Nov 2011 - Jan 2012
Transcription
Nov 2011 - Jan 2012
November 2011 – January 2012 THE JOY OF GOOD FOOD At Home with Kowalski’S THE JOY OF THE SEASON A Bit of Bubbly: Going Beyond Champagne Holiday Hors d’Oeuvres Gifts of Good Taste WWW.KOWALSKIS.COM Thoughts from the Kowalskis GRAND AVENUE MARKET 1261 Grand Avenue 651-698-3366 Manager: Britt Lindemann A t Kowalski’s, we’re not just a family business; we’re a true “hands-on” business. From the one-on-one expertise you get from our Wine Expert, Cheese Specialists, Nutritionist or Culinary Director to the custom service offered by our Floral Designers, Catering Department and our Chefs, we’re passionate about personal service to you. Throughout this issue of At Home with Kowalski’s, you’ll find examples of these and other employees’ contributions to our commitment to be the most personal market in the Twin Cities. www.kowalskis.com We believe some of the best, most flavorful things in life – and in our stores – are handmade, too. From baked Bries, lasagnas, jams, freshly-pulled mozzarella, salads, spreads and sandwiches in our Deli Department to pies, cookies, candies, breads and more from our Bakery Department, busy hands are at work everywhere you look. Many of our vendors also work with their hands – from our farmers and ranchers to our artisan partner-producers, some of whose products are found nowhere else in the Twin Cities. Take a look at stories about great local handmade products from two of our partner-producers, featured in this issue on pages 10 and 14. Both Lisa O’Connell and Meg Dehmer of Sauce Anna Lisa and Pigtale Twist, respectively, produce, bottle and label their gourmet creations for Kowalski’s by hand. They are but two examples of the many business owners Kowalski’s has helped to market over our many years in this community. Be sure to read the feature on page 18, too. Local cookbook authors and Kowalski’s shoppers Jeff Hertzberg, M.D., and Zoe Francois continue the hands-on theme of our issue as they share their passion for the tactile art of making bread in their “Bread in Five” series (though their secret recipe is easier and less hands-on than most!). We encourage you to take a hands-on approach to the holidays with gifts from your kitchen. See the great suggestions from our Culinary Director on page 16. On page 9, you can get creative and crafty with ideas for making a DIY floral arrangement using the beautiful seasonal flowers delivered fresh to our markets every day. You can even try your hand at a few great new recipes, including those of our always much-anticipated annual Holiday Menu, on page 20. We’d like to give a hand to both those who recently helped us support Union Gospel Mission’s Mission: Backpack campaign and the sponsors of our annual Kowalski’s 4 Kids Charity Golf Event. You continually inspire us with your generosity and kindness of spirit. We also thank our employees for their hard work, honesty and dedication to the core principles of our business. We truly value your service, your citizenship and your contributions all across our organization. Finally, we give a hand to you, our valued customers. We thank you sincerely for your continued patronage and support of Kowalski’s. May you be filled with love, peace and happiness this season, as well as “The Joy of Good Food.” As always, we love to see you in the stores! WHITE BEAR LAKE MARKET 4391 S. Lake Avenue 651-429-5913 Manager: Dan Klassen WOODBURY MARKET 8505 Valley Creek Road 651-578-8800 Manager: Steve Szondy LYNDALE MARKET 5327 Lyndale Avenue S. 612-822-2935 Manager: John Majewski UPTOWN MARKET 2440 Hennepin Avenue 612-377-3448 Manager: Max Maddaus PARKVIEW MARKET 5615 Chicago Avenue S. 612-824-2430 Manager: Jean Christensen EDEN PRAIRIE MARKET 16500 W. 78th Street 952-937-9585 Manager: Tim Adelmann STILLWATER MARKET 5801 Neal Avenue N. 651-439-9161 Manager: Jeff Linder EAGAN MARKET 1646 Diffley Road 651-328-8300 Manager: Dan Leitner EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rachael Perron Culinary Director, Kowalski’s Markets [email protected] 651-796-6043 DESIGN & LAYOUT Hooker & Company Jim and Mary Anne Kowalski Jim and Mary Anne Kowalski, Kris Kowalski Christiansen hookerandcompany.com Kris Kowalski Christiansen FOOD STYLIST Maggie Stopera PRINTING & PRODUCTION Visual Expressions Taste of the Season – Saturday, November 12th at all locations from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Taste of the Holidays – Saturday, December 10th at all locations from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To keep updated on all our events, visit www.kowalskis.com. Information on our “Keep in Touch” program is available in your local market. PAGE 2 PHOTOGRAPHER Phil Aarrestad Recipes pages 4, 7, 17, 21, 23 and 24 courtesy Details Private Chef Services, LLC. © Kowalski’s Companies, 2011 All Rights Reserved. www.kowalskis.com k GO O H k T GO O FOODS R FO D D H E AL Susan Moores, M.S., R.D. [email protected] HOLIDAY ‘HICCUPS’ new science means new strategies for avoiding holiday weight gain A voiding holiday weight gain may be on everyone’s wish list, but it involves a tinge more than stepping away from the buffet table or candy dish for that wish to come true. Several interesting elements affect how we eat and how what we eat is used in our bodies. Here are three major holiday “hiccups” and tips for managing their disruptions. STRESS To battle these evil forces, acknowledge your stressors and move to defuse or redirect them. Figure out which stressors you can control or “own” and which you can’t. Those you can control you can change, those you can’t control you can still affect…you have to change how you react to them. DECISION FATIGUE Recent research suggests we have a finite amount of mental energy for making decisions. As the day goes on, our ability to make good ones lessens. We tap out our patience, willpower and self control. We’re less willing to weigh choices and delay gratification, which means the brain responds more strongly to immediate rewards and is less able to pay attention to long-term possibilities. The average person makes 200 food decisions every day. By the end of the day, we’re less apt to make “better” choices. FOR HOLIDAY WAIST HAPPINESS: • Skip the “diet” mentality over the holidays – actually, skip it every day. Diets spurn false hopes, repeated disappointment and perpetual frustration. Lifestyle changes are the best way to maintain long-term food/body peace. •P ush back from the table when you’re no longer hungry instead of when you’re full. It’s an entirely new mindset and approach to eating; you’re likely to eat less. •S avor food. A combination of how much we chew, how much we taste food, how long we take to eat and how much we think about the food we’re eating all play into what makes us feel full. So, focus on each eating occasion – select flavor-filled foods, take time to enjoy what you eat, and eat in an environment that’s inviting and pleasurable. These strategies have slimming powers. •E at what you want. When you allow yourself “forbidden” foods, you decrease the risk for binge eating. Put your energy toward eating slowly and choosing quality over quantity. Less food can provide more satisfaction if that “less” hits all the right sensory notes. •F ind peace for the season. Perfection is passé. You won’t gain weight from one snack, one extra slice of pumpkin pie or one more scoop of Aunt Millie’s mashed potatoes. It’s how well you choose to eat on a consistent basis that determines good health (the 80/20 rule) and a happy, hiccup-free holiday. To make more precise decisions, get enough rest; let your brain and body recharge. Eat every 4 hours or so to keep fuel in the tank. Exercise (be physically active) every day to improve blood flow throughout your body, including your brain. Eat healthfully 80 percent of the time; since your capacity to do so may be better earlier in the day, use that time to do just that. DISTRACTED EATING Distracted eating causes us to eat faster, snack more, feel less full with more food and less satisfied with what we eat. Depending on how distracted we are when we eat, we may not even remember that we did eat. Not good, say experts. To achieve a satisfying eating experience, we need to be mentally present. If we’re not, chances are we won’t be PAGE 3 www.kowalskis.com Holidays equal added stress. The body’s default response is to hunt down pleasurable foods, usually ones with higher fat or sugar content. It’s not just a lack of willpower that triggers the hunt; there are physiological reasons for this. Prolonged stress sets off a cascade of reactions in your body. Certain hormones increase your hunger for “comfort” foods and accelerate the creation of fat in your body – and to add insult to injury, that fat tends to be deposited in the abdominal area. Ugh. These stress-related hormones also suppress the immune system. It’s a quadruple whammy to the body. satisfied, physiologically or psychologically – we’ll want to eat again, and soon, to achieve that sense of contentment. getting Personal I www.kowalskis.com am thrilled to have recently joined Kowalski’s as their Culinary Director. I am proud to associate with a company that shares my passion for quality food and concern for our customers and the communities in which we live together. I’m excited to bring my experiences as a cookbook author, food blogger, cooking instructor and private chef to Kowalski’s – and you! Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher, a well-known food writer, once said, “Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly.” I couldn’t agree more. For me, to cook for someone is to love them; with all the cooking going on this time of year, this season is a real love-fest for me! Some of my most treasured holiday memories are of times spent in the kitchen – prepping (and eating!) family meals both big and small, baking cookies with my sisters, learning to make my grandmother’s gravy and my dad’s stuffed shells, decorating gingerbread houses with my kids and teaching them to stud oranges with cloves the way my mom taught me. Each of these memories remind me there is something deeply personal about sharing a meal or a handmade treat from your very own kitchen that really speaks to the sentiments of the season. When my daughter was a baby, we started the tradition of making Peppermint Candy Cane Ice Cream on Christmas Day. It’s never been exactly the same shade of pink twice and we can never decide just how much candy we like in it or how big we like the pieces – but we enjoy this one very simple tradition with each other every year, almost as much as we love eating it together in front of the fire. This year, I am delighted to share it with you. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too. Warmly, Rachael I welcome your ideas and questions. You can reach me at [email protected]. PEPPERMINT CANDY CANE ICE CREAM 1 cup whole milk ¾ cup sugar 2 cups cold heavy cream 1 tsp. pure peppermint extract ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract - red food coloring ¾cup crushed peppermint candy canes In small saucepan, combine milk and sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly just until sugar is completely dissolved; remove from heat and cool completely. Stir in cream, peppermint and vanilla extracts and enough food coloring to turn the mixture a faint pink; refrigerate 2 hrs. Pour into ice cream maker; freeze according to manufacturer’s directions, adding candy during last 5 min. of mixing. Scoop into airtight storage container; freeze until firm. Serves 8. Look for tinted glass ice cream dishes (pictured in pink) at select markets. PAGE 4 A Bit of Bubbly: Going Beyond Champagne S parkling wine livens up a celebration like no other because it is an inherently happy wine. At special occasions it is indispensable, seeming to always set the right tone and making any evening more exciting. Kowalski’s Wine Expert Brian Mallie helps us understand our options and offers up some suggestions for your toasting pleasure. CHAMPAGNE VS. CRÉMANT Crémant is the term on the label of the finest dry French sparkling wines made outside of the Champagne region but using the same techniques. Their differences or similarities to Champagne depend heavily on the grapes from which these sparkling wines are made. Kowalski’s Pick: Clavelin Crémant du Jura Brut-Comte – Made from 100% Chardonnay and grown in soils almost identical to Champagne, it’s difficult to tell the difference between this particular Crémant and a good grower’s Champagne twice its price. SPANISH CAVA Enamored with Champagne, the Spanish began making their own sparkling wine in the 1870s from local varietals Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada. Most is produced in the area around Barcelona. The best have fineness and length, but not the biscuit/toast aromatic character of their French cousins. Kowalski’s Pick: Cava Avinyó Brut Nature NV Fresh, elegant and dry with layers of orchard fruits, spice and a subtle leesy quality, this pairs especially well with Spanish cheeses. DEMI-SEC Demi-sec is a term meaning “semi-dry.” These wines are in fact lightly sweet and an ideal alternative for those who find Brut sparkling wines too dry. Their charming, sweet character also makes them the only type of bubbly that really work with desserts – as long as the dessert is not too sweet. Kowalski’s Pick: Gruet Demi-Sec NV California will have to take a back seat to this upstart from New Mexico. Creamy, with ripe pear and hints of pineapple, it strikes a perfect balance between its pleasing sweetness and necessary acidity. Visit the Wine Shop in our Woodbury and Eagan Markets for professional assistance in selecting wines for any menu or occasion. For wine pairing suggestions at any time, please contact our Wine Expert Brian Mallie at 651-796-6044. Scott Zeinert, Cheese Specialist in our Woodbury Market, has the following suggestions for cheeses that pair well with sparkling wine: ORO DEL TEMPO AGED PIAVE Hard cow milk – Italy CAMPO DE MONTALBAN Semi-firm cow, goat and sheep milks blend – Spain GARROTXA Semi-firm goat milk – Spain LE DÉLICE DE BOURGOGNE or PIERRE ROBERT Soft cow milk – France Also recommended: COACH FARM TRIPLE CREAM Soft goat milk – Domestic Your Cheese Specialist is happy to customize a cheese flight or cheese gift basket just for you. Other cheese flights are available in the Imported Cheese Department, or you can pre-order by calling the Deli Department at your Kowalski’s Market. PAGE 5 www.kowalskis.com Champagne is the original, sparkling wine’s greatest expression, earning its place among the world’s best wine regions. The techniques perfected there have been exported to other wine regions around the world. Though Champagne’s lofty status is not threatened, there is more exceptional sparkling wine available from these other areas than ever before. The more attractive price of these other sparkling wines means you can keep the bubbly flowing throughout the holidays. Burgundy, Alsace and the Loire all have long traditions of making excellent-quality bubbly. Turkey Talk: Delicious Options for Your Table FRESH TURKEYS FROM THE MEAT DEPARTMENT If you’re responsible for the main attraction on your Thanksgiving table, you know how important it is to start with the right bird. Kowalski’s has several Minnesota-grown options for you to choose from. All of our Meat Department selections are available fresh, not frozen, for maximum flavor. Order yours in any of our nine markets. Pre-orders are encouraged. TURKEY DINNER FROM THE DELI DEPARTMENT If you don’t have time to prepare your holiday meal, we’re happy to be your secret chef. The Deli Department offers Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings, ready for you to heat and eat. There’s even pie! Meals are available in sizes that serve 4-6 or 10-12 people, or order a cooked turkey only. Side dishes can be ordered à la carte. Ferndale Market Turkeys – These flavorful turkeys make their way to us from a third-generation family farm in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, where they are grown free-range and free of antibiotics. Prime Rib and Spiral-cut Ham meals, each serving 8 guests, are also available, as is our Signature Quiche Breakfast, which serves 6. www.kowalskis.com Kowalski’s Organic Fresh Turkeys – Our Signature birds arrive fresh from Owatonna, Minnesota, where they’re raised free-range on Schultz Organic Farms – without antibiotics, without hormones and without animal by-products. This fifth-generation family farm has always practiced organic methods, and we’re proud to partner with them. Kadejan All-Natural Fresh Turkeys – Kadejan turkeys enjoy a steady diet of whole grains, but no hormones or antibiotics. They’re raised on a small circle of family farms in Glenwood, Minnesota. Plainville Pre-Brined Turkeys – All natural, humanely raised and antibiotic-free turkeys from Plainville Farms, Pennsylvania, are vegetarianfed. These birds are sold pre-brined, ensuring they’re moist and juicy every time. Pre-orders are encouraged. Call your market to order. KOWALSKI’S SIGNATURE OVEN-READY PREPARED TURKEY FROM CATERING BY KOWALSKI’S (pictured) Catering by Kowalski’s has an incredible offering for those who want a little extra help with their turkey, leaving time to focus on sides and desserts. Our chefs prep and pan a pre-brined turkey ready to be popped right into the oven. Each bird is slathered with a flavorful herb butter, stuffed with citrus and fresh herbs, and nestled in a flavor-filled mirepoix (an aromatic base of onion, carrot and celery). Our turkey is locally raised, all natural, and hormone and antibiotic-free. Sides are available à la carte. To order, call 1-888-972-7890. Custom catering service is available for events of any size, any occasion. The Meat Department also has Kowalski’s All Natural Beef (including Akaushi Beef), All Natural Pork, Naturally Smoked Ham, All Natural Lamb and a variety of premium seafoods perfect for all your holiday meals. PAGE 6 TING PLAYERS SUP POR Side Dishes Ready for the Spotlight A great side dish can turn even the simplest meal into an event. Here we’ve concocted an amazing spread of seasonal supporting players without a mashed potato or green bean casserole in sight! These are sophisticated flavors – but guaranteed to please even the pickiest palate, dazzling your dinner guests. All are versatile enough to pair with beef, pork, lamb, game or poultry. SPICED ROAST CARROTS 2 tbsp. water 1 tbsp. Kowalski’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tbsp. unsalted butter, diced 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 small jalapeño, seeded, coarsely chopped 1 teaspoon honey ½ tsp. Kowalski’s Chili Powder ½ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Cumin ¼ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. Kowalski’s Coarse Ground Black Pepper 2 pounds small green-top carrots, scrubbed, cut on the diagonal into 2" pieces, including root ends and 1½" of tops 2 tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley (optional) Whisk first ten ingredients in large bowl; add carrots and toss to coat. Pour onto large, rimmed baking sheet; cover with foil. Roast in a preheated 400° oven until carrots are nearly tender (about 30 min.). Remove foil; roast uncovered, stirring occasionally until carrots are dark on the edges (15-18 min.). To Serve: Sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serves 6. www.kowalskis.com FRUITED WILD RICE PILAF 2 tbsp. Kowalski’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided 1½ cups chopped celery 1 cup chopped yellow onion 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 1 cup Kowalski’s Wild Rice 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock 1½ tbsp. julienned fresh sage 1 cup basmati rice ½ cup chopped dried apricots ¼ cup snipped dried cherries ¼ cup dried cranberries ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted ¾ tsp. kosher salt ½tsp. Kowalski’s Coarse Ground Black Pepper In 6 qt. saucepan, heat 1 tbsp. oil over medium-high heat. Add celery, onion, garlic and wild rice to the pan; sauté until vegetables are nearly translucent and rice is softened slightly (about 4 min.). Add stock and sage; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 35 min. Stir in basmati rice; increase heat to bring pot to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer covered, until liquid is absorbed (about 20 min.). Remove from heat; let stand covered 10 min. To Serve: Drizzle with remaining oil; stir in remaining ingredients. Serves 12. ROASTED SQUASH AND ARUGULA SALAD 2 lbs. butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into ½" cubes 2 tbsp. Kowalski’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided ½tsp. Kowalski’s Coarse Ground Black Pepper, divided ¼tsp. Kowalski’s Crushed Red Pepper Flakes 2 tbsp. orange juice 1½ tbsp. walnut oil 1½ tsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice 8 cups (about 8 oz.) arugula, washed in very cold water and thoroughly spun dry ½cup shelled walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds 2 tsp. pomegranate molasses On a rimmed nonstick 15x12" baking sheet, toss squash with oil; season with half the salt and black pepper and the red pepper flakes. Roast in a preheated 450˚ oven, until edges are browned and squash is tender (about 25 min.), turning once. In large salad bowl, whisk together orange juice, oil and lemon juice; season with remaining salt and black pepper. Add arugula, walnuts and pomegranate seeds to bowl; toss. Adjust seasoning if necessary. To Serve: Mound dressed salad on 6 serving plates, topping with squash; drizzle with molasses. Serves 6. Good to Know: • Ready-to-use pomegranate seeds and peeled, seeded, diced squash are both available in the Produce Dept. PAGE 7 Tiered serving stand with bowls and serving utensils shown on this page are available in the Marketplace Departments of select markets. Find other great side dish recipes at www.kowalskis.com. CUSTOM CRAFTED Catering by Kowalski’s Designs an Exceptional Event W hen award-winning local design firm Ispiri recently invited customers to a wine-tasting event in their fabulous showroom, Kowalski’s was there to serve. Ispiri, a Woodburybased design, build and remodeling firm, describes themselves as “full-service” and “inspired,” a provider of “creative, in-house design, detailed, passionate craftsmen, meticulous project management and remarkable lasting impressions,” so it was no wonder they chose Catering by Kowalski’s to help them plan the perfect party. www.kowalskis.com Wanting something “outside the box” and in keeping with the image of Ispiri, owner Jason Fabio sat down with Catering by Kowalski’s Director Roxanne Kielbasa and Kowalski’s wine expert Warren Gregory to craft a custom menu with wine pairings that would dazzle and delight their guests. Catering Chef Amy Elliott was excited to bring her skills to the table too, with recipes created specifically for the occasion. “It was a perfect pairing,” said Fabio of Kowalski’s contribution to the event. If you’re planning an event, you can count on Catering by Kowalski’s to make it easy, tasteful and memorable, with our professional experts guiding you every step of the way. Our secret recipe is presentation, menu and service, customized for every client and event in keeping with their unique needs and requests. Ispiri’s Event Menu Curried Chicken in Gougère with N/V Brut-Comte Crémant Du Jura Spicy Tuna Roll with 2010 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier Organic Asparagus with Blue Cheese Fondant and Prosciutto with 2009 Vesevo Beneventano Falanghina Herbed Flatbreads with 2008 Elk Cove Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Butternut Squash Shooters with Crema & Fried Sage Chiffonade with 2009 Runquist 1448 California Red Wild Mushroom Risotto with I Tre Vescovi Barbera d’Asti You can speak with an event coordinator or place an order by calling 1-888-972-7890. Find Chef Amy Elliott’s recipe for Butternut Squash Soup on our website at www.kowalskis.com. PAGE 8 Focus Flowers W on Tips for Artful Handmade Arrangements hen you’re looking for impressive arrangements for your home or something to share, nothing says “special occasion” quite like flowers. Kowalski’s floral designers work hard year-round to create distinctive seasonal pieces that make a statement, and they’re always happy to compose something custom especially for you. We also offer Signature bouquets, floral pieces and containers perfect for those who like to experiment. On this page, internationally-awarded Kowalski’s Floral Designer Gary Paone of our Woodbury Market shares a dazzling piece he created using an easy-to-follow formula. At-home arrangers can make use of this method to create stunningly unique designs of their own. SIMPLE 3-STEP TECHNIQUE FOR BUILDING A BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET: 1. START WITH FOUNDATION FOLIAGE. An asymmetrical shape looks purposefully playful, not fussy or overdone. Be sure to cover the lip of your container and leave a little room for flowers. Options for the holidays include: Seeded eucalyptus, cedar, Italian Ruscus, fir, spruce and pine branches. 3. TUCK IN SOME DELICATE ACCENTS. Vines, ferns, fronds of varying lengths tucked in between the feature flowers add dimension and texture to a finished arrangement. Look for these wintry wisps: Rose hips, winterberry, dogwood twigs, lily grass, curly willow and ivy. OTHER TIPS FOR ARRANGEMENT SUCCESS: • Consider a mass of spare groupings in bud vases. They don’t have to match! • Go for colored glass or non-glass containers to hide unattractive stem “chaos.” • Use narrow-necked vases. They’ll help support an arrangement that would otherwise flop in a wide-mouthed one. • Use a container no more than 8" tall for a centerpiece so your guests (and you!) can converse over it with ease. • Don’t be afraid to use greenery as the star of your display. Use leafy items near the mouth of your container, taller stems slightly off center and wispy fronds of varying lengths in the holes and spilling out and down. • Try a one-color bouquet. They’re clean, classic simplicity defined. Lovely arrangements and floral products such as those photographed in this issue of At Home with Kowalski’s are available in the Floral Department of select markets. PAGE 9 www.kowalskis.com 2. ADD FEATURE FLOWERS. These are the “stars” of your display – usually larger, more dramatic and more colorful than anything else in it. Use just one type for a cleaner look, or use 2-3 different stems in complimentary colors or shades of the same color. Experiment with cutting the stems at varying heights and arranging the flowers in the container in a slightly irregular pattern. Use seasonal selections such as: Sunflowers, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies and roses. A R I D I C U LO U S Twist of Fate E n route from an early morning farmers’ market in northern Illinois, we catch up with Meg Dehmer of Pigtale Twist in her car, several hours into a trip to visit a new customer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Later, she’ll turn around and head back to a buyer in Wisconsin. It’s a typical day in the life of a busy small business owner/food artisan. Meg found her way into the sometimes crazy food manufacturing business the way many of the most delicious small producers do – following an obsession. “I’m passionate about quality food” she proclaims. “When my kids were young I made everything from scratch, even baby food. People thought I was crazy.” But ultimately it was this love of simple, honest, and really great-tasting food that led this former caterer and mother of two to create a line of gourmet dressings and sauces labeled Pigtale Twist. www.kowalskis.com PIZZA BLANCO À LA THANKSGIVING 4 tbsp. unsalted butter 4 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus extra for grilling 4 red onions, halved, thinly sliced 1 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper ⅓ cup apple cider ½ cup apricot jam 3 balls (about 1 lb. each) fresh pizza dough (or thawed frozen dough) 1 (16 oz.) jar Pigtale Twist Ridiculously Garlic Blue Dressing 2-3 cups shredded roasted turkey ½ cup fresh thyme leaves 3 cups fresh baby arugula - kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper In large skillet, heat butter and 4 tbsp. oil over medium heat until foamy; add onions, salt and pepper, stirring very infrequently until caramelized and crispy around the edges (12-15 min.). Deglaze pan with cider; stir in jam until melted. Remove from heat and set aside. On a generously floured surface, roll out each ball of dough into a circle about 16" across; begin in the center of each dough, working outward to the edges, turning dough to prevent sticking. Brush or tap excess flour from dough; brush one side with oil. Grill each crust oil side down on well-oiled grates of a grill preheated to medium-low until they are toasty and golden (2-3 min.). Brush second side of dough with oil and grill as directed for the first side. Spread about ⅓ of the dressing on each pizza; evenly distribute ⅓ of the onions, turkey and thyme on top. To Serve: Scatter arugula on pizzas; drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Serves 12. Good to Know: • Tiseo’s Frozen Pizza Dough is available in the Frozen Foods Section. Recipe courtesy of Meg Dehmer from Pigtale Twist. Meg will join us in The Next Level at our Woodbury Market on November 9th for an extended private demo and sampling. Visit www.kowalskis.com to register for this exciting event. Pigtale Twist is named after a fairytale Meg’s grandmother would tell her about a little pig from the French countryside who once upon a time prepared a fabulous feast for his friends. Meg’s story, her “pigtale,” if you will, has a twist of its own. “I wanted to become a food critic,” Meg says. But a professor (the well-known Alan Richman) of her food writing class at the French Culinary Institute in New York sent her home with a somewhat unpalatable bit of advice: “No matter what happens, go back home and write – about anything.” Meg’s “anything” was one of her first assignments – to write about pet shops. Fatefully, “Reporter” Meg found herself at a pet shop at Lambs Farm, a home for developmentally disabled young adults in the Wake Forest area outside Chicago, not far from where Meg grew up. Some of those with developmental disabilities served by Lambs Farm work in the pet shop, while others learn handwork by completing assembly and packaging jobs for local businesses in a licensed commercial catering kitchen and a vocational center. These days, that includes Pigtale Twist. The kitchen staff at Lambs Farm was thrilled to help produce the products Meg was so passionate about. Meg was thrilled to support the kids who live there. “Their lives are really enriched with a purpose and the schedule this work provides.” Meg cherishes the relationships she’s developed with the residents and gives their community a portion of Pigtale Twist’s revenue beyond her manufacturing and labeling fees. Kowalski’s is proud to feature all three of Pigtale’s current products in the Imported Cheese Department of select markets. Each bottle is handmade, hand-filled and hand-labeled with the best ingredients available, including Three Berry Vinaigrette and Buttery Caramel Sauce. The clear star of the line, Ridiculously Garlic Blue Cheese Dressing, is made with sour cream and buttermilk from Oberweis, cave-aged St. Pete’s Blue Cheese, and a quarter cup of freshly minced garlic in every bottle! When she’s not on the road, Meg is constantly playing with new equally “ridiculous” combinations. She’s currently considering concoctions that include pear, beet, whiskey, orange, fennel, pink grapefruit and poppy seed – though perhaps not all together. Now that would be ridiculous. PAGE 10 THE JOY OF GOOD FOOD Our Signature Products A t Kowalski’s, we take our Signature labeling seriously – and so can you. Over the years, we have continually added to our line of private label products as we find those that we feel are the best of the best. You can buy these products with our assurance that they are the highest quality available in the category. With our “Keep in Touch” program, Kowalski’s regularly offers the opportunity for customers to try Signature items with our compliments. Information on how you can join the “Keep in Touch” program is available in your local market. KOWALSKI’S MEXICAN SAUCES – Kowalski’s is proud to turn up the heat with the introduction of our Signature Taco and Enchilada Sauces. Find both mild-medium and hot varieties in the International Foods Aisle. KOWALSKI’S FAMILY-SIZE LASAGNAS – Look for these new dinnertime options in the Deli Case. Vegetarian (pictured), Sausage and Beef Lasagnas are great for feeding a crowd and make universally appealing choices as alternatives to more traditional holiday dinners. J im Kowalski traveled all the way to Brazil to meet the farmers and inspect the beans that would one day become Kowalski’s Signature Coffee Roasts. That’s why Kowalski’s customers can shop with confidence knowing we’ve already hand-selected only the best. The beans are roasted locally here in the Twin Cities and delivered weekly to each of our markets to ensure freshness in every single cup. The coffee is certified USDA Organic as well. Kowalski’s customers can also feel good knowing the coffee is Fair Trade Certified. The Fair Trade certification guarantees that the farmers and workers who grow and harvest the beans receive a fair price for their product, ensuring they can feed their families and that their children can attend school rather than work in the fields. Looking to brew your best cup of coffee at home? Use great water (filtered, if you have it) and cold. Grind your beans just before brewing and use at least two tablespoons per cup. Invite the neighbors – coffee’s on! PAGE 11 www.kowalskis.com KOWALSKI’S SALSA DI PARMA BAGUETTE (pictured) – We’ve slathered the classic French baguette with our famous Salsa di Parma. You’ll love the unbeatable combination of salty Parmesan, tangy Asiago, garlic, oregano, green onion and bit of pepper. It’s ready to devour in just a few minutes in the oven or on the grill. Look for it in the Bakery Department. WAKE UP TO A BETTER CUP OF COFFEE: New Varieties of Kowalski’s Signature Coffee Roasts Now in Stores Around the Store HAMMOND’S COCOA AND COCOA STIRS Double Chocolate Cocoa from Hammond’s Candies is pure, sweet goodness. Try some in coffee for a delicious mocha, or add it to a smoothie for a decadent treat. Stir things up with a minty fresh Peppermint Cocoa Stirrer. Both items come in adorable packaging great for stuffing stockings. Find them in the Grocery Department. NUMBER TWO GRANOLA www.kowalskis.com Groovy localites Brian and Andrea Strom are back with their second totally-far-out follow up to Crapola Granola, Number Two. Their cranberry-orange flavored offering is all natural and made with certified gluten-free oats. THE FRASIER FIR COLLECTION FROM THYMES This perennially favorite home fragrance collection smells of crisp Siberian fir, heartening cedarwood and relaxing sandalwood with undertones of floral musk. Pick up candles, cleaners, hand lotion and more in the Gift Department. PORTA MANGIARE ITALIAN SEASONING MIXES Several meal-simplifying Southern Italian-style meatball mixes from Porta Mangiare now are available in the Meat Department, including Traditional Calabrese, Turkey, Spicy and Gluten-Free. PAGE 12 ROLAND QUINOA Quinoa is a growingly popular side dish for gluten-free dieters. Roland offers four delicious all natural flavors – Roasted Garlic, Black Bean, Garden Vegetable and Mediterranean – each a good source of protein and fiber, with at least 40 grams of whole grain per serving. Around the Store DAIYA VEGAN CHEESE These dairy-free vegan shreds melt, stretch and taste delicious. Try them on pizza, lasagna, quesadillas, enchiladas and more. Daiya flavors of Mozzarella, Cheddar and Pepper Jack are available in the Dairy Department. www.kowalskis.com MRS. MEYER’S HOLIDAY PRODUCTS Limited edition seasonal scents Orange Clove and Iowa Pine will only be in stores for a limited time, so stock up on this locally-made favorite now. Liquid Hand Soap, Liquid Dish Soap and Scented Soy Candles in festive gift packaging are available in the Grocery Department. All Mrs. Meyer’s products are cruelty-free. SILICONE KITCHEN TOOLS Available in the Marketplace Department, these are a colorful addition to any kitchen. They’re heat-safe to 500˚ and make a perfect stocking stuffer, hostess gift or embellishment to a wrapped package. SABLE & ROSENFELD OLIVE BRUSCHETTA PARMESAN CREATIONS When Kowalski’s employee Dan Krause couldn’t find a great seasoned Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on his pizza, he created one of his own. Try Italian Herb, Garlic & Herb or Hot & Spicy Parmesan Creations on scrambled eggs, tomato soup, popcorn, or any of the 97 other suggestions at parmesancreations.com. Find it in the Dairy Department. This savory blend of olives, carrots, celery, cauliflower, capers, peppers, garlic and herbs is a ready-made solution for quickly turning plain pasta into a meal. It makes a wonderful addition to sandwiches and salads and makes easy yet elegant appetizers aplenty. Find it in the Grocery Department. PAGE 13 A Taste of Tradition S he hears the question everywhere she goes: “Are you Anna Lisa?” So much so that Sauce Anna Lisa founder Lisa O’Connell sometimes just answers “yes” even though her scratch-made pasta sauce (with a growing cult of followers) is actually named for Lisa’s grandmother, Anna. Energetic, raven-haired Lisa splits her time between home, where she’s busy with her new son William, and a local kitchen where she creates slow-simmered batches of her pasta sauce, 30 gallons at a time. Her husband, Buddy, is often on hand to assist with the heavy lifting. Everything is made and bottled by hand using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Onions, 20 pounds at a time, are chopped by hand while a fan blows their tear-inducing fumes from Lisa’s eyes. Garlic – lots and lots of it – is peeled and minced by hand, too. “It should be called Garlic Sauce,” she laughs, “that’s how much garlic is in it.” www.kowalskis.com What led Lisa to create Sauce Anna Lisa was her own picky palate. Having grown up in her grandmother’s kitchen and restaurant (the former Woodland Inn in northern Minnesota), Lisa developed a taste for the flavor only slow cooking could create. “I just assumed everyone ate like that,” she says of the rich homecooked foods of her childhood. When asked why she ultimately began making her own sauce she says simply, “I couldn’t find a sauce I liked.” Lisa first learned how to can at home so she could bottle her recipe (actually her grandmother’s) to give as favors to her wedding guests. They insisted she go pro. Soon after, at her first appearance at a farmer’s market, she sold out of the 10 cases she’d brought with her – and quickly. “I thought I’d sell a few and have some left for the next month or so. I was like, ‘Are you kidding me?’” She was back in the kitchen that night to make more for the very next day. Ultimately it was Kowalski’s shoppers, with their taste for great local artisan-crafted foods that got her into the markets. “People at the farmer’s markets were always saying, ‘Where can I find you?’ and ‘You should be in Kowalski’s.’” Taking the hint, she emailed them directly. It wasn’t long before Kowalski’s was helping guide Lisa to make the modifications to her packaging and labeling that would get Sauce Anna Lisa on their shelves. Kowalski’s shoppers will appreciate that Sauce Anna Lisa is all natural and contains no preservatives or added sugar. “The sweet Vidalia onions, sweet garlic and tomatoes take on a depth and natural sweetness because of the slow-cooking,” explains Lisa. Very slow. In fact, each batch takes 6 hours to make, but this saucy food lover wouldn’t have it any other way. When asked what she would be doing if she wasn’t making sauce, she says emphatically, “This is it! I love it.” You can find Traditional Sauce Anna Lisa and new Spicy Sauce Anna Lisa in the International Foods Aisle in most Kowalski’s Markets. Lisa will host a private class and sampling in The Next Level at our Woodbury Market on November 11th. Visit www.kowalskis.com to register for this exciting event. MANICOTTI WITH SPICY SAUCE ANNA LISA 1 (8 oz.) pkg. dried manicotti noodles 4 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided 1 (15 oz.) container ricotta cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 eggs, lightly beaten ¼cup coarsely chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh basil 1 (24 oz.) jar Spicy Sauce Anna Lisa Prepare pasta according to pkg. directions; drain and rinse under cold water until pasta is cool. Separate noodles; set aside on foil or plastic wrap. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of mozzarella with the other cheeses, eggs, parsley, and basil; mix well. Using a small spoon or your hands, stuff noodles with cheese mixture. Spoon about 2 cups sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish; arrange stuffed manicotti in pan. Cover noodles with remaining sauce; sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with foil; bake in a preheated 375˚ oven until cheese is bubbly, removing foil in last 10-15 min. to encourage browning, if desired (about 35 min.). Serves 8. Recipe written especially for Kowalski’s by Lisa O’Connell of Sauce Anna Lisa. PAGE 14 TAINING OP TIONS R E T N E from the Deli Department SWEET TREATS FOR SHARING: LUCILLE’S KITCHEN GARDEN JAMS Once found only at the Mill City Farmers’ Market, Kowalski’s is proud to offer the unique flavors of Zoie Glass in our stores. Lucille’s Kitchen Garden brings us Garlic Pepper Jam, Raspberry Pepper Jam, Red Pepper Jam and Cranberry White Balsamic Chutney to name a few. Kowalski’s Signature Baked Brie (pictured below), available in the Imported Cheese Department, now includes a layer of jam from Lucille’s Kitchen Garden just under the buttery, flaky crust. Whether you’re looking for delicious compliments to an appetizing buffet or something for gourmet gift-giving, these Deli Department favorites are tasteful choices: B.T. MCELRATH HOLIDAY CHOCOLATES A new season brings new limited-edition flavors from local chocolatier B.T. McElrath. You’ll want to try Caramelized Cranberry Pavés, Sweet Potato Pavés and Peppermint Buttercreams before they’re gone. STONEWALL KITCHEN HOLIDAY PRODUCTS – Stonewall Kitchen once again adds to their growing lineup of gourmet goodies with new seasonal baking mixes, jams and sauces. Maple Honey Caramel Sauce, Pumpkin Caramel Sauce and Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake Mix are sure to impress. SEASONAL FUNKY CHUNKY – Made right here in Edina, the everpopular popcorn treat combines its signature snack with candy cane pieces as well as white chocolate, macadamia nuts and caramel. It’s perfect for holiday crunching and munching. Selection and availability vary by market. PARTY-PERFECT PLATTERS: Take your cart on a spin through the Deli Department, where the recipe for a perfect holiday cocktail party starts. Simple solutions are everywhere you look. Here we’ve included a list of suggested foods to easily pull together your get-together. TORTAS AND POSHTARTS™ Look for these local favorites to liven up your holiday table – tempting new flavors of cheese tortas from Elle-Tee & The Kitchen (in the Imported Cheese Department) and new smaller sizes and varieties of PoshTarts™ (in the Deli Case). BUSETTO’S ENTERTAINING PACKAGES Variety packs from Busetto’s make putting together an antipasto tray simple and scrumptious. Assortments include cured, herbed and peppered salamis, pepperonis, prosciutto and more. EDAMAME SPREADS DIVINA® OLIVES Made from soybeans and rich in carbohydrates, protein, fiber, folic acid and omega-3s, Edamame Hummus from Eat Well Enjoy Life also has a light and refreshing taste. Available in several flavors, including Roasted Red Pepper and Toasted Sesame. Available in bulk on our Olive Bar, Divina Olives are a simple yet flavorful solution for cocktail parties, holiday buffets and light entertaining. A wide selection of products are available. PAGE 15 mboo Look for the ba expandable , ds ar bo le zz pu e leaves and trivet, decorativ set pictured h dis triple serving e Gift or th in on this page partments De e lac tp rke Ma of select markets. www.kowalskis.com REPUBLIC OF TEA – Look for a large selection of gorgeous, giftable tins and boxed sets from Republic of Tea this season. The Holiday Stackable Trio features two of their top-selling seasonal teas: Dream by the Fire Red Tea and Comfort & Joy Black Tea together with the new Holiday Spice Plum Green Tea. Also available are the Cuppa Chocolate Tea & Cookie Gift set containing Peppermint Chocolate Tea and Almond Coconut Macaroon Tea, a certified kosher rooibos tea. ROBERT ROTHSCHILD FARM HOLIDAY PRODUCTS – All natural, gluten-free and kosher holiday products from Robert Rothschild are giftable goodies as well as perfect compliments for your holiday meals. Seasonal selections such as Tart Cherry Pomegranate Preserves and Chocolate Fudge Pretzel Dip make tasteful choices. Gifts of Good Taste G www.kowalskis.com ifts from the kitchen are personal, fun and always tasteful no matter who you give them to; hard-to-shop-for relatives, friends, teachers, babysitters, neighbors, co-workers – the list goes on and on. Such presents also let recipients know you care enough to take the time to make something yourself. The process of preparing and packaging your presents can also provide a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of shopping at the mall. Start a fun and festive seasonal tradition when you can invite family and friends to take part in the preparations. But what kinds of food crafts make great gifts? Make-your-own bacon, cheeses and spiced mustards are trendy with DIY food artisans but may end up going unused if presented to a less than gutsy giftee. Preserved fruits and vegetables are lovely, but if you don’t know how to can or don’t have an abundant garden they may not be a practical option. Thankfully there are plenty of effortless alternatives that don’t require special equipment, artistic vision, an iron stomach or even much culinary expertise. Herbed vinegars, infused salts, flavored sugars, seasoned oils, spiced nuts, spice rubs, granola or mueslix, caramels and (of course) cookies use basic ingredients found in even the most barely-stocked pantry. HERE ARE SOME OTHER GREAT TIPS: • W hen selecting foods to gift, stick with things with a long shelf life that don’t require refrigeration. • C hoose things that keep at least a week, such as our Honey Pecan Granola with Dried Fruits or caramel popcorn. • If your gifts need to be shipped, look for things that are light, won’t break and won’t melt. • T o package or mail cookies, select ones that aren’t crumbly. Hard cookies (such as biscotti or shortbread) or soft and chewy ones (see the Molasses Cookie recipe on page 24) ship best. Bar cookies, especially moist ones like brownies, are also a good choice. • U nfrosted cookies typically ship better than frosted ones. Look for recipes that have simple decorations like sprinkled sugar or chopped nuts. • U se unbleached parchment paper, kitchen string and fresh herbs and spices (such as bundles of rosemary or sticks of cinnamon) to add simple charm to your packages. • S imple cellophane bags that allow you to see the beauty of their contents. • K itchen containers often make attractive and useful packaging. Consider lidded canning or spice jars, stoppered bottles, metal spice tins, coffee mugs or waxed paper-lined takeout-style boxes. • M iniature kitchen tools make also fun package decorations. PAGE 16 SWEET AND SPICY PECANS BLACKENED SEASONING 1 egg white, lightly beaten 1 tbsp. water 5 cups pecan halves 1 cup sugar ½ tsp. kosher salt 1 tbsp. sugar 4 tsp. Kowalski’s Dried Thyme 2 tsp. Kowalski’s Hungarian Paprika 2 tsp. onion powder 2 tsp. Kowalski’s Granulated Garlic 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Cinnamon ¼ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Nutmeg ¼ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Allspice - dash Kowalski’s Cayenne Pepper - parchment paper Line large rimmed baking sheet with parchment. In medium bowl, whisk egg white and water; toss with pecans to coat. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients; sprinkle over nuts, tossing to coat evenly. Pour nuts onto prepared baking sheet; bake in a preheated 325˚ oven (20 min.). Remove pan from oven and cool nuts on pan 5 min. Remove nuts from pan, cooling completely before breaking them apart. Serves 8. 2 tsp. Kowalski’s Coarse Ground Black Pepper 1 tsp. Kowalski’s Cayenne Pepper 1 tsp. Kowalski’s Dried Oregano ¾ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Cumin ½ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Nutmeg In small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients; store in sealed container in dark, dry place until ready to use, up to 3 months. Amount: Enough for 3 lbs. chicken or fish. TACO OR FAJITA SEASONING 1½ tbsp. cornstarch 1 tbsp. Kowalski’s Chili Powder 1½ tsp. kosher salt 1½ tsp. Kowalski’s Hungarian Paprika 1 tsp. onion powder ¾ tsp. sugar ½ tsp. Kowalski’s Granulated Garlic HONEY PECAN GRANOLA WITH DRIED FRUITS 4 cups old fashioned oatmeal 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut 2 cups chopped pecans 1¼ tsp. kosher salt ¾ cup canola oil ½cup Kowalski’s Pure Minnesota Honey 1 cup snipped dried cherries 1 cup chopped dried dates 1 cup chopped dried apricots 1 cup golden raisins ½ cup raisins JERK SEASONING 3 tsp. Kowalski’s Dried Thyme 3 tsp. Kowalski’s Hungarian Paprika 2 tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Allspice 2 tsp. Kowalski’s Cayenne Pepper 2 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. kosher salt ½tsp. Kowalski’s Coarse Ground Black Pepper ½ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Nutmeg ½ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Cinnamon ¼ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Cloves In small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients; store in sealed container in dark, dry place until ready to use, up to 3 months. Amount: Enough for 3 lbs. chicken or fish. PAGE 17 www.kowalskis.com In large mixing bowl, toss together first 4 ingredients. In small bowl, whisk together oil and honey; pour over granola mixture, stirring until well-coated. Pour onto a large rimmed baking sheet; bake in a preheated 325˚ oven until granola is golden brown (about 35 min.), stirring 1-2 times. Cool on pan 45 min.; stir in fruit. To Serve: Serve alone or with milk or yogurt; store in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 weeks. Serves 16. In small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients; store in sealed container in dark, dry place until ready to use, up to 3 months. Amount: Enough for 1 ½ lbs. beef or chicken. ½ tsp. Kowalski’s Dried Oregano ½tsp. Kowalski’s Crushed Red Pepper Flakes ¼ tsp. Kowalski’s Cumin ¼ tsp Kowalski’s Cayenne Pepper ¼tsp. Kowalski’s Coarse Ground Black Pepper www.kowalskis.com I Take Five • The Secret to Lightning-Fast Bread • t’s somehow fitting that Jeff Hertzberg arrives to our interview carrying a guitar, because it’s music that brought him and his cookbook-writing partner, Zoe Francois, together. They met at the local McPhail School for Music where their children were studying (and it’s Jeff’s daughter’s guitar he’s protecting from the humid weather outside today). When they met, the idea for their first book had occurred to Jeff, a physician and faculty member at the University of Minnesota Division of Health Informatics, but it wasn’t until he learned Zoe was a trained pastry chef that this avid – albeit amateur – bread baker found someone on which to try out the “secret” he’d discovered years before. When he shared it with Zoe, however, she was loathe to try it out. “I was sure it wouldn’t work,” she says, “and I was terrified to have to tell him.” Fortunately for Jeff, and the 434,000 (and counting) readers who have taken to their now-published method, she was wrong. “Not only did it work, it was delicious. I couldn’t believe it.” happened to be listening, called in and asked him for a proposal on-air. “It was years before I wrote it,” he says. The wet, no-knead dough is an old Italian trick, admits Jeff, and had been written about before (notably by Christopher Kimball and in the popular 1999 book, No Need to Knead by Suzanne Dunaway). “But the idea that this dough could be stored over a long period of time was our unique contribution,” Jeff says. It was this leap into a truly modern baking era that has allowed home bakers to create delicious bread in less time than it takes to heat the oven. In 2000, Jeff received an initial book offer out of the blue. He’d called in to Lynn Rosetto Kasper’s National Public Radio program, The Splendid Table, to explain his “secret” bread-making technique. A book editor, who just That first book, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, became a phenomenon when it was first published in 2007 and gained Jeff and Zoe national notoriety and media bookings from coast to coast. Readers – engaged with the authors through their website, www.artisanbreadin5.com, and on Twitter – were the inspiration for their second book, Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day (2009), and the very, very just published Artisan Pizza and Flatbread in Five Minutes a Day. Excited about the first book, Jeff and Zoe’s fans clamored for more whole grains, more pizza and of course, gluten-free options. The gluten-free chapter in Healthy Bread, while incredibly popular, presented a test for Zoe. “It was the most stressful chapter in the book. It needed to be as easy and as quick as the others. Getting there was a challenge.” Recognizing that gluten-free dieters often get the short end of the stick when it comes to flavor, the authors knew the recipes also needed to taste good. In the end, unsuspecting testers have even claimed to like some of the gluten-free recipes best. Aside from their readers, Jeff and Zoe find continued inspiration for new recipes everywhere. Friends, travel, random trips to the market or even childhood memories can spark ideas for new bread recipes. Once, Zoe even created a recipe to meet their photographers need for a specific color for a photograph (the result was Curried Sweet Potato, Lentil and Arugula Pizza, by the way). The two encourage their readers to improvise as well. “Our bread technique is way more improvisational than people think bread should be. It can actually be more difficult to create ‘quick’ bread,” says Zoe. “People have this idea that baking bread is very time consuming and fussy. If we have changed people’s minds in that way, we’ve succeeded.” Minneapolis residents Jeff and Zoe shop regularly at Kowalski’s Uptown Market. You can find all three “Bread in Five” books in select Kowalski’s markets. Photos pages 18 and 19 courtesy Mark Luinenberg. PAGE 18 FRENCH OLIVE SPREAD (TAPENADE) ½lb. pitted black Mediterranean-style olives 4 tsp. capers, drained 4 anchovy fillets 1 garlic clove, finely minced ¼ tsp. dried thyme ¼ cup olive oil Coarsely chop all ingredients together in a food processor; serve with fougasse, or any flatbread you like. Stores well in the fridge for up to 1 week. Amount: 1½ cups. Recipe from Artisan Pizza and Flatbread in Five Minutes a Day (Thomas Dunne Books / St. Martin’s Press, 2011) courtesy of Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois. GREEK YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP (TZATZIKI) 1 cup yogurt ½ cup shredded, peeled and seeded cucumber 1-2 cloves garlic, raw or roasted, finely minced (optional) 1-2 tbsp. finely minced fresh mint leaves ¼ tsp. kosher salt Combine all ingredients; chill for 2 hrs. to allow flavors to meld. Serve with pita or naan; refrigerate up to 1 week. Amount: 1¼ cups. Recipe from Artisan Pizza and Flatbread in Five Minutes a Day (Thomas Dunne Books / St. Martin’s Press, 2011) courtesy of Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois. 1 ½ tbsp. (2 pkgs.) granulated yeast 3 cups lukewarm water (about 100˚) 1-1½ tbsp. kosher salt 6 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (2 lbs.), plus extra - pizza peel - cornmeal - baking stone - 1 cup hot water In 5qt. bowl, mix yeast, 3 cups water and salt; add flour. Using a wooden spoon, mix until ingredients are uniformly moist (it is not necessary to knead). Cover with a lid (not airtight); let rise at room temperature until dough begins to collapse, about 2 hrs., no more than 5 hrs. The dough can be baked after rising or refrigerated covered (not airtight) up to 14 days. The dough is easier to work with after at least 3 hrs. refrigeration. To Shape: Liberally sprinkle pizza peel with cornmeal. Uncover dough, sprinkling surface with flour; pull up and cut off a grapefruit-sized piece (about 1 lb.) using a serrated knife. Cover and refrigerate the remaining dough. Using your hands and enough flour to prevent sticking, create a smooth ball by gently pulling the sides down around to the bottom, rotating by quarter-turns. (The bottom of the loaf may appear to be a collection of bunched Recipe from Artisan Pizza and Flatbread in Five Minutes a Day (Thomas Dunne Books / St. Martin’s Press, 2011) courtesy of Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois. Good to Know: • This recipe can be made with parchment paper instead of cornmeal and baking sheets instead of the pizza peel and baking stone. For details, visit www.kowalskis.com. • A longer resting time (up to 90 min.) produces a more open crumb; cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying if resting longer than 40 min. PAGE 19 www.kowalskis.com ends, but will flatten out during resting and baking. Shaping should take less than a minute.) Place dough on pizza peel; let rest uncovered 40 min. (The bread may not rise much.) To Bake: Twenty minutes before baking, set baking stone on center rack of oven; remove any upper racks. Place broiler pan on a rack below baking stone or on oven floor; preheat to 450˚. Dust top of rested dough liberally with flour; using a serrated knife, slash a ¼" deep cross or tic-tac-toe pattern into top. Slide loaf onto baking stone; quickly, carefully pour hot water into broiler tray. Close oven door; bake until crust is nicely browned and firm to the touch (about 30 min.). Allow to cool completely, preferably on a wire rack. Makes 4 (1 lb.) loaves. THE MASTER RECIPE: WHITE BOULE Home Holidays for the I www.kowalskis.com t may not be turkey, ham, prime rib or lamb, but this year’s holiday menu suggestion from Kowalski’s is certainly special and worthy of any celebration – even if that celebration is just the daily gathering called “dinner.” Creamy pot pie gets an updated and slightly elegant twist with the addition of lobster. Dessert is the perfect partner for the rich main dish, a surprisingly refreshing and light-tasting tart with a creamy no-bake filling. It features a stunningly gorgeous and supersimple sauce made from a jar of jam that tastes of pears, cranberries, raspberries and a hint of orange liqueur. Menu s Individual Lobster Pot Pie Mixed Green Salad with Herb Vinaigrette Kowalski’s Wine Expert recommends: ser ve Chardonnay Re i Ponz Simple Cheese Tart with Holiday Sauce Kowalski’s Wine Expert recommends: âte Ch au Jolys Jurancon Cuvée Jean ingredients Selection and availability of vary by market. PAGE 20 Find these serving pieces in the Gift or Marketplace Departments of select markets. B ites with Big Flavors B e l t t i L Holiday Hors d’Oeuvres ig things often come in small packages, as evidenced by the recipes we’re highlighting here. We’re going beyond cheese and crackers – this is grown-up party food. You may choose to serve these savory, petite treats as a nibble before an epic winter feast, but you could also enjoy them on their own with a bit of wine and a few close friends. Either way, they’ll ensure your next gathering is one to remember. 10oz. chunk Provolone cheese, cut into ¾" cubes ½ cup Kowalski’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1½ tsp. fresh lemon zest 1 tsp. Kowalski’s Whole Fennel Seeds ½tsp. Kowalski’s Whole Mixed Peppercorns ¼tsp. Kowalski’s Crushed Red Pepper Flakes - 1 qt. zipper closure food storage bag - 1 pt. glass jar, with tight-fitting lid Place cheese in food storage bag. Combine remaining ingredients in jar; cover and shake well. Pour over cheese in storage bag; seal bag. Refrigerate 8 hrs. or up to 3 days, turning occasionally. To Serve: Let cheese stand at room temperature at least 1 hr.; stir and pour onto serving platter. Serves 12. 2 tbsp. chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley 2 tsp. snipped fresh thyme leaves 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. Kowalski’s Coarse Ground Black Pepper ½(17.3 oz.) pkg. frozen puff pastry sheets (1 sheet) 1 egg 1 tbsp. water In large sauté pan, melt butter over medium-low heat; add onion, sautéing until soft and translucent (about 5 min.). Stir in flour (about 1 min.); very slowly whisk in milk and stock. Simmer on low, stirring often until sauce is thickened (about 10 min.). Stir in lobster, vegetables, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper; pour filling into a 3 qt. casserole. Place pastry over filling, draping over the edges of the dish. In small mixing bowl, beat egg and water with fork; brush pastry. Cut several ½" slits in top of the crust; place baking dish on rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400˚ oven until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly (23-27 min.). Serve warm. Serves 6. Good to Know: • Alexia Roasted Red Potatoes and Harvest Vegetables are available in the Frozen Foods Section. • Potpies can be made in 6 ramekins (10 oz. each) with pastry cut into 6 circles to fit over the top. TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH APPLE CRANBERRY GLAZE ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs ½ tsp. ground poultry seasoning ½ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. Kowalski’s Coarse Ground Black Pepper ¼ tsp. fennel seeds ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 6 tbsp. unsalted butter ½ cup diced yellow onion ½ cup flour 1 ½ cups skim milk, room temperature 2 ½ cups seafood stock 3 ½ cups roughly chopped cooked fresh lobster tail meat (about 4 tails 10-12 oz. each) 1 (14 oz.) pkg. Alexia Sauté Reds, thawed, seasoning packet removed 1 (14 oz.) pkg. Alexia Harvest Vegetables, thawed, seasoning packet removed ½ cup skim milk 1 egg, lightly beaten 20 oz. 93% lean ground turkey - parchment paper 1 (8.5 oz.) jar Stonewall Kitchen Apple Cranberry Chutney 3 tbsp. orange juice SIMPLE CHEESE TART WITH HOLIDAY SAUCE In medium mixing bowl, whisk together first 6 ingredients; stir in milk. Let crumbs stand 15 min.; mix in egg. Add turkey; mix well. Using slightly damp hands, shape into approximately 30 meatballs (about 1 ½" across). Spray parchment-lined large, rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Bake meatballs in a preheated 400˚ oven until done (about 15 min.); meanwhile, in microwave-safe small dish, whisk together chutney and juice. Microwave on high until chutney is melted. To Serve: In a large bowl, toss hot meatballs with warm glaze to coat. Serves 8. Find the recipes for Whitefish Croquettes with Lemon-Caper Aioli and Herb Vinaigrette at www.kowalskis.com. 1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs 1 cup sugar, divided 5 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 1 cup sour cream 1½ tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 (12.5 oz.) jar Stonewall Kitchen Holiday Jam ¼ cup water In a medium mixing bowl, combine crumbs, ¼ cup sugar and butter; toss with fork until well-blended. Press crumb mixture firmly onto bottom and up sides of an 11" tart pan with removable bottom. Bake in a preheated 350˚ oven until crust is golden brown and firm to the touch (6-8 min.); cool completely. Using electric mixer, beat cheese until smooth; thoroughly mix in remaining sugar, sour cream, juice and vanilla. Spread filling in cooled crust; chill 4 hrs. Pour jam and water into medium saucepan over medium-low heat; stir continuously until jam melts into a smooth sauce. Remove pan from heat and cool to room temperature. To Serve: Drizzle sauce over chilled tart; serve immediately. Serves 12. PAGE 21 www.kowalskis.com SPICY MARINATED PROVOLONE LOBSTER POTPIE Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice Holiday Treats from the Bakery F ill out your dessert table with locally-made pastries, cakes, cookies and more from Kowalski’s Bakery Department. Several new and seasonal sweets are now available, just in time to fulfill your sugarplum fantasies. 12” SCRATCH-MADE PUMPKIN PIE – Made fresh in our bakery, the only way you can get a fresher pumpkin pie is to bake it yourself. Made with a 50-year-old recipe with timetested flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove in a flaky crust that is handmade from scratch. Try it with a little English-style sweet cream from our bakery. It’s a great substitute for traditional whipped cream. You’d be hard pressed to make a better one if you tried. www.kowalskis.com SMALLER CELEBRATION CAKES – New, party-perfect 1⁄8 sheet cakes are a beautiful alternative to our popular half round cakes. Several luscious flavors are ready to go directly to your next smaller event; look for Truffle, Chocolate Hazelnut, Cranberry White Chocolate and other varieties, also available as roulades (pictured). COOKIES AND SEASONAL CANDY – A must at every party, Kowalski’s cookies and seasonal candies are always a hit. Look for classic cookie choices such as Spritz, Russian Teacakes, Thumbprints, Peanut Butter Blossoms, Iced and Sugared Cut-outs as well as barks, brittles and fudge, always locally-made. BISTRO MERINGUES – Locally made Bistro Meringues are handmade artisan cookies baked in small batches using local, organic eggs. They’re gluten-free, low in sugar, carbs, fat and calories – a perfectly light and airy treat. FILLED AND TRADITIONAL CUPCAKES – Kowalski’s cupcakes are edible works of art. Look for a variety of seasonal flavors including Irish Cream and Red Velvet. KOWALSKI’S SIGNATURE SEASONAL BAR SELECTION – Fudge Revel Bars, Caramel Sea Salt Brownies, Pumpkin Bars, Irish Cream Brownies and Mint Brownies are always favorites. Perfect for afterschool snacks, coffee with the neighbors or an afternoon break with your co-workers. Also look for 20-count mixed trays, ideal for holiday parties. Look for specially-decorated Cheesecakes, Holiday Rolls, Cream Pies, Baked Fruit Pies and our Signature Whoopie Pies in the Bakery Department as well. Selection and availability vary by market. PAGE 22 Bison: A Red Meat Lover’s Dream Come True B ison isn’t “health food.” It’s food that’s healthy – naturally lean and lower in saturated fat than beef, chicken, pork, or even salmon. It’s delicious, nutritious, and with Kowalski’s introduction of High Plains Bison in our Meat Department, it’s a choice you can feel good making. A dense proportion of protein, fat, minerals and fatty acids to caloric value make bison one of the more nutrient-dense meats available today. Plus, bison is low in cholesterol, low in sodium and it’s a great source of iron and omega-3 fatty acids to boot. Many bison lovers claim it has a richer flavor than beef that starts out hearty, then finishes with a hint of salty sweetness. It’s juicy and tender and fast becoming one of the most sought-after delicacies among steak enthusiasts. www.kowalskis.com High Plains Bison is a product Kowalski’s is proud to offer our shoppers. High Plains bison roam the plains and prairies, grazing on wild grasses, sagebrush and other native vegetation – no hormones, no antibiotics. These well-cared-for herds also get plenty of fresh air, clean water and warm sunshine. American bison herds are thriving once again thanks to foresight, respect and responsible husbandry, as well as a genuine desire to foster the survival of the species. High Plains Bison is proud to farm in a way that preserves native grasslands and natural ecosystems. Their ground bison, steaks, hot dogs and sausages have no artificial ingredients and contain no additives or fillers. You may be wondering, “Are bison and buffalo the same animal?” We can thank our ancestors, the early American settlers, for the confusion. They saw the native bison and named it “bufello” due to its similar appearance. But appearances can be deceiving. So what is the difference between buffalo and bison and what difference does it make when you want to buy a lean, healthy red meat? A simple look at the two animals side by side helps answer the question. The bison is taller, and its coat is thicker and hairier than the buffalo’s. Unlike any buffalo species, the American bison sports a large shoulder hump and a massive head, which gives this symbol of the West its burly appearance. But the main difference, the one that affects our purchase and consumption of buffalo, is that bison are indigenous to North America, while buffalo hail from Asia (Water Buffalo) and Africa (Cape Buffalo) – so if you’re ordering buffalo burgers from a menu, you’re probably eating bison burgers. But while the proper scientific term for the American animal is “bison,” the term “buffalo” is so engrained in the American lexicon that even the National Bison Association deems it an acceptable synonym. BISON BISTEC AU POIVRE 2 tbsp. Kowalski’s Coarse Ground Black Pepper 4 (8 oz.) bison ribeye steaks 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 2 tbsp. dry sherry ⅔ cup heavy cream ⅔ cup beef broth 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard Rub pepper into both sides of meat. In large oven-proof sauté pan, heat butter over medium-high heat; sear meat on both sides (3-4 min. total.) Transfer to a preheated 400˚ oven; roast to medium-rare, (9-14 min.) Remove pan from oven, transfer steaks to plate, cover with foil; let rest 10 min. Put pan on stovetop over medium heat; stir sherry into drippings, scraping up browned bits at bottom of pan. Whisk in remaining ingredients; cook, stirring until sauce is thickened and reduced by half (about 5 min.) Return steak to pan and turn to coat. To Serve: Slice steak on the diagonal, arranging on a serving platter; pour hot sauce on top. Serves 6. Good to Know: • High Plains Bison recommends cooking bison steaks to 115˚. As with grass-fed meat, bison texture is best when it is not cooked past medium. USDA guidelines recommend cooking to 145˚. So what’s in a name? Whether you call it “bison” or “buffalo,” this delicious red meat is a fantastic choice for an environmentally or health-conscious consumer. Humanely raised bison is a great addition to a healthy diet. PAGE 23 in the F Kitchen or so many of us, this time of year invokes memories or our childhoods, particularly memories from the kitchen, where we’d create holiday treats with family and friends. Try this nostalgic cookie recipe that’s not only fast – it’s guaranteed to succeed. Little hands will love shaping the dough into balls and rolling them in sugar. (Big hands will appreciate the fact that the kitchen isn’t covered in food coloring, frosting and sprinkles.) Best of all, if measured and rolled carefully, the cookies come out perfectly round and sparkly every time, requiring no additional decoration to make them great for sharing with neighbors or mailing in care packages. The sweet, sticky molasses keeps them moist and chewy for at least a week. with the Kids MOLASSES COOKIES 2 ¼ cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1½ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Ginger 1¼ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Cinnamon ½ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Cloves ¼ tsp. Kowalski’s Ground Allspice ¼tsp. Kowalski’s Coarse Ground Black Pepper ¼ tsp. kosher salt 12tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature ⅓ cup brown sugar ⅓ cup sugar 1 egg yolk, room temperature 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract ½ cup unsulfured molasses - sugar for rolling - parchment paper In medium mixing bowl, whisk together first 8 ingredients; set aside. In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars with an electric mixer until smooth and light. Add egg and vanilla; beat until well-combined. Add molasses; beat until well-combined. Add dry ingredients; beat on low speed just until you can no longer see flour. Using your hands, roll 24 evenly-sized balls (about 1 ½"); roll balls in sugar. Place 2" apart on 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 375˚ oven until just barely set and puffy (10-11 min.), turning and switching pans halfway through; cool on pan 5 min. Cool completely on wire racks. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week. Amount: 24 cookies.
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