by Phyllis Webb
As the first few snowflakes begin to collect on the ground and the lights of the holidays burn brightly both inside and outside of our neighbors homes, it feels like the right time to slow the pace, reflect on family, friends and our amazing community! Where did 2023 go?
With my Co-op hat on, looking back on 2023, I feel so grateful to be closely connected to the Berkshire Food Co-op. I feel connected to the people who are stocking the shelves, resetting displays, offering knowledge and quality products in wellness, greeting you upstairs in The Attic, prepping and cooking to fill the hot bar, making tasty lattes, spreading the word, sweeping and cleaning, hiding the pig to delight the children (and me - I get such a kick out of finding it too). Also to those who are researching products that fit our Ends, to be the trusted source of healthful food, well curated goods and creating a welcoming space to gather for all. We are so fortunate to have the Co-op in our backyard. More than a grocery store, we are a grand community! Please take a moment to recognize and thank these hardworking people who take pride in their work to provide you with the best shopping experience – they are our Co-op family!
At home, I welcome the coziness of shorter days. My fingers are crossed for some good ole fashioned snowstorms. I’m looking forward to a staycation to kick off the year – time to clean out closets and cabinets, time to organize, reduce and recycle as well as sort through the pantry and re-stock with Co-op favorites.
Need to expand on your daily meal prep?
For breakfast, my family loves ALL flavors of Soupcon local granola in the bulk aisle and in jars in the cereal aisle. It’s made right here in GB and delish with some oat milk and just a dash of Elmhurst Cashew Milk, topped with organic banana slices fresh from the produce section.
A hot cup of Tulsi Immune Active Tea (I swear by this stuff) is wonderful. All the Tulsi Teas are wonderful, but this tea stands out for me.
For lunch, nothing beats the hot bar's fresh daily soups. Comfort food for the soul and what ails you. I also highly recommend the Flag Rock with turkey sandwich from the cafe – it is the best!
And for dinner, we just made this recipe. It was nutritious comfort food at its best! Everything you need will be at the Co-op.
From the Moosewood Low-Fat Favorite Cookbook:
Ukrainian Beet & Bean Stew
2 cups sliced onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 cups water
3 cups sliced cabbage
1 cup sliced carrots
3 cups chopped potatoes
4 cups peeled & cubed raw beets (5 or 6 medium beets)
1 28 oz can whole tomatoes, chopped
2 tsp. caraway seeds
2 tbsp. white or cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained (or bulk dried and soaked overnight)
1 tbsp. dried dill
black pepper to taste
In a large pot with oil, cook the onions and celery until browned.
Add 1 cup of water, cover, lower heat, and simmer for 5 min.
Add cabbage and carrots, stir, simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.
Add remaining 2 cups of water, potatoes, beets, tomatoes, caraway seeds, vinegar, and salt. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover, and simmer for 35 min, until beets are tender. Add beans & dill.
Once thoroughly heated through, add pepper. Serve topped with scallions and a dollop of plain yogurt.
So. damn. tasty. Make it, eat it. Thank you Moosewood!
We like to serve this with Against the Grain gluten free baguettes and a mixed local greens salad topped with fresh pomegranate seeds (the poms this year, in produce, have been stellar!) and pepitas!
Enjoy, and see you in the aisles.