Thursday, January 7
Minneola Tangelo
We have the privilege of having access to a number of small citrus farms in Florida, California and Texas that have been sending us some amazing fruits. I just finished up a nice display of these goodies that will greet you as you walk in the store. Here's more info on one of our favorites:
Minneola Tangelo
The fruits are the size of an adult fist and have a tangerine taste, but are very juicy, to the point of not providing much flesh but producing excellent and plentiful juice. Tangelos generally have loose, thin skin and are easier to peel than oranges. They are easily distinguished from oranges by a characteristic knob at the top of the fruit. Like most tangelos and mandarin oranges, the Minneola tangelo is pretty easy to peel. Many people like the fact that the fruit doesn’t have very many seeds, usually about ten on average, so they’re easy to avoid. Since Minneola tangelos have such a burst of both sweet and sour flavors, they’re excellent for use in a variety of dishes, though you can make a good argument for simply peeling and eating them. You can add them to either fruit or green salads. They’ll be delicious when dressed with most vinaigrette dressings. They can also top focaccia, be used in marinades, or grilled. They provide a delicious way to add that sunny summer feel back into your diet, even when the weather outside is gloomy or cold.
Tuesday, January 5
Brew News January 2010
BREW NEWS - JANUARY 2010
Information to maximize your delight of beer in the new year!
1. Beer Blowout Sale: Single Bottles
2. Pre-Mixed 6pk: IPA's/Pale Ales
3. Beer Enjoyment Tips: Pouring
4. Seasonals/New Beers
1. Beer Blowout Sale: Single Bottles
We strive to ensure that all of our beers are as fresh as they can be (while acknowledging that some become bett
er with age). We also like to have a wide variety of single bottles available to you, the customer, so you can mix & match as you please. This means we need your help! Look for a special discounted section of single bottles in the beer cooler. Let's all "take one for the team" and drink through some of our backstock...
2. Pre-Mixed 6pk: IPA's/Pale Ales
This month's Pre-Mixed 6pk will include India Pale Ales (IPAs) and select Pale Ales. Look for these specially-marked 6pks below the single bottles racks. Raise your hand (er, glass) if you love hops!
3. Beer Enjoyment Tips: Pouring
There are many ways to enjoy beer, and it all starts with how its poured (which you should always, ALWAYS do!). First, choose the right glass for the style of beer you have. This varies with each beer - certain
shapes can help hold and/or increase the aromas of the yummy ingredients within. Second, pour the beer so you get a nice foamy head at the top of your glass. About 1-1.5" is about right. This is important and sometimes necessary for the overall aroma of your beer. Lastly, SMELL your beer before drinking. Appreciate it. LOVE IT. Remember, the more you smell, the more you taste.
Don't belive it? Take a pull from the bottle, then pour in a glass & sip. Notice the difference?
4. Seasonals/New Beers
"Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel ashamed - Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.'"
-Deep Thought, Jack Handy
Prost!
-The Beer Dudes (Drew and Jordan)
Information to maximize your delight of beer in the new year!
1. Beer Blowout Sale: Single Bottles
2. Pre-Mixed 6pk: IPA's/Pale Ales
3. Beer Enjoyment Tips: Pouring
4. Seasonals/New Beers
1. Beer Blowout Sale: Single Bottles
We strive to ensure that all of our beers are as fresh as they can be (while acknowledging that some become bett
er with age). We also like to have a wide variety of single bottles available to you, the customer, so you can mix & match as you please. This means we need your help! Look for a special discounted section of single bottles in the beer cooler. Let's all "take one for the team" and drink through some of our backstock...2. Pre-Mixed 6pk: IPA's/Pale Ales
This month's Pre-Mixed 6pk will include India Pale Ales (IPAs) and select Pale Ales. Look for these specially-marked 6pks below the single bottles racks. Raise your hand (er, glass) if you love hops!
3. Beer Enjoyment Tips: Pouring
There are many ways to enjoy beer, and it all starts with how its poured (which you should always, ALWAYS do!). First, choose the right glass for the style of beer you have. This varies with each beer - certain
shapes can help hold and/or increase the aromas of the yummy ingredients within. Second, pour the beer so you get a nice foamy head at the top of your glass. About 1-1.5" is about right. This is important and sometimes necessary for the overall aroma of your beer. Lastly, SMELL your beer before drinking. Appreciate it. LOVE IT. Remember, the more you smell, the more you taste.Don't belive it? Take a pull from the bottle, then pour in a glass & sip. Notice the difference?
4. Seasonals/New Beers
- Furthermore's Makeweight is back in for the season. Check out this wonderfully unusual blend of three styles of pale ales. Our limited supply is what we have for the rest of the year!
- Central Waters Hop Harvest comes in a handy 22oz. bomber bottle. Feel good about drinking this wet-hopped ale that uses Wisconsin-grown hops and barley
- JLF is now the first place in town to have Walter's Premium Pilsener available in 12pk cans. Take pleasure in more of this Eau Claire original, brewed at Northwoods Brew Pub
- Look forward to another fine beer from Dave's Brewfarm available at the end of January. Here's what David has to say about Matacabr
as: "Named after Spain’s famed 'goat killing' northerly wind, this tempestuous brew has a maelstrom of flavors swirling within it. Robust American hops and rye make this deep, dark ale an experience to savor."
"Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel ashamed - Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.'"
-Deep Thought, Jack Handy
Prost!
-The Beer Dudes (Drew and Jordan)
Saturday, January 2
communicación desde Comayagua, Honduras
We're back in WI! click here for some last photos and some journals to come...
We've crossed into Guatemala! Click here for photos!
here are our first photos from HONDURAS!
View farmer to farmer trip in a larger map
I´m over joyed to be writing a first post from Comayagua, Honduras... we have an amazing opportunity to get to know so much about the people that are growing such amazing organic and much more than fair trade coffee. Tomorrow we will be up and out on the mountain well before the sun, checking in with many of our honduran family run coops or small coffee growers, making sure that their needs are being fairly met and that they are receiving the hard earned premium for organic growing practices. These beans are the seeeds and monetary foundation for community projects and infrastructure for continued growth and cooperation. for more info on farmer to farmer please visit their website, become a member and receive quarterly updates on different projects. Look for notices through just local food for future trips where you can also get involved and enjoy the beauty and compassion for our shared future.
keep an eye out for updates on honduras and then also learn about growers in Guatemala, ask us to show you what coffee we´re sampling and have a cup to warm up or take home a bag of honduran or guatemalan (farmer to farmer or just coffee!) café to share with family and friends.
here are our first photos from HONDURAS!
We've crossed into Guatemala! Click here for photos!
We're back in WI! click here for some last photos and some journals to come...
We've crossed into Guatemala! Click here for photos!
here are our first photos from HONDURAS!
View farmer to farmer trip in a larger map
I´m over joyed to be writing a first post from Comayagua, Honduras... we have an amazing opportunity to get to know so much about the people that are growing such amazing organic and much more than fair trade coffee. Tomorrow we will be up and out on the mountain well before the sun, checking in with many of our honduran family run coops or small coffee growers, making sure that their needs are being fairly met and that they are receiving the hard earned premium for organic growing practices. These beans are the seeeds and monetary foundation for community projects and infrastructure for continued growth and cooperation. for more info on farmer to farmer please visit their website, become a member and receive quarterly updates on different projects. Look for notices through just local food for future trips where you can also get involved and enjoy the beauty and compassion for our shared future.
keep an eye out for updates on honduras and then also learn about growers in Guatemala, ask us to show you what coffee we´re sampling and have a cup to warm up or take home a bag of honduran or guatemalan (farmer to farmer or just coffee!) café to share with family and friends.
here are our first photos from HONDURAS!
We've crossed into Guatemala! Click here for photos!
We're back in WI! click here for some last photos and some journals to come...
Tuesday, December 29
crackers
Have you tried Potter's Crackers? They are the perfect local cracker for everyday and for that special party!
I called down to the Potter's cracker shed in Madison just before Christmas to place an order for us, and the freshly baked crackers are already here. Now that's fresh: baked, packed and shipped to order. And until someone more local than Madison (they gets their flour from a mill just south of here, and other ingredients from nearby places!) gets crackin', these are our local cracker. And you've been to Madison, it's not too far, and it's a pretty awesome town.
We've increased our selection along with the bakery - here's what we have: Garlic and baby onion, six seed, toasted sesame, caraway rye, washington island flax, hazelnut graham, cranberry graham, cranberry wild rice, sweet potato onion and classic white. Hand-bagged 4oz size.Wondering what to do with a cracker like this? Check out their pairings page. We have most of the cheeses they recommend, right across the aisle from the crackers!
Wednesday, December 23
worker-owned co-ops... sustainability as a gift to our communities this holiday season
Thursday, December 17
Last Minute Christmas Ideas.
Do you need a last minute Christmas idea? Under $15? Here are just a few you will find in the store;
Malted Milk Powder that comes already wrapped with recipes enclosed, made in Colfax, WI.
Obsession Chocolates syrup, chocolates, truffles, toffee and cocoa.
Many Health and Beauty items including, soaps, lotions, reed diffusers, chico bags.
How about a Just Local Food T-shirt?
Local Jams, Honeys, Maple Syrups.
Coffee and Teas.
Beer.
And there are always Gift Certificates in any denomination.
If you need assistance all the workers have great ideas for gifts, just ask!
Happy Holidays.
Malted Milk Powder that comes already wrapped with recipes enclosed, made in Colfax, WI.
Obsession Chocolates syrup, chocolates, truffles, toffee and cocoa.
Many Health and Beauty items including, soaps, lotions, reed diffusers, chico bags.
How about a Just Local Food T-shirt?
Local Jams, Honeys, Maple Syrups.
Coffee and Teas.
Beer.
And there are always Gift Certificates in any denomination.
If you need assistance all the workers have great ideas for gifts, just ask!
Happy Holidays.
get back to your ROOTS!
In our wondrous winter wonderland, it's easy to forget that our local farmers STILL have plenty of fresh produce for sale. The majority of this fresh produce is in the form of roots. Many vegetable plants store their own "food" in their roots, typically in the form of carbohydrates. Today we'll be focusing on locally produced taproots in the form of turnips, parsnips, rutabagas, carrots, beets and burdock. For now, we won't confuse our taproots with tuberous roots like yams, potatoes or sunchokes...Here is a rundown of our current local taproot supply:
Beets come from Harmony Valley Farm in Viola. Experts at certified organic growing, post harvest storage, cleaning and packing, Harmony Valley provides us with a consistent supply of roots throughout the winter. You may be familiar with their 3# bagged soup mix which we stock with vigor while it's available. A simple solution to your evening meal quandry is a bag of soup mix with a few recipes right on the bag. You'll also find burdock root, a culinary thistle that was the inspiration for Velcro, organically grown by Harmony Valley on the shelves. Burdock is also a traditional medicinal herb that is used for many ailments.We've got carrots coming out our ears. Easily the most popular taproot out there, and
our signature product, we've always got carrots in stock. You will find California carrots on our shelves - and we carry these for a variety of reasons. Our local supply of carrots can vary in quality, size and appearance. The California Carrots are consistently great, and we carry these out of convenience for those of you looking for the standard American carrot! From time to time throughout the winter we do happen upon local carrots, and we are happy to present a variety of carrots brought to us by our friends at Six Rivers Cooperative based in Barron, WI. These bright orange carrots were grown by Dragsmith Farms, who you know from their incredible Mississippi Greens. Maurice is pictured at right with carrots grown on his farm.
Rutabaga and turnips, interestingly enough, are from the genus brassica, whose esteemed family members are also referred to as cabbages, mustards, and cole crops. Rutabaga and turnips are associated with the same potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity as their relatives. Thanks to Grandma Ingrid up in Hayward, nothing says "holiday!" to me like a pot of boiling 'bagies on the stove. These roots also come to us from Six Rivers Cooperative and are sourced from a variety of Amish and English farmers north of Eau Claire.
In sad news: Jalapenos are on short supply, Piney Hill Salad with Pizazz won't be back until the middle of January and we're sold out of Sylvan Hills garlic for the season!
our signature product, we've always got carrots in stock. You will find California carrots on our shelves - and we carry these for a variety of reasons. Our local supply of carrots can vary in quality, size and appearance. The California Carrots are consistently great, and we carry these out of convenience for those of you looking for the standard American carrot! From time to time throughout the winter we do happen upon local carrots, and we are happy to present a variety of carrots brought to us by our friends at Six Rivers Cooperative based in Barron, WI. These bright orange carrots were grown by Dragsmith Farms, who you know from their incredible Mississippi Greens. Maurice is pictured at right with carrots grown on his farm.Rutabaga and turnips, interestingly enough, are from the genus brassica, whose esteemed family members are also referred to as cabbages, mustards, and cole crops. Rutabaga and turnips are associated with the same potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity as their relatives. Thanks to Grandma Ingrid up in Hayward, nothing says "holiday!" to me like a pot of boiling 'bagies on the stove. These roots also come to us from Six Rivers Cooperative and are sourced from a variety of Amish and English farmers north of Eau Claire.
In sad news: Jalapenos are on short supply, Piney Hill Salad with Pizazz won't be back until the middle of January and we're sold out of Sylvan Hills garlic for the season!
Monday, December 14
Dave's BrewFarm Beer Sampling and other tidbits...
We had a great time with David from Dave's BrewFarm down at the store sampling BrewFarm Select on Friday, December 18th from 4-6 PM. We also enjoyed meeting the wonderful folks behind Blue Collar Jams pairing their amazingly balanced habanero jams with this crisp and refreshing beer.We also have some other exciting news. In the last few weeks we set up a new account with a small Wisconsin based distributor that is going to give us access to some New Products and New Everyday Low Prices on several staples we already have. To mention a few...
New Products
Salsa Lisa Mild/Medium Salsa (refrigerated)Salsa Lisa Hot Salsa (refrigerated)
Salsa Lisa Roasted Chipotle Medium Salsa (refrigerated)
Alexia Mushroom Bites (frozen)
Alexia Mozzarella Stix (frozen)
Oikos OG Greek Yogurt Vanilla (refrigerated)
New Everday Low Prices
Mt. Sterling Feta $5.69->$5.39
Crave Brothers 8oz Fresh Mozzarella $3.79->$3.49
Crave Brothers Farmer's Rope $7.89->$4.99
GT's Kombucha (all varieties) $4.59->$3.99
Tofurky Slices (all varieties) $3.99->$3.49
Look for more prices to drop as we order more product, including brand lines Tofurky Vegan Products, Mt. Sterling Goat Cheeses, President Cheeses, and Crave Brothers Cheeses to mention a few.
Christmas Turkeys
Are you looking for a turkey for your Christmas dinner? Coon Creek Farm has a few organic turkeys from 20 - 25 lbs. They sell for $4.99 per pound. If you are interested give us a call and we can order one for you. 552-3366.
Friday, December 11
Tuesday, December 8
Wreaths for sale!
ForkMates by RP's Pasta is now in our Freezer!
from their website;
"RP's would like to introduce you to ForkMates, our newest line of microwavable frozen Entrees. RP's new ForkMates were developed with great taste, the farmer's well being,the reduced environmental impact of purchasing our ingredients locally, and the ultimate convenience for you.
The cheese is 100% Wisconsin made, the mushrooms are purchased directly from a Wisconsin farmer, and the pasta, well, we make that fresh for every order."
Now Available in four quick delicious meals:
- Four Cheese Ravioli in a Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce
- Four Cheese Tortellini in a Basil & Tomato Sauce
- Macaroni & Cheese Featuring "Hook's 3 Year Cheddar"
- Portabella & Parmesan Ravioli in a Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce
Ready in just 4 minutes.
Monday, December 7
Maple Syrup
Eric's Maple Syrup a.k.a. Watkins Maple Syrup is winding down for the season. What we have in stock is all we'll have until the Spring tapping, including grade B. So stock up now, while you can!
Thursday, December 3
This week in PRODUCE
local, Naturally Agave Sweetened Salad Dressings from Elder Valley Farms and Local, Organic Apple Sauce from Hoch's Orchard
Cara Cara Navels, Grapefruit and Valencia Oranges, Satsuma and Fall-Glo Tangerines (Organic)
Last of the Season's local Cranberries (but keep looking in our frozen section to find Sno-Pac Cranberries from MN!) and naturally beautiful Spencer, WI peppers
Organic Green Beans
a multitude of local, organic heirloom squash
and back in this week: Brent Douglas (locally grown!) Flowers
Tuesday, December 1
Brew News December 2009
Welcome to another installment of Brew News!
1. New Products
2. New Beer Shelving
3. Sampling w/David of Dave's BrewFarm
4. Empty 6 Packs?
1. New Products
We have picked up several new and seasonal products recently. Stop down and check them out, they make great gifts/treats to share for the holidays.
Capital Eisphyre 4pk - limited release, 1st time since 2006
Summit Winter Ale 6pk - seasonal
Bell's Rye Stout 6pk - limited release
New Glarus Snowshoe Red Ale 6pk - seasonal
Sand Creek Hard Lemonade 6pk - back again from a brief hiatus
New Belgium Trippel 6pk - new to us, year round
New Belgium 2 Below 6pk - seasonal
New Belgium Fat Tire 12pk - new to us, year round
Dave's BrewFarm Select 12pk - new product on the market (on sale for $10.99)
New Belgium 1554 22oz - new to us, year round
Finnegan's Irish Amber 6pk - new product on the market
2. New
Beer Sh
elving
A few weeks back we installed new beer shelving with the help of Matt, Chris, and Don from Park Ridge Distributing. The old shelves had many noticeable problems leaning 6 packs, shelves set to closely (inhibiting the ability to get your favorite 6 pack), 15 plus years of broken beer bottles and grime, and sharp edges covered in duct tape. The new (to us) shelving is much cleaner, adjusts easily, and is set perfectly for all those local beers we stock. Thanks for bearing with the old unit and please check out the fully stocked new one.
Thanks again Matt, Chris, and Don for the many hours of help installing!
3. Sampling w/David of Dave's BrewFarm
We are in the scheduling stages with David at this point. Look forward to a BrewFarm Select sampling in the third week of December. If you can't wait, stop down and buy a 12 pack and do a sampling of your own. Pairs well with burgers, pizza...actually this beer goes with everything.
Check out this old post for more info on Dave's BrewFarm.
Beer Advocate Review
Leader Telegram Article by Joe Knight
4. Empty 6 Packs?
We have a stock pile of empty 4 and 6 packs that needs to be dwindled. If anyone would like hundreds of them for a crafting project (think of that beer lover this holiday season) or some other functional use, let us know. If your idea is to the liking of Drew and I, we might even throw in a free 6 pack for taking them off of our hands.
Cheers to Be
ers,
Jordan (on behalf of The Beer Dudes)
"If you ever reach total enlightenment while drinking beer, I bet it makes beer shoot out your nose."
-Deep Thought, Jack Handy
1. New Products
2. New Beer Shelving
3. Sampling w/David of Dave's BrewFarm
4. Empty 6 Packs?
1. New Products
We have picked up several new and seasonal products recently. Stop down and check them out, they make great gifts/treats to share for the holidays.
Capital Eisphyre 4pk - limited release, 1st time since 2006
Summit Winter Ale 6pk - seasonal
Bell's Rye Stout 6pk - limited release
New Glarus Snowshoe Red Ale 6pk - seasonal
Sand Creek Hard Lemonade 6pk - back again from a brief hiatus
New Belgium Trippel 6pk - new to us, year round
New Belgium 2 Below 6pk - seasonal
New Belgium Fat Tire 12pk - new to us, year round
Dave's BrewFarm Select 12pk - new product on the market (on sale for $10.99)
New Belgium 1554 22oz - new to us, year round
Finnegan's Irish Amber 6pk - new product on the market
2. New
Beer Sh
elvingA few weeks back we installed new beer shelving with the help of Matt, Chris, and Don from Park Ridge Distributing. The old shelves had many noticeable problems leaning 6 packs, shelves set to closely (inhibiting the ability to get your favorite 6 pack), 15 plus years of broken beer bottles and grime, and sharp edges covered in duct tape. The new (to us) shelving is much cleaner, adjusts easily, and is set perfectly for all those local beers we stock. Thanks for bearing with the old unit and please check out the fully stocked new one.
Thanks again Matt, Chris, and Don for the many hours of help installing!
3. Sampling w/David of Dave's BrewFarm
We are in the scheduling stages with David at this point. Look forward to a BrewFarm Select sampling in the third week of December. If you can't wait, stop down and buy a 12 pack and do a sampling of your own. Pairs well with burgers, pizza...actually this beer goes with everything.
Check out this old post for more info on Dave's BrewFarm.
Beer Advocate Review
Leader Telegram Article by Joe Knight
4. Empty 6 Packs?
We have a stock pile of empty 4 and 6 packs that needs to be dwindled. If anyone would like hundreds of them for a crafting project (think of that beer lover this holiday season) or some other functional use, let us know. If your idea is to the liking of Drew and I, we might even throw in a free 6 pack for taking them off of our hands.
Cheers to Be
ers,Jordan (on behalf of The Beer Dudes)
"If you ever reach total enlightenment while drinking beer, I bet it makes beer shoot out your nose."
-Deep Thought, Jack Handy
Tuesday, November 24
Holiday Hours
Happy Holidays!
Our open hours will change a little bit during the holiday season.
We will be CLOSED Thanksgiving Day, 11/26.
We will be OPEN Christmas Eve Day, 12/24 until 2pm.
We will be CLOSED Christmas Day, 12/25.
We will be CLOSED New Years Day, 01/01.
We will have regular hours every other day, including New Years Eve.
Monday, November 23
Holiday Items in the Freezer
We have some new items in our freezer just in time for the Holidays.
You will find;
Alexia frozen multi-grain dinner rolls
Sno Pac frozen Organic Cranberries
Castle Rock Christmas Mint Ice Cream in quart containers
Wholly Wholesome Organic Pie Crusts (2 pack) in whole wheat and traditional
Happle Gourmet Kringles in Cherry and Pecan
Coon Creek Organic Turkeys
Other new items are;
Ezekiel sprouted grain frozen bread
Butternut Squash ravioli
Paula's frozen soups, made in MN
EVOL burritos
You will find;
Alexia frozen multi-grain dinner rolls
Sno Pac frozen Organic Cranberries
Castle Rock Christmas Mint Ice Cream in quart containers
Wholly Wholesome Organic Pie Crusts (2 pack) in whole wheat and traditional
Happle Gourmet Kringles in Cherry and Pecan
Coon Creek Organic Turkeys
Other new items are;
Ezekiel sprouted grain frozen bread
Butternut Squash ravioli
Paula's frozen soups, made in MN
EVOL burritos
Artisan Made Graham Crackers for the Holidays!
Peter, Nancy and the rest of the crew at Potter's Crackers in Madison have crafted some great new graham crackers for the holidays! We are overjoyed to have Pumpkin Graham and Apple Graham Crackers on our shelves for the season next to standbys like Hazelnut Graham crackers.
All of Potter's crackers are made with local ingredients so be sure get the Apple Graham Crackers while supplies last!
Saturday, November 21
Just Local Flowers now at JLF!
Brent Douglas and Just Local Food are proud to bring you fresh, local, gorgeous flowers now at your community co-op. Working to source flowers from growers in Plymouth, MN and Wausau WI, we are hoping this will add great color, scent, and growing convenience and thoughtfulness to each visit to our store.
Wednesday, November 18
Brine Your Turkey!
Brining is a really easy way to keep a turkey moist and flavorful. If you haven't tried it, you really should. You'll be amazed at the difference.Here's the brine I usually use for turkey, chicken, and pork chops. It is much less salty than most brines, but does the trick. (ignore the rest of the recipe, just use the brine recipe). http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/entertaining/partiesevents/thanksgiving_allen_food/recipes/food/views/Deconstructed-Holiday-Turkey-with-Sage-Gravy-236317
Ted Allen's Turkey Brine recipe (from link above):
Mix these together until dissolved:
* About 3 quarts cool water
* 1/4 cup kosher salt
* 1/4 cup honey
Optional additions:
* 1 head garlic, cut in half (do not peel)
* 2 dried bay leaves
* 4 sprigs fresh thyme
* 2 large whole sprigs fresh sage
* 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
* 2 teaspoons allspice berries
* 1/4 cup fresh celery leaves (from 1 bunch)
Put in large stock pot or bucket or roasting bag, big enough to hold turkey, and cover with brine. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight. Rinse, pat dry, and roast or grill as usual.
For a video, look here:
http://www.epicurious.com/video/technique-videos/technique-videos-poultry/1896810047/poultry-how-to-brine-a-turkey/1915433293
Why/how brining works:
http://www.cooksillustrated.com/images/document/howto/ND01_ISBriningbasics.pdf
Another very scientific detailing of brining:
http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/11/the-food-lab-turkey-brining-basics.html
Tuesday, November 17
Dave's BrewFarm at JLF!
Yesterday Drew, Dave, and myself (Jordan) went down to visit David at Dave's BrewFarm in Wilson, WI. Just to give you a sense of what we encountered, as we pulled off of Interstate 94 we could see a wind generator peeking over the wooded hills just past Wilson. We knew this was the destination. As we got closer the anticipation started to build; beer, renewable energy, farming OH MY! I don't know about you all but these are all topics that get me excited.
Warmly welcomed, we did the intros and headed straight down to the 'labrewatory' for a tour of the operations and a peek into what is yet to come. Trust me, a lot is in the works. We started with a sample of the BrewFarm Select, the first beer to come out of the BrewFarm. The BFS, as it is sometimes referred as, was a crisp and flavorful beer falling under the category of golden lager. This product is a great beer that is flavorful enough for the connoisseur and smooth enough for the casual drinker. It is being brewed at Point Brewery in Stevens Point, WI.
We also got a run down of the renewable energy aspects of the BrewFarm and the list goes on and on. Most noticeable is the constantly spinning 20kw wind turbine that cranks out the electricity for the whole operation. Secondly, they heat and cool the property with geothermal coupled with an in floor coil system and a well-thought thermal mass structure with 1 foot thick walls. They also reused many materials from barn boards, reclaimed tin sheet metal, and timbers giving the whole property an immediate charm.
The conversation went on for hours and lucky for the three of us, we were able to sample some of the test batches of beers yet to come. BrewFarm Select is just the tip of the ice berg. Look forward to six packs contract brewed at Sand Creek Brewing in Black River Falls, and 750ml bottles being produced on-site at the BrewFarm. Four varieties of hops are being established and should be ready in 2 more years, achieving the start of the Farm side of BrewFarm.
Please give BrewFarm Select a shot, you'll be happy you did. Then you can join the growing list of folks excited about what is yet to come.
For the rest of the year we are going to run BrewFarm Select at an introductory price of $10.99 a 12pk, $1.00 off retail pricing. This will be a great gift or a great treat to share with your family and friends this holiday season.
Warmly welcomed, we did the intros and headed straight down to the 'labrewatory' for a tour of the operations and a peek into what is yet to come. Trust me, a lot is in the works. We started with a sample of the BrewFarm Select, the first beer to come out of the BrewFarm. The BFS, as it is sometimes referred as, was a crisp and flavorful beer falling under the category of golden lager. This product is a great beer that is flavorful enough for the connoisseur and smooth enough for the casual drinker. It is being brewed at Point Brewery in Stevens Point, WI.
We also got a run down of the renewable energy aspects of the BrewFarm and the list goes on and on. Most noticeable is the constantly spinning 20kw wind turbine that cranks out the electricity for the whole operation. Secondly, they heat and cool the property with geothermal coupled with an in floor coil system and a well-thought thermal mass structure with 1 foot thick walls. They also reused many materials from barn boards, reclaimed tin sheet metal, and timbers giving the whole property an immediate charm.
The conversation went on for hours and lucky for the three of us, we were able to sample some of the test batches of beers yet to come. BrewFarm Select is just the tip of the ice berg. Look forward to six packs contract brewed at Sand Creek Brewing in Black River Falls, and 750ml bottles being produced on-site at the BrewFarm. Four varieties of hops are being established and should be ready in 2 more years, achieving the start of the Farm side of BrewFarm.Please give BrewFarm Select a shot, you'll be happy you did. Then you can join the growing list of folks excited about what is yet to come.For the rest of the year we are going to run BrewFarm Select at an introductory price of $10.99 a 12pk, $1.00 off retail pricing. This will be a great gift or a great treat to share with your family and friends this holiday season.
Friday, November 13
fresh turkey for the holiday - delivery change
Don't forget to sign up for fresh or frozen turkeys for your thanksgiving and holiday dinners! These certified organic or natural birds are coming from our long time sources Coon Creek Family Farm, Beaver Creek Ranch, and Sunnyside Farms
. We would like to have your orders by November 19 to help out our suppliers scheduling.. Plan to pick up your fresh Beaver Creek Ranch turkey (avg 20#) on Friday, November 20th about noon.. The Sunnyside Farms certified organic pasture raised fresh turkeys (avg 10-15#) will be available Saturday, Nov 21st about noon. The Coon Creek Family Farm certified organic frozen turkeys are available now, but please give us a call (715-552-3366) if you'd like to place an order or sign up on our in-store clipboard by visiting us!We will also have a few uncured bone-in hams from Beeler.
thanks for shopping at just local food..
Thursday, November 12
Citrus Season is here!
Organic Tangerines (Satsuma and Fall-Glo) have arrived!Cranberries, papaya (pictured on the right), kiwi, dates, bananas, local IPM or local+organic apples, lemons and limes, grapefruit, grapes... quite the possibilities right now for a wonderful fruit salad right here in Eau Claire!
recipe ideas:
Saturday, November 7
New Herbal Remedy from Infinitea Tea House!
New Seasonal Teais here!
Infinitea and Just Local are proud to bring you a fresh mix for fighting off that fall flu, boosting immune systems and staying warm and jolly.
please let us know if you have any other suggestions for teas for the winter chill or simply go visit our friends at the new teahouse!
Thursday, November 5
Piney Hill Farm Salad Mix with "pizzazz"
New this week!
Piney Hill Farm spring mix - spicy, pre-washed, hyper-locally grown (and farm direct, from Glenwood City, WI). Truly a local, natural (no herbicides or pesticides) and fair trade product.
disclaimer: please wash your produce
Tuesday, November 3
Brew News November 2009
Brew News - November 2009
Beer Happenins' at Just Local Food... written by guys who just plain love beer!
1. Pre-mixed Stout 6pk
2. New beer shelving and re-set
3. Central Waters: Wisconsin's First Green Powered Brewery
4. Beers worthy of special mention
1. Pre-mixed Stout 6pk
We had great success last month with our Pre-Mixed Oktoberfest 6 packs. This unique offering gives you a chance to try a variety of beers that have been selectively chosen by the Beer Dudes at Just Local Food. Each month, we switch it up and feature a different kind of beer - at a good price, too.
This time around, we've got a great mix of Stouts to help ease you into the colder autumn and winter months:
Beer Happenins' at Just Local Food... written by guys who just plain love beer!
1. Pre-mixed Stout 6pk
2. New beer shelving and re-set
3. Central Waters: Wisconsin's First Green Powered Brewery
4. Beers worthy of special mention
1. Pre-mixed Stout 6pk
We had great success last month with our Pre-Mixed Oktoberfest 6 packs. This unique offering gives you a chance to try a variety of beers that have been selectively chosen by the Beer Dudes at Just Local Food. Each month, we switch it up and feature a different kind of beer - at a good price, too.
This time around, we've got a great mix of Stouts to help ease you into the colder autumn and winter months:
- Furthermore Three Feet Deep (Dry Irish Stout)
- New Glarus Coffee Stout (Mix of Bolivia, Sumatra, and Harrar coffees from Just Coffee Coop)
- Viking Big Swede (Swedish Style Imperial Stout)
- Central Waters Satin Solstice Imperial Stout
- Oscar's Chocolate Oatmeal Stout (World Beer Cup Gold Award Winner 2000)
- South Shore Rhoades' Scholar Stout
...look for other fine Stouts to be thrown into the mix!
**The Beer Dudes highly recommend drinking Stouts at around 55˚-60˚F. More flavors will be released as it becomes warmer. Don't want to mess around with a thermometer? Keep your Stouts in the fridge until you're ready to drink one (or two). Let sit out for a good 15-20 min, then open and pour. Always, always pour into a glass!**
2. New beer shelving and re-set
Look forward to new shelving and a re-organization for our beer! The old Johnny's beer shelves have served us well, but it's time for an upgrade. What does this mean for you? Newer shelves mean we can organize our four doors of great beer just as we want, streamlining our selection to only the best brews from the state and the region (plus a few others that are just that darn good). Plus, they'll be super-easy to grab out of the cooler, putting you on the fast track to enjoying the beer of your choice. We're excited about this, too!
3. Central Waters out of Amherst, WI has become Wisconsin's first Green-Powered Brewery! Here's an excerpt from their website:
"The biggest step has been the addition of roughly 1,000 square feet of solar collectors... 24 panels, in all. Central Waters Brewing Company [also] uses a radiant floor heating system, and more energy efficient lighting systems, motors in the equipment, and brewhouse. All of the materials used in the newly remodeled tap room are from recycled resources. Also, with the implementation of the new grain silo outside of the brewery, we are able to reduce the amount of packaging materials that come into the facility, therefore the amount of packaging that needs to be disposed of. In addition to the sustainability practices currently in use at the brewery, Central Waters works with local farmers to recycle the grain used in the brewing process. The spent grain is taken by these farmers and used as feed for livestock, and also used as compost. The addition of the solar collectors, coupled with other sustainability practices, allows Central Waters Brewing Company to drastically reduce the consumption of natural gas, therefore greatly reduce our carbon footprint. Central Waters Brewing Company…truly "making the world a better place, one beer at a time."
Let's hold up our glasses to these great pioneers at Central Waters!
4. Beers worthy of special mention
Here are some great brews that deserve to be noticed:
- Capital Winter Skål
- Goose Island Nut Brown Ale
- Viking Abby Normal (Tripel Abbey-Style Ale) - a truley unique beer! Made with green apples, it's wonderfully reminiscent of our Wisconsin autumn season. Plus, the namesake comes from none other than the movie Young Frankenstein!
"A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it's better to be thoroughly sure."
Slàinte!
The Beer Dudes (Jordan and Drew)
Sunday, November 1
Just Local Food on GAMEDAY!
just local food on gameday (Packers vs. Vikings)!
Safety First... and please have fun with your food! (Bob and Zac model extra cabbage leaves as helmets/shoulder pads and red curi squash substitute for the traditional pig skin)
think Just Local Food for supporting your hometown teams!
Fingerfood with soul is here! beer with attitude... make your own 6-pack that speaks to todays game! unforgettable cheese, meat, cider, fruits and veggies, ETC!
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