSERIE

Ingredients                                                                No. of Servings: 4

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 bone-in beef short ribs*

Salt and pepper

1 small yellow onion, cut in 1-inch pieces

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 carrot, peeled and cut in 1-inch pieces

1 celery stalk, cut in 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup port or red wine, optional

4 cups unsalted beef stock or broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

2 red onions, sliced

6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

8 slices country French bread

12 ounces Wisconsin Brie cheese, sliced

Cooking Directions

*Although short ribs are preferred, leftover pot roast can be substituted

For the meat: Heat a stockpot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add oil. Season short ribs on all sides with salt and pepper. Place in hot oil; brown on all sides. Remove ribs to a plate and add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to pan, stirring to remove any brown bits from bottom of pan. Cook 5 minutes. Add wine, if using, and simmer to reduce liquid by three-fourths. Add stock and tomato paste; stir and bring to a simmer. Return ribs to pan; cover and lower heat to a bare simmer. Cook for 2-3 hours or until meat is fork-tender. (Can also be cooked in slow cooker or in a 300ºF oven.)

Drain liquid into a saucepan; remove meat from bones. Return liquid to stove and simmer until reduced by at least one-half. Pour over the meat and veggies. (Recipe can be prepared to this point a few days in advance and refrigerated. Gently rewarm meat when you are ready to make sandwiches.)

For pickled onions: Place vinegar, water, sugar, and a little salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Place onions in nonreactive bowl and pour the liquid over them; cover and cool.

To assemble sandwiches: Heat a skillet or sautée pan over medium heat. Melt 1-2 tablespoons butter and add 4 slices of bread. Top each with 1/8 of Brie slices, some of glazed meat and vegetables, pickled onions, another 1/8 of Brie slices, and top slice of bread. Spread 1 tablespoon butter on each sandwich top. Grill until bread is golden and cheese is melted, turning once during grilling.

THE FLAT IRON

Ingredients                                    No. of Servings: 4

6 eggs

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pinch cinnamon

Pinch nutmeg

2 large russet potatoes

Salt and pepper

4 tablespoons canola oil

8 slices bacon

8 thick slices firm white bread

4 tablespoons butter

8 ounces Wisconsin Brie cheese, sliced

Pure maple syrup, optional

Cooking Directions

Make dipping mixture: Whisk 2 eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in wide bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Peel potatoes and cover with cold water in pot. Season with salt. Bring to a boil; lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes; turn off burner and let sit 15-20 minutes. Drain; rinse potatoes with cold water. When cool, grate with the large holes of box grater. Heat heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over high heat. Add canola oil; heat. Spread shredded potatoes evenly over skillet bottom. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes or until brown on bottom. Do not stir or disturb potatoes while cooking. Using a wide spatula, flip potatoes over and brown other side without stirring.

Fry bacon in skillet until brown and crispy. Remove; drain on paper towels. Return skillet to stove over medium heat and fry remaining 4 eggs. Remove eggs to a plate. Keep warm.

Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat and add butter. Remove dipping mixture from refrigerator. Re-whisk to blend well. Dip the bread slices, one at a time, in mixture. Grill one side. Flip. Brown second side. Top 4 slices each with 1 ounce Brie, a portion of the potatoes, 1 egg, two slices of bacon, and another ounce of Brie. Top with another prepared bread slice. Continue to grill sandwiches briefly to heat the Brie, being careful not to over brown bread. Serve with maple syrup on the side, if desired.