Whole Foods Market Valentine's Day Sweetheart Deals

Last week, members of the Connecticut blogging community were invited to Whole Foods Market in Glastonbury, CT to sample some sweets and savories.

All I can say is WOW!  

L-R Tia, Katie, Devin, Bryce

They offered us so many wonderful items to sample...I don't even know where to begin!

Bryce created two fabulous treats to start us off...

Panko Almond Shrimp

Panko Almond Shrimp, above, served on a bed of Sweet Potato Rossini, Spicy Slaw, and drizzled with a Honey Gastrique.  Bryce explained that gastrique is a stock or flavoring created when a sweet substance, in this case honey, is reduced with an acidic, such as vinegar.  

Chocolate Covered Orzo Risotto

Bryce also prepared Orzo Risotto with Candy Bacon & Marshmallow, covered in Chocolate. As unusual as this combo  might sound, I have to say, this was probably my favorite flavor combination of the evening. The orzo was almost creamy inside the chocolate, the bacon added a slight salty crunch, and the marshmallow and chocolate were ever so sweet. And,  oh. so. good.

Whole Foods Market didn't stop surprising us with flavors there!  Devin also made two great creations, Braised Pomegranate Short Ribs and Sweet Potatoes with Lime.

Braised Pomegranate Short Ribs and Lime Sweet Potatoes 

Just look at those short ribs melding with all the stock and vegetables. And the sweet potatoes with candied walnuts, feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.  When I tell you I didn't want to walk away from his station, I'm not kidding. Between the aromas and the taste...I could have stayed there all night!

Next Katie from Whole Foods Market prepared some sweet treats, Hail Merry Macaroons (gluten free, vegan, no refined sugars) Dark Chocolate covered Strawberries, Gillian's Chocolate Cake (wheat and gluten free).

Gluten Free Macaroons, Dark Chocolate Strawberries, Gluten Free Chocolate Cake

Tia then closed the Whole Foods Market event with her fabulous array of Mom's Organic Munchies and Hail Merry products, and a delicious Republic of Tea Cuppa Chocolate Peppermint tea. The perfect compliments to the wonderful foods we had sampled.

Are you looking for a special meal for your special someone? Whole Foods Markets in the Glastonbury, Bishops Corner and West Hartford area are offering a Sweetheart Dinner Deals for Two for only $24.99.  Call your local Whole Foods Market for details!

All prices subject to dates, locations, and availabilty

This was a wonderful event!  Each and every one of Whole Food's demonstrators were knowledgeable about the product they prepared, and chock full of information.  A common theme when talking with each member of the crew was that Whole Foods Market allows them the ability to be creative with their demonstrations, and how they love working with the superior merchandise at Whole Food Market stores.

Folks, that creativity shows! They were all so patient with our questions and explained that Whole Foods Market often has demonstrators and specialists preparing samplings for their customers throughout the week in many stores.  Don't be afraid to ask them questions, and learn some new cooking techniques! They love to be helpful!

And here's something special...that I can't wait to share!

Do you love chocolate?  Whole Foods Markets in select areas will be holding 

CHOCOLATE FEST 2013!

West Hartford February 7th (Thursday) from 5 to 7 pm

Glastonbury February 8th  (Friday) from 4:30 to  6pm

Bishops Corner February 9th  (Saturday) from 12 - 2pm

Visit a Whole Foods  Market near you!

Additional photos of this event available: HERE

Disclaimer: I was invited to attend this Valentine's Blogging Event by Whole Foods Market. All opinions contained herein are my own. All prices and items shown are subject to change and may not be available or applicable in your area.