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You are here: Home / Archives for thanksgiving

Four Approaches to Cooking Your Thanksgiving Turkey

An oven-roasted turkey sits on some lemons ready to be enjoyed for a holiday dinner.

Should I brine my turkey? Should I let my spouse fry the whole bird this year? How do I achieve a quicker cooking time?

We have some turkey-cooking techniques for everyone from the Thanksgiving chef to the person who begrudgingly took on the challenge this year.

Oven Roast

Oven roasting is the most well-known route but there are tips and tricks to make this an even smoother, tastier technique. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, frill-free recipe, try this easy herb-roasted turkey. 

Looking for a moist, slightly more complex turkey? Try butter or mayo!

The tried and true method: compound butter.

To make your turkey with compound butter, mix together the ingredients below then rub the butter both on top of and underneath the skin. You want a generous amount of the compound butter on each part of your turkey.

This butter will add moisture and flavor to every bite of your Thanksgiving centerpiece. 

Compound Butter for Turkey

1 stick salted butter, room temperature

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. minced fresh thyme

1 tsp. minced fresh sage leaves

3 cloves finely minced garlic

1 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley

2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary leaves

Roasted Cut Up Turkey Platter For Thanksgiving, turkey breast on a platter with sage and oranges

This year’s fad: a mayonnaise base.

Chefs who write for the New York Times, the Huffington Post, and more have declared mayo the prime base for an herb-filled turkey rub this year. 

Simply sub in mayonnaise for the butter in our compound butter recipe above to try it out! Home cooks suggest this method is even easier than the butter, because they don’t have to remember to leave the butter out overnight to come to room temperature. With claims of an even more delectable turkey than one made with butter, we’ll be testing this recipe in our homes this year!

A quicker route to oven roasting: spatchcock. 

Spatchcocking your turkey is a fancy word for removing some of the bones so it lays flat on a pan, ready to be roasted using any of the three techniques above. Here are the two steps to spatchcocking your bird in detail: 

  1. Remove the backbone: Place the turkey, breast-side down, on a cutting board. Use sharp kitchen shears to cut along one side of the backbone. Repeat on the other side. Discard the backbone or reserve it for making stock.
  2. Break the breastbone: Use the palm of your hand to press firmly onto the breastbone until you hear a crack. Flatten the spatchocked turkey as much as possible.

Folks who swear by spatchcocking suggest the turkey cooks more quickly and evenly. Curious? Try out this recipe.

Brine

Many cooks swear by brining a turkey to get the best flavor. Brining is meant to break down the toughness of the meat while also adding flavor. The only drawback? The turkey has to sit in the brine for a minimum of 24 hours. If you have time to plan ahead, we have two brining techniques for you. 

Buttermilk Brine

This buttermilk brine adds extra moisture to your turkey. Even the leftovers won’t be dry! To use a wet brine you’ll boil the brine ingredients and let them cool before putting the turkey and the brine in an airtight bag. 

This brine only asks that you leave the turkey in the solution for one day, turning occasionally. Then, you rinse the turkey, rub it with butter, and roast it in the oven. Our compound butter above can be used in these final steps. 

Dry Brine

This dry brine is easy to do, just season your turkey, cover it in plastic wrap, and let it sit in the fridge for two days. The recipe only calls for salt, pepper, onion, and celery, but we’d recommend a few other seasonings too. Throw in some rosemary, thyme, and honey salt for some classic Thanksgiving flavors. Let the turkey sit in the brine for a third day for a stronger flavor. 

Air Fryer

While deep frying a turkey was a trend of the past, air frying some turkey is of current interest!

Air frying your turkey is great if you’re having a smaller crowd and cooking pieces as opposed to a whole bird. Here is a recipe for an air-fried turkey breast. In the air fryer the breast only takes 35 to 40 minutes to cook, and a compound butter can be used to add extra juices to the meat. Make sure to air fry pieces of turkey with the bone still in for more flavor and moisture as frying can dry out meat more quickly than roasting.

Grill

If crispy skin is of the utmost importance to you, try grilling your turkey. This technique, while uncommon, is great for large gatherings — it keeps the oven free for other dishes and spreads out the guests so they don’t all crowd the kitchen! 

With crispy skin, you can brush a delicious glaze over the turkey after it’s done to add extra flavor without compromising the texture. Try brushing the turkey with maple syrup, paprika, salt, and pepper. 

Grilling a turkey takes about the same time as roasting one, so you aren’t losing any relaxing hours here.

Do you still have questions about your turkey, such as how long to cook it or how many pounds you need? Check out this blog with portion breakdowns and more for your Thanksgiving dinner.

HOLIDAY| HOT OFF THE PRESS| MEAT & SEAFOOD| RECIPES| THE CO-OP DIFFERENCE holiday| local| organic| recipe| thanksgiving| turkey

Wines for Thanksgiving

The Co-op’s annual mix and match wine sale runs November 16 through November 23, and it's a great time to stock up on wines for Thanksgiving and throughout the holidays. Our wine department has curated 12 beautiful wines for your entire Thanksgiving day, from watching a football game to serving dinner. We have also selected some lovely bottles that make great host gifts.

Wines to Accompany Your Thanksgiving Meal

three wines

J. Mourat Vin de Loire Blanc
2021
A medium weight white wine blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay from France’s Loire Valley. It is fresh and harmonious with tastes of pear, star anise, and apple. Its light notes are a wonderful accompaniment to Thanksgiving foods like turkey and mashed potatoes.

J. Mourat Vin de Loire Rouge
2021
The 2021 J. Mourat Vin de Loire Rouge is an easy-drinking blend of Cabernet Franc, Negrette, Gamay, and Pinot Noir from a certified organic vineyard. This wine has notes of Bing cherry, nutmeg, and blueberry. It is a midweight wine that pairs well with a traditional turkey meal.

COR Cellars Cabernet Franc
2021
An elegant and medium-bodied Cabernet from Eastern Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills. Its cherry, cocoa, and smokey notes will delight your Thanksgiving guests.

Wines That Everyone Will Enjoy

three wines for everyone to enjoy

Borgo Alato Prosecco Extra Dry NV
The Borgo Alato is a refreshing, sparkling wine from Northern Italy. It has a delightful and complex bouquet with fruity notes reminiscent of peach and green apple. Serve it chilled as an opening toast or with dessert. Its price-point also makes it a great selection if you are serving mimosas or Aperol spritzes.

Elk Cove Estate Pinot Noir Rosé
2021
The Elk Cove Rosé is one of the most popular wines sold at the Co-op. This vintage is dry, medium in weight, and perfectly balanced. It has notes of refreshing nectarine, red currant, and Rainier cherry. It is a well-rounded wine that can accompany any course of your Thanksgiving meal.

Alois Lageder Schiava
2021
This extremely versatile wine hails from a vineyard in Italy’s Alto Adige region that is certified biodynamic and harmonious with nature. This is a chillable red, easy to drink, and will be a favorite for all your holiday guests. It is a medium weight with hints of strawberry, Rooibos tea, and pink peppercorn. Serve it as an opening wine and as your meal progresses.

Wines to Serve Before the Meal

three wines to drink before a meal

Rodica Refosk Pet-Nat Saignee Rosé
2020
The 2020 Rodica Refosk Pet-Nat Saignee Rosé is a naturally made sparkling light red wine. It is a bright and refreshing wine that is best served chilled as an aperitif with charcuterie and cheese.

Kobal Sauvignon Blanc 'Roots'
2021
A delectable and singular Sauvignon Blanc from Slovenia’s Podravje region. The vineyard follows Slovenia sustainability guidelines and practices organic farming. The wine is zesty and textured with notions of grapefruit, sea breeze, lemongrass, lychee, and white pepper. It’s a wonderful opening wine for your Thanksgiving day and pairs with football finger foods.

Château d’Aqueria Tavel Rosé
2021
The Château d’Aqueria Tavel Rosé toes the line between a red and a rosé. It is a full-bodied wine with raspberry, tarragon, and cracked pepper. The vineyard is in the Southern Rhône AOC of Tavel and practices sustainable farming. This wine goes well with fruits, cheese, olives, and Mediterranean dips.

Wines to Gift to Your Host

three wines that make good host gifts

Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad Cava
The Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad Cava Brut has lightly smoky opening aromas with touches of biscuit, and hints of honey and flower petals. The palate is excellent, fruity, and full of flavor, delivering a delightful sense of abundance. Its decorative bottle makes a unique gift for your host or a statement for your table.

Sixto Chardonnay 'Uncovered'
2019
The Sixto Chardonnay is a product of well-known Washington winemaker Charles Smith. This Washington old-vine Chardonnay pairs well with turkey, salmon, and aged cheeses — all things we enjoy on Thanksgiving.

Domaine Grégoire Hoppenot Fleurie 'Origines'
2020
This 2020 wine is labeled an “ideal Thanksgiving red” by the Co-op wine experts. It is grown in certified organic vineyards with indigenous yeast fermentation and minimal sulfur additions. It drinks like a Beaujolais. It is medium-bodied with seamless stony mineral, fresh raspberry, lavender, pink peppercorn, and lingonberry notes.

HOLIDAY| HOT OFF THE PRESS| SALES| THE CO-OP DIFFERENCE| WINE, BEER, & SPIRITS blanc| cava| chardonnay| franc| Pinot Noir| prosecco| rose| rouge| sale| thanksgiving| wine

Our Guide to Holiday Turkeys Available at the Co-op

Tukey is the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving, and choosing the right turkey is important for your meal’s success. With so many types of turkey to choose from, determining the right one can be difficult. Let us help you along with our easy guide to the types of Thanksgiving turkeys we have available for sale. 

All the turkeys available for purchase at the Co-op are from Mary’s Turkeys. Mary’s Turkeys is a third-generation family-owned and operated farm focused on the animal husbandry and welfare of birds raised for consumption. We have three turkeys to choose from for your Thanksgiving dinner: antibiotic-free, organic, and heritage. Order your turkey in-store or online today.

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Mary’s Antibiotic-Free Turkey 

Mary's Antibiotic-Free Turkeys are raised on a high-protein diet, which provides the optimal amount of nutrients for the turkey to grow. Mary’s Natural Turkeys are free of antibiotics, animal byproducts, hormones, preservatives, and additives. These turkeys are a flavorful and beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.

Mary’s Organic Turkey 

Mary’s Organic Turkeys are fed a premium diet of USDA certified organic ingredients and are free of antibiotics, animal byproducts, hormones, preservatives, and additives. Certified organic turkeys easily roast for moist and delectable dark and light meat. Organic turkeys are always delicious and cook lovely.

Mary’s Heritage Turkey

Mary's Heritage turkeys resemble the first breed of turkeys that existed in the United States.  They breed naturally as they run and fly on the farm. Their increased level of activity results in larger thigh meat and slightly less breast meat than is found on a typical turkey. All of these traits, along with an air chilling packing process, result in a superior tasting turkey that cooks faster than other birds. Heritage turkeys are free of antibiotics, animal byproducts, hormones, preservatives, and additives. Heritage turkeys have a rich, satisfying taste, and tender, moist meat. If you prefer dark meat, you will love the flavor of a heritage turkey.

Click here to order your turkey online

DELI & CATERING| HOLIDAY| HOT OFF THE PRESS| MEAT & SEAFOOD| SALES| THE CO-OP DIFFERENCE antibiotic-free| free range| Heritage| holiday| Mary's Turkey| non-gmo| organic| thanksgiving| turkey

Thanksgiving Turkey Alternatives

Not a turkey fan? Accommodating dietary restrictions? We’ve got you covered with nine turkey alternatives — both plant-based and meat-forward!

PLANT-BASED

Plant-Based Holiday Roasts

In-house Vegan Holiday Loaf

This delicious housemade loaf is made with chickpeas, oats, vegetables, and mushrooms then glazed with a sauce full of classic Thanksgiving ingredients! Omnivores and herbivores alike can enjoy this mouthful of cozy, fall flavors. Truly a Co-op staff favorite!

A plate of vegan Thanksgiving food, such as plant-based loaf and cranberry sauce, ready to be enjoyed for Thanksgiving

Field Roast

Beloved plant-based brand Field Roast has two holiday roast options this season! 

The first is a rich and fragrant centerpiece, the Hazelnut Cranberry Roast. This sweet yet bold roast is wrapped in flaky puff pastry and is the ideal balance to salty potatoes and stuffing. 

This roast serves eight, and is typically $18.99 but you can get it at the Community Food Co-op for $14.99 for a limited time. 

The Celebration Roast is an even better deal and features a more savory flavor profile. The roast is enhanced by the rich and earthy porcini mushroom gravy included in this dish. Not only does Field Roast recommend this roast as a Thanksgiving centerpiece, but also for sandwiches! Yum!

This roast serves eight, and is typically $18.99 but is $12.99 for a limited time. 

Tofurky

Tofurky — a household, vegan name! Not only do they have a roast for you this season, but they have a whole feast.

A savory blend of wheat and tofu, this roast is filled with a flavorful wild rice and bread crumb stuffing, ready to be basted, roasted, carved and devoured by all. This roast serves five, is usually $17.49 but is $11.99 for a limited time, and has been around since 1995.

The Tofurky feast serves six and includes much more than just one roast! It also includes stuffing, gravy, and a brownie for $34.99. This meal is $24.99 for a limited time. 

Gardein

Gardein has a plant-based ‘turk’y’ stuffed with a tart cranberry dressing. This Savory Stuffed Turk’y is served with a warm, savory gravy to balance the tart stuffing. 

This vegan option serves five people and is regularly $19.99 but will be $13.99 for a limited time.

Quorn

This roast is for all the vegetarians out there! Quorn’s Turkey-Style Roast is gluten free and has 15 grams of protein. Perfect for a group of four and only $7.99 for a limited time at the Community Food Co-op, this savory-forward roast is great for a meatless Thanksgiving dinner. 

Plant-Based Ham

Tofurky

A plant-based main course perfect for any holiday, this ham has a tender, smoky flavor, complimented by a sweet, tangy glaze. We’ve heard positive reviews from vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Tofurky's plant-based ham roast on a sea of mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving

This ham serves five people and is regularly $17.49 but is $11.99 at the Community Food Co-op for a limited time only. 

ALTERNATIVE MEATS

Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon 

Our wild-caught, Alaskan sockeye salmon is previously frozen and sold as a whole filet. Sockeye is rich in texture and high in flavor; a northwest favorite anytime of year. Need some inspiration? Roast your salmon in butter for classic Thanksgiving flavors with an innovative protein. 

Steamed salmon with fresh herbs and lemon ready to be enjoyed for Thanksgiving dinner

Our filets are about 1-1.5 pounds each and serve two to four people. Sockeye salmon is $16.99 per pound.

Chicken 

Roast chicken is the perfect alternative for a smaller crowd, especially if you want the gorgeous roasting photos without the turkey! You can still enjoy the roasted vegetable bed, basting, and carving experiences of a turkey with this more manageable alternative.

Delicious, freshly baked, crispy, baked chicken set on a table for Thanksgiving dinner

First time roasting a chicken? Here’s a little inspiration.

HOLIDAY| HOT OFF THE PRESS| MEAT & SEAFOOD| SPECIALITY DIET chicken| dinner| gluten free| ham| holiday| local| organic| recipe| salmon| thanksgiving| vegan| vegetarian

5 Tips to Heighten Wellbeing During the Holidays

holiday table with friends toasting the occasion

Holiday nostalgia is in the air. Everywhere you turn coffee shops highlight sweetened drink specials including pumpkin spice and eggnog lattes. While as the weather becomes gloomier, rainier and cooler, in the home kitchen, more soups, casseroles and roasted vegetables make it to the table. Even receptors on our tongues are heightened during the fall and winter months, further enhancing the flavors of rich comfort foods.

However our busy lives do not stop in the winter and food is in abundance all around us throughout the seasons. With this constant abundance we can often make unhealthy decisions when it comes to holiday gatherings.  Perhaps a new approach can help heighten the wellbeing of this holiday. Following are some great tips to enhance your Thanksgiving experience, which can support your health as well as those you love.

  • Don’t skip breakfast. Not only does this habit enforce overeating later at dinnertime, but your energy will lag throughout the day. Eating a well-balanced breakfast will help keep you satisfied, and less prone to overindulge in appetizers and dinner.
  • Opt for whole food recipes. Utilizing whole foods, in place of packaged or canned ingredients, adds more nutrient density to your meal, while simultaneously reducing added sugars, preservatives, and additives. For example, instead of serving cranberry sauce in a can, try making my quick and healthy raw cranberry relish which is low in sugar and allows all the powerful anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and enzymes to stay intact. See my recipe below.
  • Attempt a new plan of attack. Instead of eating everything that is offered, choose only your favorite dishes, and then make some room for a salad or roasted vegetables. This way you will be more satisfied emotionally, quenching those cravings that have culminated over the last year.
  • Eat mindfully. With each bite of food, chew slowly, savoring the flavors and aromas you have missed all these months. It can take up to 20 minutes for the body to identify fullness cues. Consequently, taking the time to eat your meal will allow you to identify when you are happily full before you reach the point where you need to unbutton your jeans.
  • Catch some fresh air. Instead of cozying up on the couch after dinner, go for a walk with a dear relative or friend. Good conversation is a great way to reconnect with those you have not seen all year. Afterwards you may feel even more satisfied and rejuvenated than before, allowing you to more consciously make a healthy decision when picking out a slice of your favorite dessert.

Raw Cranberry Relish

Did you know most cooked cranberry sauce recipes call for 1-1 1/2 cups of sugar! This recipe calls for only ¼ cup of maple syrup or honey and requires a bit of resting time to enhance the flavors. Therefore, taste it the following morning to see if you really need to add more sweetener. This relish tastes great tossed in salads, in wraps, sandwiches, or along with your Thanksgiving turkey. A little goes a long way!

a wooden bowl full of homemade cranberry relish

INGREDIENTS

12 oz fresh organic cranberries

1 organic orange, juice and zest

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (can replace with a little deseeded jalapeño)

DIRECTIONS

Rinse cranberries and strain. Pour onto a clean kitchen towel and pick out any soft cranberries. Add the fresh cranberries into a food processor. Process until finely minced. Be careful not to process it too much because then the relish will become too soggy. Pulse in the orange juice, zest, maple syrup, grated ginger root, and sea salt. If you want to add heat, do so now. Transfer into a glass jar, allow to rest overnight before serving, and store in refrigerator for up to one week.

Makes about 2 cups • Time: ~ 10 minutes

Selva Wohlgemuth, meal planning instructor

By Selva Wohlgemuth, Co-op News Contributor

Selva Wohlgemuth is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of Happy Belly Nutrition in Bellingham, Washington. She specializes in gut health and has an in-depth knowledge of women's health. She is an avid outdoorswoman and mother.

HOLIDAY| NUTRITION| RECIPES| WELLNESS cranberry sauce| holiday| nutrition| nutritionist| thanksgiving| wellness

5 Vegetarian Main Dishes for Thanksgiving

No turkey-eaters at your table? These vegetarian dishes are hearty enough for your Thanksgiving main course. Fall-forward ingredients create the comforting, savory flavors that you crave around the holidays.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

This Stuffed Acorn Squash from Cookie & Kate is easy, healthy, affordable and delicious. You can't beat that!

Mushroom Farro Soup

Move over butternut squash! When you're serving soup as a main course, it needs to have all the hearty, savory elements people expect of a Thanksgiving meal and this Mushroom Farro Soup from Bon Appetit does not disappoint.

close up shot of mushroom farro soup

Creamy Polenta with Roasted Winter Veggies

This satisfying creamy, cheesy polenta dish from Tara Teaspoon feels indulgent but it's actually relatively healthy. It makes good use of seasonal winter veggies too.

cheesy polenta with roasted root vegetables in a white bowl

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Balsamic-Sage Brown Butter Sauce

This Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Balsamic-Sage Brown Butter Sauce from Salt & Wind is the kind of rich, over-the-top dish you expect at Thanksgiving. We suggest this recipe for a seasoned cook (or a confident beginner) as it calls for homemade gnocchi.

Butternut Squash Risotto

Risotto makes an awesome Thanksgiving main dish. This Butternut Squash Risotto from Cookie & Kate gets extra points because it's baked! That means no more spending 50 straight minutes stirring a pot—with this recipe you just give it a quick toss at the end.

Butternut squash risotto in a blue bowl

HOLIDAY| RECIPES| SPECIALITY DIET holiday| main course| polenta| recipes| risotto| soup| squash| thanksgiving| vegetarian

Your Guide to a Diet-friendly Holiday Feast

thanksgiving table scene

If your holiday menu needs to accommodate many different dietary restrictions this year, don’t fret! Thanksgiving dishes are endlessly adaptable and diet-friendly dishes can feel just as indulgent as any traditional fare.  

If you're stumped—or simply overwhelmed—by the myriad dietary restrictions you need to meet, we've got you covered! We compiled a list of main dishes, sides, and desserts sure to please everyone at your table. 

We've vetted these dishes to make sure there aren't too many hoops to jump through. You'll be able to find everything you need at your local food co-op, and there will be no food processors or niche kitchen gadgets involved. Hooray!

Vegan

Vegans often get the short end of the stick when it comes to this holiday classic! Even though they are a veggie-based dish, mashed potatoes typically come laden with butter, cream, and cheese making them a no-go for the vegan at your table. But these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Love & Lemons are so creamy and delicious, you won't miss dairy one bit!

a bowl of vegan mashed potatoes with herbs sprinkled on top
A teal bowl of orange butternut squash risotto

Vegetarian

If you need a hearty main dish that says "Thanksgiving" but is meat-free, this Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto is it! Unlike traditional risotto which requires a lot of time and attention, this risotto uses nutty brown rice and it is baked (yes, baked!) in the oven, so it only requires a few minutes of stirring at the end. It will be a crowd pleaser among vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

Whole30

That charcuterie board might not be the best hors d'oeuvre for your Whole30 guests, but these easy Sausage and Cranberry Stuffed Mushrooms with Sage are a perfect pre-dinner snack brimming with fall flavors. Bonus: They're also gluten free and paleo!

whole30 stuffed mushrooms
keto diet green bean casserole

Keto

Folks following the keto diet are supposed to steer clear of many Thanksgiving staples: sweet potato pie, mashed potatoes, roasted root veggies, apple pie...the list goes on. But Keto Green Bean Casserole is here to save the day! Your keto guests can indulge in this Thanksgiving classic while keeping on track with their diet.

Paleo

No need to leave your Paleo pals behind once dessert is served! This Paleo Pumpkin Spice Cake will be a hit with everyone at your table. It uses gluten-free cassava flour and it's sweetened entirely with honey. Intimidated by the height? Don't be. There are instructions for your typical single-layer cake in the recipe, which isn't to deter you from making a layer-cake if you wish—the sky is the limit!

a slice of paleo pumpkin spice cake with a bite taken out if it
A bowl of gluten free stuffing with a wooden spoon

Gluten Free

We would be remiss to discuss Thanksgiving without talking about stuffing! Traditional stuffing is about as un-diet-friendly as it gets, but this Gluten-Free Stuffing will satisfy even the pickiest stuffing eaters among us. The recipe offers dairy-free and vegan options too!

Time Saver: Olivia's Gluten-Free Rosemary & Sage Stuffing Mix

GROCERY| HOLIDAY| RECIPES| SPECIALITY DIET dessert| gluten free| holiday| keto| main course| paleo| sides| thanksgiving| vegan| vegetarian

Dazzle ’em! Simple Hors d’Oeuvres & Delicious Cheese

by Rachel Horton, Cordata Specialty Cheese

brie covered in divina sour cherry spread

Feeding a crowd? Dazzle ’em with simple hors d’oeuvres and delicious cheese!

My suggestion? Bring a smile to everyone’s face with a round of Ile de France Brie, topped with Divina Sour Cherry Spread, and paired with La Panzanella Gluten-Free Oat Thins. 

This simple yet posh dish brings so many flavors for a few minutes of work, plus it won’t break the bank!

Feeding a crowd? Let them nibble on these irresistible morsels.

If you’re anything like me, you love the holidays! We enjoy getting together with friends and family. But, when you really think about it, we love the holidays because we love to eat. The holiday recipes that seem too fancy for everyday living make us all feel like we are gourmet chefs in the kitchen. It’s a chance to impress your family members while trying something new.

you’ll supply the amazing hors d’oeuvres

This year, the specialty cheese department is here to help excite you and all your friends with delicious easy-to-prepare treats. Let the family gourmet chefs prepare the main courses; you’ll supply the amazing hors d’oeuvres!

My suggestion? Bring a smile to everyone’s face with a round of Ile de France Brie, topped with Divina Sour Cherry Spread, and paired with La Panzanella Gluten-Free Oat Thins, as pictured above.

This simple yet posh dish brings so many flavors for a few minutes of work, plus it won’t break the bank!

Ile de France is a mild brie and great for anyone just starting to try soft ripened cheeses. It has a slight mushroomy scent with a tangy aftertaste that pairs perfectly with the sweet and sour cherry spread.

The new Gluten-Free Oat Thins from La Panzanella in Seattle is a great option if you are trying to please everyone’s palate and consider various dietary needs. La Panzanella has long been a best-seller at the Co-op and their new gluten-free crackers don’t disappoint.

hors d'oeuvres platters with cheese pastrami figs olives figs

Building a cheese tray?

A basic serving suggestion is 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of each cheese per person; round down if you are serving three or more cheese varieties, round up if serving only one or two cheeses.

Another great option when feeding the masses is a cheese tray.

grab something for everyone and fill your platter with salamis, cheeses, olives, fruits, and crackers

Grab something for everyone and fill your platter with salamis, cheeses, olives, fruits, and crackers. The Co-op has some approachable and affordable suggestions.

A great starter cheese tray would look something like:
(see descriptions of each selection below)

  • Comté
  •  Brie du Pommier
  • Pérail Papillon Sheep’s Milk Cheese
  • Bennings Mild Goat Gouda
  • La Panzanella Artisan Crackers
  • Divina Castelvetrano Olives.

Simply add your favorite meat and fruit, and enjoy!

STEPHANIE SAYS

giant cheese wheel and slices with community food co-op deli worker

by Stephanie Willard, Downtown Specialty Cheese

The cheese case can be overwhelming. Don’t know where to start? These selections offer something to please everyone.

hard goat cheese with almonds

Benning Goat Gouda

Popular Dutch cheese with a pleasantly mild, fresh taste and pure white color. It is made from light, fresh goats’ milk, formed into classic Gouda-style wheels and aged to a rich yet mellow flavor and a creamy smooth texture. It’s a great “beginners” goat cheese.

Uses: Texture is firm enough to slice or cube, but also melts beautifully in anything: omelets, pizza, or quesadillas.

hor d'oeuvres cheese and almonds

Fromager d’Affinois

Mild, buttery flavor reminiscent of a silky triple-crème. The texture is a thick, nearly whipped spread of tangy, milky goodness. A flawless rind adds flavor to the sweetness of the cheese.

Uses: Popular on cheese platters with a sweetness that pairs well with champagne and fresh fruit. Smooth and gooey when warm from the oven: serve with crackers or toasted crusty French bread slices, topped with Divina Sour Cherry Spread, or wrapped in phyllo and baked for an impressive Brie en Croûte.

gruyere cheese block with brie wheel

Comté

Creamy texture with nutty, earthy flavors that range from stone fruit to brown butter. Captures the essence of a raw-milk, mountain pasture-fed cow’s milk cheese.

Uses: Super versatile and fairly firm, it can be sliced, cubed, or grated. Great eaten by itself, or used in cooking. Those nutty flavors work well melted into everything from fondue to Croque Monsieur—or jazz up a bowl of mac & cheese, sprinkle over veggies, or fold into a plate of eggs.

brie cheese wheel and gruyere cheese slice

Pérail Papillon

Melt-in-your-mouth, buttery, full but mild flavor, with notes of sweet grass and wildflowers. A thick, creamy disc of fresh sheep’s milk with a fudgy center and downy velvet rind. The sheep graze lush floral pasture on the Causses, a group of limestone plateaus rich in minerality in the South of France.

Uses: At room temperatures, it gets almost unctuous and runny, making it perfect to spread on crackers or a baguette with sour cherry jam and toasted nuts on the side.

pommier cheese and spread with jam on cracker

Brie du Pommier

Classic bloomy rind and soft paste with earthy and vegetal aromas that intensify as the cheese ripens. Full-flavored and mildly funky, with flavors that range from milk and sweet cream to mushroom and cauliflower.

Uses: follow suggestions for Fromager d’Affinois

green olives and divina orange fig spread

Divina Spreads

Delicious shimmery spreads from Divina are customer and staff favorites all year long, but particularly popular during the holiday entertaining season.

Uses: Serve one of these spreads on the side or generously spread over a rich brie or smooth goat cheese to instantly elevate your appetizer plate. Choose from sour cherry, fig, and orange fig.

Castelvetrano Olives

These olives were my gateway olive. Never having liked olives in the past, I was encouraged to try these. I was not disappointed. Castelvetranos upon first glance stand out because of their lively, pale shade of green. They are firm and meaty with a mild and buttery taste that’s both salty and sweet. They appeal not only to olive aficionados, but also to those who shy away from stronger, brinier varieties.

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Mix & Match Wine Sale

Mix & Match Wine Sale

Friday, Nov. 9 though Wednesday, Nov. 21

Both stores

15% off any 6 bottles; 20% off any 12 bottles

Stop in and save! Need recommendations? Ask our wine stewards: Tim at the Cordata store or Vic at the Downtown store.

 

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The Co-op is closed for Thanksgiving

Please be aware that all Co-op locations are closed on Thanksgiving day. Enjoy the holiday and we'll see you Friday!

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DOWNTOWN STORE & DELI • map • 360-734-8158 • 7 am – 9 pm
meat and deli counter: 7 am – 7 pm
made-to-order counter: 7 am – 6 pm
salad/hot bar: 7 am – 6 pm

CORDATA STORE & DELI • map • 360-734-8158 • 7 am – 9 pm
meat and deli counter: 7 am – 7 pm
made-to-order counter: 7 am – 6 pm
salad/hot bar: 7 am – 7 pm

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