Tasteful Thursdays Are Back

The fall season is in full effect, with gem-toned leaves embellishing our sidewalks, brisk evening weather drawing us indoors, heartier soups gracing our salad bar and daringly dark ales ever-present on our beer cooler’s shelves. With this magical time of year comes an even more magical event at the Co-op—Tasteful Thursdays!

Tasteful Thursdays is an annual event series that showcases the sights, the sounds, and most importantly, the tastes of the season. From November 7 through December 21 (except for November 28 when the Co-op will be closed for Thanksgiving), each Thursday from 5-7 p.m. the Co-op’s aisles will transform into a festive affair full of samples, gift ideas, holiday staff picks, and more. You’ll get to sample our Co-op Kitchen’s delicious Thanksgiving sides and desserts, available for special order to simplify your Turkey Day. You’ll get to meet some of our favorite local and regional brewmasters and winemakers, and sample their seasonal libations. You’ll get to hear some wonderful tunes from local musicians, including two of our talented staff members! And, of course, you’ll get to relieve some of your holiday stress with complimentary neck and back massages from Sonya of Balance… A Wellness Spa.

One of our featured vendors this week is Sticky Fingers Farm from Troy, ID.  This family farm makes delicious small-batch ice cream with local and organic ingredients and they've recently added hummus to their lineup (lucky us!). The above photo features ice cream sandwiches made with the Co-op Bakery's Molasses Crinkle cookies and Sticky Fingers' Salted Caramel Ice Cream.  We know, we know... it's insane!

For the full list of Tasteful Thursday musicians and vendors check out the co-op website.

Build a Better Breakfast

 Sometimes the battle of you vs. the snooze button is hard to avoid.  Your bed is comfy, your cat is snuggly and if you have a choice between a healthy breakfast and 15 more minutes of sleep it's almost laughable to think that breakfast would win.  But we want to try and set you on a healthier path... a path where you can have your sleep and your breakfast too.  We've all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and while we know everyone's body is different, we also know that starting your day off with a boost of protein, fiber, whole grains and antioxidants can only help.

Here's a quick and easy recipe for Blueberry Walnut Oatmeal that'll help you blaze through your day:

1 cup of organic rolled oats, $1.45 per pound in bulk brown sugar, on sale for $1.39 per pound in bulk Stahlbush frozen blueberries, on sale for $3.29 raw, shelled walnuts, $8.99 per pound in bulk

Mix 2 cups of water, milk or milk alternative with oats in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Bring to a simmer and cook until oats reach desired consistency.  Stir in brown sugar, walnuts and  blueberries.