Whole Foods Local & Organic Showcase in Glastonbury CT

Did you know that your local Whole Foods holds daily / weekly / monthly events and specials?

Whole Foods Glastonbury Events and Happenings

In early July I attended Whole Foods in Glastonbury's Local and Organic Food Showcase on the same night of EVERYTHING's CHERRIES! What fun! We got there early and were able to visit a few of the cherry tastings that were going on to celebrate that day's $1.99/lb Cherry Special!

Everything's Cherry at Whole Foods Glastonbury 7-11-14
(L) Ice Cream with Brandied Cherries - (R) Sirloin Steak with Cherry Cole Slaw

We then moved on to the Local and Organic Showcase and met up with some of Whole Foods Glastonbury's favorite local vendors!

First we started with Project Fresh Juice, a local company out of New Haven, CT. Project Fresh uses a natural cold pressure process to keep their juices safe, full of flavor, and bursting with fiber and protein — with no need for additives, preservatives, or pasteurization. Offered in flavors like Spicy Maple Lemonade, Carrot Apple Ginger Blend, Whole Deep Kale Blend, Whole Deep Beet Blend, and Easy Pink Lemonade. My fave, the spicy maple lemonade. What a kick! And oh so good!

Project Fresh - All Natural Cleansing Juices
http://www.projectfreshcraftjuice.com/

Then we visited with Bakery on Main from Glastonbury CT and sampled some of their natural and gluten free granola. We loved learning the background of founder Michael Smulders' story of listening to his clientele who had dietary issues with Celiac, etc. so he made it his mission to offer products his customers needed.

Bakery On Main Gluten Free Granola
https://www.bakeryonmain.com/

Then we stopped and sampled some of the delicious mixers available from Ripe Bar Juice of New Haven CT! Lucky for me it was National Mojito Day (Who Knew??) and so of course I sampled the Agave Mojito Mix! Ummm --- YUM! Even without the rum! The Cowboy sampled the San Marzano Bloody Mary Mix and absolutely loved it!  Also available are Agave Margarita, Lemon Sour, Punch Bar.

Ripe Bar Juice
https://www.drinkripe.com/

Then we sampled some of the refreshing ice cream from Tea-rrific! GOOD!!! Tea-rrific Ice Cream is just what it sounds like - tea infused ice cream. I loved the delicate and subtle hints of the Chamomile, Masala Chai, London Mist, Ginger Matcha, and Chunky Ginger Matcha, that they are made from. My fave was the chunky Ginger Matcha as I loved the play on texture.

Tea-rrific Tea Infused Ice Cream
http://tearrificicecream.com/

Then we learned all about natural soap from the soap nut lady (that's what the cowboy keeps calling her) from YoreGanics, makers of all-natural soap products and skin care. I absolutely loved founder Kim Mendes' story about her holistic journey to health and her family's skin care issues. You simply must try her products. I've been using her Yore Balm - Bye Bye Dry skin care balm on my dry skin patches, and already 7 days later I'm experiencing a marked improvement!

YoreGanics Products and Skin Care
http://www.yoreganics.com/

Next we met up with the baked goods from Bella Sophia Baking Co. who create yummy desserts like whoopie pies, biscotti, and uglies. Don't ask me why they call them uglies - because they are such GOODIES! But in any case they taste like funny bones! I do know however that the company is named after the chief baker's adorable daughters "Bella" and "Sophia" - and what could be sweeter than that (except her baked goods!)

Bella Sophia Baking Company
http://www.bellasophiabakingcompany.com/

Last, but certainly not least was the ice cream sampling from Arethusa Farms in the Litchfield Hills of CT who pride themselves on their  award-winning purebred Jersey, Holstein and Brown Swiss cows. In addition to ice cream, Arethusa Farms also produces milk, yogurt, and cheese products. And oh my goodness! Their coffee ice cream is AMAZING!!!! So creamy with a strong coffee flavor!

Arethusa Farms
http://www.arethusafarm.com/

Finally I rounded all these wonderful and gracious vendors up for one final group picture! Thank you ALL for taking time from your busy schedules to tell us about your wonderful products!

The Whole Foods Glastonbury Local and Organic Showcasers!

All of the above products are available in the Whole Foods Glastonbury CT store. If you are looking for a product shown in this article, please visit the company's websites as many products are available online.

Special thanks to the Whole Foods Glastonbury peeps who always put on a wonderful and informative showcase of their products!  Remember to Buy Local - Shop Local - And Support Local!

Whole Foods Glastonbury

55 Welles Street

Glastonbury CT 06033

860.652.9800

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/glastonbury

Are you lucky enough to have a Whole Foods Market near you?

I love taking the ride to the Whole Foods in the Hartford area.

And I keep a-wishing-and-a-hoping that one will come to my 

shoreline community of Branford  / Guilford / Madison someday!

Whole Foods Market at Bishops Corner West Hartford CT for Holiday Recipe Ideas!

Every year I mull over the same predicaments! What to serve for holiday dinners!?!? 

Not necessarily the ones where the entire family gathers on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, but appetizers and dinners that I can serve for friends dropping in for casual dinners and get-togethers!

Thankfully, I don't have too far to look for inspiration.  Great ideas can be found in my local Whole Foods Market. Unfortunately, for me, that's about a 40 minute drive to the Hartford/Glastonbury area from my hometown of Branford CT!

But as I was lamenting the fact that they're not right around the corner from me while I was there last week , Whole Foods Corporate tweeted me that they are always looking for new locations to open!  How's that for active listening to their consumers???

So, if you would like the great folks at Whole Foods to consider opening in an area near you, here's where you can make your recommendation ==>  bit.ly/1iXTJAJ 

At the event I recently attended at Whole Foods Market in Bishops Corner West Hartford CT, many of their culinary experts gathered to give us some great ideas for all the upcoming holiday soirees!

And I also got to meet up with some local bloggers I've been following, Carrie from Poet in the Pantry, Allie from VitaTrain4Life, Erica from Erica: Thoughts of an Organic Mama , Jess from Foodette Reviews, and of course, Wendy and Greg from Connecticut Lifestyles Magazine.

I started with some of their savory ideas. My favorite was the Crispy Risotto Ball served on a bed of pureed sweet potato, prepared by Chef Bryce. So crispy good and delicately fried on the outside, with soft and creamy risotto on the inside. Then I swirled a few bites into the sweet potato puree to take me right straight into holiday heaven food bliss! So good and this would be a great appetizer or side dish to serve at any holiday party.

Chef Bryce's Crispy Risotto Ball

My favorite inspired protein of the evening was the Grilled Lamb. I'm a little sheepish (PUNNY) to admit that I've never prepared lamb at home, although it is something I always order when I'm out. However, Chef Devlin furnished me with a recipe that just might get me over my trepidation of preparing it!

Devlin prepares rack of lamb

And Devlin also showed a simple yet creative way to display your lamb when serving it. Simply mound it up on a stack of grilled vegetables surrounded by some simple holiday decor! Recipe for the Rack of Lamb HERE.

For seafood we were treated to some of Craig's lobster tails and some bacon wrapped shrimp and scallops. Did you know that you can purchase party packs of bacon wrapped scallops and shrimp at Whole Foods?

What a great idea! Pop them in the oven with no fuss while you mingle with your guests!

Then I moved on to some of the sweets! We were able to sample some Bourbon Pecan Pie, Dairy Free "Cheesecake" , Chocolate Biscotti (Recipe HERE), and Cocoa Oat Truffles (Recipe HERE)!

Clockwise, L-R
Top L: Dairy Free Cheesecake, Top R Cocoa Oat Truffles
Bottom R: Chocolate Biscotti, Bottom L: Bourbon Pecan Pie

To cap the evening off with a beverage, we sampled a great alternative to the traditional heavy and rich eggnog! This one is called Almond-Nog, and it's quite light in consistency because of the Almond Milk, but still has that nice holiday flavor.

As you can see they used a banana as a thickener. I think when I make it I'm going to use a frozen banana to make it almost milkshake-like. YUM! And healthy too!

Almond-Nog

Thanks to Whole Foods in Bishops Corner West Hartford CT for the wonderful holiday cheer and inspiration!

Look for great events at YOUR local Whole Foods Market! 

Incredible specials, a calendar of events, cooking classes, holiday magazines, and more!

For more pictures from this event visit the Home Place Facebook page HERE!

What's on your holiday menu this season?

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

Whole Foods Market Local and Organic Showcase in Glastonbury CT

This week I was invited to the Whole Foods Market in Glastonbury CT, for a local and organic showcase event, featuring some of the best products New England has to offer! 

Whole Foods Market Glastonbury - Local and Organic Showcase

What an informational event! In attendance were several Whole Foods Culinary Specialists, as well as several brand ambassadors and owners of other local New England companies: Cissé Trading Company, Ripe Bar Juice, Ooma Tesoro's, and Tea-Rrific.

I worked my way around the room, starting with Rachael from Cissé Trading Company who prepared a refreshing frozen banana hot cocoa "frostéy". It was delicious, perfect for a health-conscious treat, and what a great idea to use a frozen banana instead of ice to "slush" it up. All it took was a frozen ripe banana, whole (or you can use skim) milk and Cissé's organic Fair Trade Vanilla Bean Hot Cocoa Mix. Cissé's also makes cake, cookie, muffin and brownie mixes, all made with Fair Trade organic products.  

Rachel from Cisse Trading Company at Whole Foods Glastonbury CT

Next we sampled some of Tia's Blueberry Granola Crisp made with local blueberries from Rose's Berry Farm in South Glastonbury. Tia is a demonstration specialist, and this crisp was easy to make, and oh.so.good. (Recipe: HERE)

Blueberry Crisp Granola at Whole Foods Market Glastonbury CT

Next we sampled some of the best cocktail mixes around, from Ripe Bar Juice. Ripe is 100% fresh and natural, and comes in Margarita, Mojito, Punch, Lemon Sour, and Bloody Mary flavors. My very favorite was the mojito, probably because CT is experiencing a South Beach-like tropical heat wave...and mojito's remind me of fun times in South Beach. Best of all? They're located in New Haven, CT - right near me. Now that's what I call local!

Ripe Bar Juice - Whole Foods Glastonbury CT

Next we met Mario from Tea-Rriffic Ice Cream - and sampled some homemade ice cream made with all natural ingredients. What a great idea! Tea infused flavors blended with light and creamy ice cream. The end result is a light subtle "grown-up" type taste. Tea-Rrific comes in Masala Chai (Assam black and rooibos teas with sweet aromatic and peppery spices), London Mist (malty and citrusy Earl Grey Tea with a hint of vanilla bean, Chunky London Mist (semi-sweet Belgian chocolate flakes and buttery roasted pecan chunks), Chamomile (with notes of Apple and Honey from Egyptian Chamomile Flowers), and Ginger Matcha (fresh ginger perfectly balanced with delicate grassy notes of premium Matcha green tea). Best of all?  It's ALL NATURAL!

Tea-Rrific Ice Cream - Whole Foods Market Glastonbury CT

Next up was Devon, a Culinary Demonstration Specialist, from Whole Foods-West Hartford who demonstrates at some of the greater Hartford area Whole Foods. Today Devon prepared a fresh Green Bean Salad with a homemade Berry Vinaigrette made with mostly locally grown products. (Recipe: HERE) Devon explained how Whole Foods partners with local growers to give their customers the freshest produce. Are you interested in pairing with Whole Foods? Contact your local store for more information.

Devon from Whole Foods prepared a Green Bean Salad with Berry Vinaigrette 

Next up was Jon, another Culinary Specialist from Whole Foods Market, who prepared an amazing Grilled Corn on the Cob, using sweet cooking rice seasoning, butter, and soy sauce. I have to admit when he explained the ingredients, I was doubtful, but when I tasted it - I was SOLD! It was amazingly good, and I will be incorporating this corn on the cob grilling technique into my summer barbecues!  When I asked why the unusual flavors, he explained his history as an exchange student in Japan, and how that influences some of the flavor profiles he works with. The tips you learn from these chefs at Whole Foods never cease to amaze me! **Update: See the Comments section at the end of this post for Jon's Japanese Style Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe. (Thanks Jon!)

Grilled Corn on the Cob - Whole Foods Market

Last on my Whole Foods Local and Organic Showcase tour was Michael, founder, owner, and chef of Ooma Tesoro's Marinara Sauce.  Michael's love for food is apparent in his dedication to producing his Ooma's (grandmother's) recipe, in the same way he learned from her, made with love with natural ingredients in small batches. Ooma Tesoro sauce is made in our neighboring state of Massachusetts, in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains.

Ooma Tesoro's Marinara Sauce - Whole Foods Market Glastonbury CT

What an informational and inspiring showcase we shared at Whole Foods Market on this visit.  A wonderful reminder to shop organic AND support and buy local!

Whole Foods Market Local and Organic Showcase - Glastonbury CT

Do you have a Whole Foods Market near you? 

I'm still hoping that my immediate area in the Branford, Guilford, Madison, Old Saybrook shoreline in Connecticut gets a Whole Foods Market soon!  

 !! Hint-Hint !!

Disclaimer: I was invited to attend this Showcase by Whole Foods Market. All opinions contained herein are my own. All items shown are subject to change and may not be available in your area..

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.