A Holiday Guide to Local, Cooperative and Fair Trade: Part Two
Now that you’ve secured your fresh produce orders, the focus can shift to toppings, dressings, and secret ingredients to prepare the suite of complimentary sides. Whether your shoppers go the traditional route or seek more modern takes, we’re here to connect you to all things seasonal sides.
Salad Girl – Mahtomedi MN
Salad Girl is the passion project of Pam and Jim Powell. They began making and selling their organic dressings & marinades in 2006 at Minneapolis’ Mill City Farmers Market, and was the first certified organic fresh dressing on grocery shelves in Minnesota. All their offerings are gluten, dairy and soy free, as well as non-GMO. From classics like Lemony Caesar to seasonal blends like Crisp Apple Maple and Pomegranate Pear Vinaigrette, try all 11 delicious varieties.
Valley’s Own Bakehouse – Rosemount MN
To meet the needs of more shoppers seeking gluten free options, Valley Natural Foods Co-op in Burnsville MN opened Valley’s Own Bakehouse in 2011 to produce all certified gluten-free products. Their versatile Gluten Free Croutons are popular every holiday season for an easy, perfectly seasoned way to prepare stuffing- that also happens to be certified gluten-free. They make a great soup and salad topping too.
Westby Cooperative Creamery- Westby WI
Since 1903 Westby Cooperative Creamery has been raising small herds to produce small batch premium dairy products. Nestled in the rolling hills of central Wisconsin, this picturesque setting is what cows dream of. They craft their Salted Butter from rich, high-quality cream for the richness we all crave. Creamy, smooth and rBST and preservative free, Westby is our local, co-op choice for simmering, glazing, or simply spreading on fresh baked bread.
Pietron Family Wild Rice- Cushing MN
Hand-harvested from Minnesota lakes and rivers by the Pietron family, this naturally grown wild rice delivers the mild nutty flavor associated with some of our favorite fall comfort foods. Try our Mushroom Wild Rice Pot Pie to indulge everyone at your table- especially your vegetarian loved ones.