SCOOP Warm up with us! - Recipes, stories, vermouth and... hydrotherapy? - Berkshire Food Co-op
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SCOOP
THE
A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FROM BERKSHIRE FOOD CO-OP
winter 2022
Warm up with us!
Recipes, stories, vermouth
and... hydrotherapy?
34 Bridge St Great Barrington | (413) 528-9697
06
FROM THE GENERAL
CONTENTS
MANAGER
Troy takes a look at some
potential plans for our new
spaces upstairs.
09
THE DARKEST DAY
Matt looks forward to the
winter solstice in this letter to
the shortest day of the year.
16
COFFEE SHRUB FOR
THE WIN
Anna loves the way coffee
tenderizes foods when used in
a spice rub. Here’s the recipe.
07
A HEARTFELT HELLO
08
WINTER GREENS
09
KITTY’S KORNER
Looking at his own They’re bitter, yet delicious Shop with intention, the way
experiences, Board President and versatile. Board Member Board Member Kitty does. She
Kevin explores how the Co-op Dan has lots to say about his keeps the idea of harmless
is the heart of our community. favorite greens! harvest in her mind.
10
GF MEANS GOOD
12
HYDRO-WHAT?
14
IS THAT WORMWOOD
FOOD IN MY WINE?
It doesn’t have to be hard! Wet socks? They work! Liz What is wormwood and why
Board Member Phyllis knows can tell you why hydrotherapy is it important to fortified
how to maximize a gluten- is a good option for those wines? Stephen can tell you!
free diet at the Co-op. winter blues.
17
YES, I DO WANT
18
GET COZY
SOME SHRUB
Use Anna’s shrub recipe to Devorah has some product
get that drinking vinegar suggestions to help you stay
ready for winter. warm and comfortable.
m e e t t h e b o a r d
Trish Mead
Secretary
Jake Levin
Vice President
Kevin Gorey
President
Mickey Kammeyer
Board Member
Nancy Maurice Rogers
Board Member
Anna Houston
Treasurer
Dan Studwell
Board Member
Phyllis Webb
Board Member
Kitty Kiefer
Board Member
4 T H E S CO O P | W I NT ER 2 0 2 2
Troy Bond
General Manager
Jessica Bosworth
Center Store Manager
Brandon Schuldt
Finance Manager
Devorah Sawyer
Marketing Manager
Janell Rich
Human Resources Manager
Brian Murphy
Meat & Seafood Manager
Hayley Ranolde
Customer Service Manager
Kyle Pezzano
Fresh Foods Manager
Mark Collins
& l e a d e r s h i p Produce Manager
THE SCOOP | WI NT E R 2022 5
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER:
I’m excited to announce the Berkshire Food Co- Additionally, the kitchen can be utilized by local
op is taking over more space in the Powerhouse organizations to assist with efforts to reduce
Building. Expanding upstairs has been a dream local food insecurity. When we’re not using it,
of ours for over two years. these organizations may cook meals to distribute
to the community, for example
In the next few months, we’ll be unveiling a
combination cooking classroom and community Cooper’s Kitchen & Gifts is situated on Bridge
room, Cooper’s Kitchen & Gift shop, and Street. The new retail space will allow the
something special for our Co-op Team Members: Co-op to provide so many more items that are
a new, expanded breakroom. frequently requested by customers:
The largest portion of the building that • Kitchen supplies, smallwares, pots and pans
we’ll be taking over is the space directly above • Dish towels
the café seating area with a beautiful view of
East Mountain. There we will create a cooking • Candles
classroom featuring a fully-functional kitchen • Greeting cards
with cameras and video monitors, with seating
• Organic and natural fiber clothing
for up to 48 guests.
• Housewares, home accents
The Co-op Space can be used for a
• Cookbooks
variety of functions that bring people together:
Additionally, Cooper’s Kitchen will offer a pour-
• Cooking classes conducted by our Fresh over coffee bar and bulk teas. Counter seating
Foods staff, cookbook authors and local or will run across the windows looking out on
regional restaurant chefs Bridge Street.
• Berkshire Food Co-op Board of Directors
Finally, for our dedicated Team Members
meetings
who have had to endure a tiny breakroom
• Wine and cheese tastings that can only seat two people, we’ll be able to
• Receptions and retreats furnish a sizable breakroom. The new space
will allow Team Members to step away from
• Birthday parties their responsibilities and enjoy their breaks with
plenty of seating, quiet and natural light.
Troy Bond
General Manager
6 T H E S CO O P | W I NT ER 2 0 2 2
A H E A R T F E LT H E L LO from your new board president:
For better or worse, I know on me, and trusting my heart, Co-op the heartbeat of our
a few things about the heart. or anything previously known neighborhood.
This winter marks five years was a challenge.
since a series of heart attacks With so much divide and
brought me to my knees, Scott helped bring back the discourse happening across our
ultimately leading to open idea that there are good things world, coming into the Co-op
heart surgery to repair three in the world that come without has been an island of wellness
blocked coronary arteries. question or judgement. I found and humanity that I do not
myself coming back to the Co- take lightly. The energy of the
When asked, I tell people op on almost a daily basis and staff and the leadership of our
that quite literally my heart is always felt at home. General Manager Troy and his
what led me to the Berkshires. management team during the
After 10 harrowing days in the The first thing my wife and I pandemic has been inspiring,
Intensive Care Unit at Vassar did after we bought our home and it’s one of the true honors
Brothers I was released and in Housatonic was head to the of my life to slide into the
began my home recovery with Co-op and become owners. President’s seat of your Board
my amazing wife at my side. A Jeremy took time out of his busy of Directors.
few weeks later we were told I day and told us all about the
was eligible for cardiac rehab benefits of ownership and just We just celebrated the 40th
at Fairview Hospital. like Scott, treated us like family. anniversary of the Co-op and
I’ve been fortunate enough to
While at Fairview I In the four years since buying meet some of the folks involved
discovered that I could exercise that house we added to that in the creation of the store and
without my heart exploding family with two children of our hear their stories. It’s my hope
(this was a very real fear of own. Children, as you know, to get to meet as many owners
mine), and I was able to explore are very perceptive and they as I can as our heartbeat grows
the town that surrounded the light up when we pull into the stronger and we welcome more
hospital. Before my rehab parking lot of our Berkshire owners into the family. We are
ended, my wife and I found an Food Co-op and that means so close to reaching 5,000!
apartment on Main Street and the world to me not just as a
it was sometime in that first dad or an owner, but as the The future of the Co-op is
week in our new place that I new President of the Board of bright. We are in the process
discovered the Co-op. Directors. of adding more space upstairs
and I’m confident that the
Up to that point I had This being my third year on entire community will benefit
never been in a Co-op, and the Board I thought that being from the tireless work of our
walking through the aisles I nominated to lead it would be thoughtful and humble staff.
was delighted to see so many a challenge, but just as I had
healthy products that could a team of doctors and nurses Thank you for spending a
assist in my recovery. Then I to help me recover from heart few minutes with me here. I
met Scott, who at that time surgery, my fellow board hope to see you somewhere
was slinging sandwiches members have an unbelievable in the aisles in 2022, but if you
and smoothies (you’ll see him capacity for understanding and are busy talking to Scott I’ll
making the aisles sparkle now) a pure love of community that understand.
while making everyone smile. guides our work on the board.
When your heart fails and a Just as I had family and
bunch of strangers poke around friends help me through the
your insides for nine hours beginning stages of learning
things change in a profound how to live again, I have the
way. The most precious of dozens of phenomenal team Kevin Gorey
organs, the one that has been members that come to work Board President
quietly keeping me alive turned every day and make the
THE SCOOP | WI NT E R 2022 7
WINTER GREENS
Dan Studwell
Board Member
I love a perfectly ripened next few months. Cranberry with escarole, parsley, walnuts,
heirloom tomato as much as bean, sausage and escarole roasted mushrooms (still
anybody, but for much soup, braised endive warm), and apples dressed in
of the year what with ham and walnut vinaigrette.
I crave most are gruyere, and
the hardy, bitter grilled treviso Any way you decide to use
greens we get to with aged them just remember that
enjoy come fall balsamic are some they do best accompanied
eto
into winter. In her l ven of my cold night by fat (cheese, oil, animal
de fat), sweetness (honey, dried
book Bitter, Jennifer ro sa go-to dinners. Above
McLagan writes, all — and easiest of all — I or fresh fruit) and a good
“Without bitterness enjoy eating chicories raw in amount of acid (vinegar,
we lose a way to balance salads where combination citrus juices) with a
sweetness, and by rejecting it potential is endless. A few vinaigrette such
we limit our range of flavors. to try: frisée, with bacon and as this walnut
Food without bitterness lacks mustard vinaigrette, treviso vinaigrette.
depth and complexity.” This with pears, hazelnuts and Happy cooking
quote speaks to me this time of gorgonzola dressing, and my this winter to
year as local farms start personal favorite, chioggia everyone.
harvesting a beautiful
array of endives and nco
castelfra
chicories promising Walnut Vinaigrette
to bring new depth
to our meals. Ingredients: Procedure:
While chioggia • 4tbl apple cider vinegar In a bowl whisk the first 7
(commonly called • 2tbl sherry vinegar ingredients together, then add
radicchio), Belgian the walnut oil to taste. If you
• 1tsp lemon juice like your salad dressings a bit
endive, frisée, and
a
gn
escarole are probably • 2tbl orange juice sweeter feel free to add a touch
lo
ta
of honey to the recipe. Since
ca
the ones we are most • 1c olive oil
familiar with, some of the lesser this dressing is not emulsified,
• 1tsp salt make sure to shake it up before
known varieties are not to be
missed. Treviso tardivo, rosa del • Few cracks of fresh black dressing your salad.
veneto, castelfranco, and the pepper
bitterest of them all catalogna, • 1-2tbl La Tourangelle
also known as puntarelle, for walnut oil
example, bring out incredible
flavor in fall and winter trevis
o
dishes. tardiv
o
Chicories find their
way into much of
what I eat for the
8 T H E S CO O P | W I NT ER 2 0 2 2
Kitty’s Korner Kitty Kiefer
Board Member
Robin Wall Kimmerer in Shopping at the Co-op is of building and maintaining
“Braiding Sweetgrass” speaks an intentional choice. In Great our traction as informed
in depth of The Honorable Barrington there are at least consumers.
Harvest – “take only what you four food stores asking for our
need, never take more than business. The consumer culture Ultimately, we have far more
half, use everything you take” of this Co-op shows us a way control than we know IF we
[p. 183]. And she also says, to make better ecological make informed choices and if
“For the most part, I can use choices as we spend our dollars we educate ourselves and our
dollars as the currency of good on food and healthy, clean families as to the choices we
ecological choices” [p. 198]. consumer goods. make buying dinner ingredients
She says lots more in the 384 and dish soap. We have a duty
pages that are the book. I I was elected to the Board to give back, to right wrongs
recommend the book to all of this fall, wanting to work and move with kindness and
us in this community. politically toward creating more firmness. And I suppose even
awareness of the Honorable to be relentless.
Our culture is one of Harvest. The earth suffers
competition and dominance, harm from many agricultural I am Kitty Kiefer, a non-
valuing economic growth practices and from most practicing attorney, a mother,
regardless of ecological cost. manufacturing and consuming a grandmother, an artist, and
As a consumer in this culture, practices. Change occurs writer. I love good food, am
it can be difficult to “take only from the bottom up. We, who a good cook, am sober, and
what you need.” think this way, are coming to grateful to have been elected
understand the importance to serve on the Board of this
Co-op.
The Darkest Day Matt Sinico
Store Supervisor
Probably when you read And we know as the summer snow and ice are cold and
this the darkest day will have turns to fall the Darkest Day is nasty, they are also bright as
passed—December 22nd. coming. The signs start in fall— glass and light.
It has the least amount of leaves blowing, winds turning.
daylight during 24 hrs. The It’s coming. You can feel it. So go for that walk. Skate on
Winter Solstice. As fall ends the Darkest Day that lake. Go sledding down
ushers in Winter. that hill. Enjoy the moment.
For us who love living in the Enjoy the time. Take the darkest
Northeast, the days get shorter Yet, fear not. Even the day and show it your own
and shorter during the summer Darkest Day shines a light. As inner brightness. Turn what is
and fall culminating in late it ends the next day is brighter. sometimes the worst day into
December with the Darkest Second by second, each day the best.
Day. gets brighter. A new year is
around the corner and a new I love the Darkest Day
Our bodies aren’t used to it. beginning will be here. Winter because for me the next day
We spend much of the year is cold and bitter yet shows us shines the brightest.
on long walks, jumping in a sign of brightness. Though
lakes and ponds, building fires
and getting together outside.
THE SCOOP | WI NT E R 2022 9
GF stands for
Supporting local and Phyllis Webb
community service are in my Board Member
DNA. With my parents as role
models, we successfully run
a small business supporting
others in our community while
serving on a number of local
boards.
My husband Dale and I
started our business, Magic
Fluke, just down the road in
New Hartford, CT in 1999.
We relocated to the magical
Berkshires in 2011, and
immediately felt more at
home in this like-minded,
welcoming community of to support and network with On a personal note, I am
local makers, producers, many other local businesses. depending more and more on
artisans, entrepreneurs. We so the Co-op as we navigate the
Taking it a step further, I am gluten free world. My husband
appreciate this region rich in
thrilled to be a new member Dale was diagnosed with
music, arts and theater
of the Co-op Board of Celiac about 6 years ago. As
and beautiful natural
Directors working “foodies” our initial reaction
resources all around
us. “As ‘foodies’ with a terrific
team, excited
was devastation, wondering
what in the world we would
My first order of our initial about the growth eat. We both researched and
business was to reaction was opportunities, recognized GF awareness was
sign up to accept and connecting on the rise with many more
BerkShares (going devastation.” with members. options and choices especially
digital in December) I look forward to in our area. It took a year or
thinking it was contributing as a small so to figure it out, but we have
incredibly cool to be part business owner with the been eating much healthier
of a local currency magnifying added value of leadership and overall with a GF kitchen and
our mission to promote the board experience as we all look don’t miss the wheat at all.
importance of supporting local. to the future. We are grateful for the Co-op
Becoming a member of the knowing they take gluten-free
Co-op, and joining the Southern foods seriously and offer many
Berkshire Chamber, allowed us options.
10 T H E S CO O P | W INT ER 2 0 2 2Here are some of our GF Co-op favorites:
A must for Pizza lovers is “We are grateful
Against The Grain Bakery
frozen pizza. Pesto is our The Gluten Free Bakery in for the Co-op
favorite, with our own toppings Chatham offers wonderful knowing they
added. Try caramelized bread and baked goods. We
onions, sautéed mushrooms, keep loaves in the freezer take it seriously
spinach, and sausage and toast as needed for and offer many
optional. Prosciutto and fresh sandwiches. The Brioche rolls
figs with some goat cheese are excellent for burgers. For
options.”
makes another wonderful an easy dinner, grab a 2-pack
combination. Pineapple and of the Co-op’s own salmon
ham – a classic for a really burgers, sauté on the stove, Glutenberg Beer offers a
satisfying pizza night. We toast your rolls, a little garlic variety of quality GF brews to
like the Against the Grain aioli, or “Lemonaise” spread, satisfy your craft beer cravings.
baguettes too. Sliced or cut in your favorite local arugula and
Need a flavorful lunch idea?
half lengthwise and drizzled in season a fat tomato slice.
Grab a pack of the cauliflower
with oil or butter and garlic Awesome! We just discovered
wraps in the fridge, aisle 1;
to make a great side for your that the raisin bread made
Crimson Kraut from Hosta
pasta or soup night. great French toast!
Hill; turkey or ham slices from
the deli; fresh arugula; a little
mayo and that’s a wrap.
Don’t forget the Co-op Hot
Bar, let them do the cooking
for you. We were thrilled to
find out that at least one
kitchen Team Member is also
celiac and though the kitchen
is not dedicated GF, after
our conversation and trying
out many of the Wheat Free
(WF) options, we feel very
comfortable. I would be happy
to share more GF ideas with
you. If you find me in the aisles
reading labels, feel free to stop
and say hi.
A mid-dinner
snapshot of a
favorite Against
The Grain
Bakery pizza.
THE SCOOP | WI NTE R 2022 11Liz Wing, ND
Wellness Buyer
Hydrotherapy in Naturopathic Medicine: Simple Tools to Improve Overall Health
As the temperatures drop Hydrotherapy is the use of Another hydrotherapy
and we head into the winter water internally or externally to technique you can use this
months, using cold water as treat disease states or maintain winter is called “Wet Socks.”
part of your bathing routine health. Water has been used by The wet sock technique
probably seems like a crazy many cultures for thousands of utilizes the derivative effect
idea -- but the impacts this years and was given a system of hydrotherapy by applying
action has on your circulation for healing purposes in the water to one area of your body
will give you a pep in your step 1800s by Sebastian Kneipp of in order to drive blood away
to bring you through to spring. Bavaria, and Vincent Priessnitz from another area of the body.
of Austria. The implications The next time you have sinus
Before you turn off the piping of how and when we use or respiratory congestion,
hot water in your shower, hydrotherapy are derived a headache, or a fever, you
reach down and turn that largely from the physiological can employ this technique to
temperature nozzle towards effects of water on the body. support your body’s healing
cold (you can start with cool Hydrotherapy has been shown mechanisms.
water) for 30 seconds. This to improve mood, improve
simple act will help cause quality of life in patients with
vasoconstriction, or narrowing, COPD and Parkinson’s, improve
of your blood vessels. The recovery time from exercise,
quick vasoconstriction from improve metabolic rate, and
that 30 seconds of unpleasant increase the presence of some
cold water will help to pump/ immune cells.
move the blood in your vessels,
driving it out of the tissues.
Wet Sock Treatment
This movement of blood
from that quick cold dip is in
contrast to the blood stasis • Gather the following items: 1 pair of short cotton socks, 1 pair
that is resultant of a solely hot of large wool (at least 60% wool) socks, and warm pajamas.
shower. After the cold-induced
vasoconstriction, your blood • Run the cotton socks under cold tap water and wring them
vessels will reflexively dilate, out thoroughly.
or widen, allowing fresh blood • Place your feet in a hot water bath for 5 minutes and then
and oxygen back into your dry them thoroughly. This step is very important as you want
tissues and increasing your to make sure your feet are properly warmed before applying
energy levels. the socks.
Contrast Hydrotherapy, or • Place the wet cotton socks on your feet and then cover them
the contrasting application with the wool socks.
of hot and cold water on • Dress warmly and then go to bed - make sure you have
the body is one of many enough blankets to keep you warm.
hydrotherapy techniques used • Remove the socks in the morning or when they are
in Naturopathic Medicine to completely dry (the cotton socks must be dry).
increase vitality.
12 T H E S CO O P | W INT ER 2 0 2 2When you apply cold, wet Lastly, the simplest way of How and when to utilize
socks to your feet, the blood employing hydrotherapy in hydrotherapy is much like all
vessels in your feet will first our daily lives is to make sure modalities used in Naturopathic
vasoconstrict and then undergo we are staying adequately Medicine - it needs to be
the secondary effects of cold hydrated. Proper hydration implemented as part of a
application - vasodilation. This is key to regulating body whole-person approach to
will increase blood flow and temperature, maintaining healing and tailored to the
heat to the area of your feet, moisture in the tissues of our individual. Hydrotherapy is
thus drawing blood away from eyes/nose/mouth, lubricating one of our most profound and
other areas (such as sinuses our joints, optimizing blood accessible tools, but not all
and respiratory tracts) that may circulation for delivery of techniques are appropriate
have otherwise experienced oxygen and nutrients to our for everyone. Ask your
blood and lymphatic stasis vital organs, flushing out the Naturopathic Physician how
overnight due to inflammation kidneys, maintaining our mood/ you can include hydrotherapy in
and immune activity. energy, and countless other your life to improve your overall
processes. One goal to set for health!
Having trouble sleeping? yourself is to try to consume
Try a 15-20 minute neutral half of your body weight (in
bath. The temperature of the ounces) of water everyday. For
water should be neutral by example: A 200-lb individual
touch. The purpose of this bath would have a goal of 100
is to decrease excitation of ounces of water daily.
the nervous system. Neutral
water temperature will create
a sedative effect and calm
down the nervous system. Be
sure to avoid becoming chilled
afterwards.
Elizabeth (Liz) Wing is
a licensed Naturopathic
Physician practicing at Violet
Baker, Paul W. (2011) Is there a Role for Contrast Hydrotherapy? Journal of Lymph- Hill Naturopathic Clinic in
oedema, 692), 72-80. https://www.woundsinternational.com/uploads/resources/con-
tent_11212.pdf
Sharon, CT. She completed her
Naturopathic education at Bastyr
Mooventhan, A., & Nivethitha, L. (2014). Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrother- University in Seattle, WA and
apy on various systems of the body. North American journal of medical sciences, 6(5), her Naturopathic Residency at
199–209. https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.132935
Cascade Integrative Medicine
Pizzorno, Joseph E., Michael T. Murray, Amy Huyck, & Kate Broderick. (2013). Hydro- in Issaquah, WA. Find her in the
therapy. Textbook of Natural Medicine, Chapter 40, pg 327-337 Wellness section at your Co-op!
THE SCOOP | WI NTE R 2022 13WORMWOOD
Is that
in my wine?
Stephen Piersanti
Wine Buyer
Fortified and Aromatized Wines
Fortified and aromatized Why do I like fortified
wines have been experiencing wines? The taste. renewed popularity these days:
a renaissance over the last try a Port and tonic - dry white
20 years. This is not your Vermouth, which can be a port and sparkling tonic water.
grandparents’ vermouth. sweet red, a sweet white, or
Though, how many times did I a dry white (think: martini), Madeira. The most complex,
see my grandfather reach for always has the bitter herb almost mythical, Madeira
the liquor cabinet and pull out a wormwood in it, hence the wines come in a variety of
bottle of Martini and Rossi? name vermouth, the German types - sercial, verdelho, bual,
word for wormwood: wermut. malmsey, and rainwater to
What is it? It is the wormwood that gives it name a few, ranging from dry
that slight bitter finish. Recipes to sweet. This is wine that
A fortified wine is a wine for the herbs and spices that benefits from oxidative aging
(grape, apple, rice, etc.) that go into making a vermouth are in wood barrels and in being
has been amended with a historically a closely guarded heated during the process.
distilled spirit such as brandy secret, from the monasteries, The accidental “discovery”
or neutral grain spirits, either to apothecaries, to modern- of the benefits of heating the
during the fermentation day producers. Flavors of wine during the aging process
process or after fermentation herbs, citrus, spice, wine, goes back to the 18th century,
is complete. A fortified wine and a hint of bitterness from in shipping the wine across
can either be sweet or dry, red wormwood, makes vermouth the Atlantic from the Madeira
or white, or any variation in a fine mixer for cocktails or, Islands to the Americas. The
between. The wine can also better yet, sipped straight— heat of the Equator, below
“aromatized” by adding herbs perhaps chilled straight up, deck in the hold, and the gentle
and spices; wormwood or with a twist—before a meal rocking of the ship, proved a
quinine is typically used to get as an “aperitivo”, sometimes benefit. Best taken after a good
that slightly bitter edge. During with a bitter finish but always meal, or on its own, Madeira
the process of producing the aromatic. can bring to mind and palate
wine it can also be heated or chocolate, tobacco, honey,
allowed to evaporate to reach Port, named after the city of caramel, spice, and smoke. It
a denser, more viscous mouth- Porto, comes from the Douro is also incredibly stable; you
feel. region in northern Portugal. can keep an open bottle for a
You can find a variety of types year or more. Go ahead, try and
Among the different types - tawny, ruby, white; dry or
of fortified wines, there is keep an open bottle that long!
sweet; single vintage. Port
Vermouth from northern Italy is a fortified wine which has Sherry. A fortified wine
or southeast France, Port the addition of grape spirits, from Spain, it is a wine that
from Portugal, Madeira of the brandy. A sweet red port, has brandy added towards
Madeira Islands, Sherry from tawny or ruby, is the best the end of, or after the wine
the south of Spain, Marsala known style, but white port has completed the process of
from Sicily, Vins doux naturels is experiencing a renewed fermentation (i.e. when the
(such as Muscat and Banyuls popularity. Port can be a yeasts have eaten up all the
from France, and Gwaha), and smooth and aromatic treat, sugars in the wine). Sherry can
ju, a fortified and aromatized slightly viscous on the tongue be dry or sweet, but always a
rice wine served at the Korean and rich in flavors of wine, refined taste, before or after a
table. chocolate, fruit, and tar. Of meal, or on its own.
14 T H E S CO O P | W INT ER 2 0 2 2Marsala. Sicily’s entry in the
fortified wine line-up, it too is
Look for a select group of fortified and aromatized
produced in a range, from dry
wines at the Berkshire Food Co-op.
to sweet, and a range of aging
in barrels. It is served before Among the offerings to look for:
a meal, between courses, as • Partida Creus MUZ vermut, from Catalonia, Spain,
a dessert wine, or outside of a brilliant bittersweet oxidized red vermouth based
the meal served with strong, on a guarded and classic Italian recipe.
salty or spicy cheeses such as
• Dolin Chambery vermouth, from sub-alpine France,
Parmigiana or Gorgonzola.
the classic french style vermouth, lighter and less
Many more fortified bitter, perfect any way you have it, red or white,
and aromatized wines, to sweet or dry.
continue… • Alma de Trabanco, an aromatized grape and apple
wine blend with herbs, spices and quinine, from the
…the history.
basque region of northeast Spain, a new winter
Most all fortified wines have holiday favorite.
a specific tradition and history
behind them - but in most
Also see our store for new and natural fortified and
cases, it was a means and
aromatized wines. You’ll find an amaro (amaro meaning
method to either preserve or
bitter, yet another category) from a small producer
stabilize a wine or to make a
in northern Italy, and a true classic Italian sweet red
mediocre or oxidized wine more
vermouth (on the bitter side), Punt e Mes, an aperitif
palatable. Over the course
from the time of “la dolce vita.” Also look for a Vin Doux
of centuries, the processes
Naturel from the south of France, a “vin rancio”, which
and recipes were refined and
translates to “rancid wine”. Find me in the wine aisle to
codified to produce a wine
learn more!
distinct in “sense of place” and
in its range of flavors, valued on
its own merits.
…the culture.
Back to “sense of place” each
place would bring to the wine
its wine-making culture, be it
northern Italy, southern Spain,
the Madeira Islands or the
English merchants in Portugal.
The fermentation process and
added ingredients are distinct
to each type and variety of
fortified or aromatized wine.
Just as distinct is the time of
day to partake. Be it before,
during or after a meal, a social
situation, at the celebratory
dinner table, or alone at the
quiet end of your day.
photo by Stephen Piersanti
THE SCOOP | WI NTE R 2022 15Coffee rub
for the win
Anna Monaco
Meat & Seafood Team Member
Why do some people Coffee-balsamic rub
swear by coffee rubs on their
steaks, chicken, tofu, and Ingredients
other proteins? Part of it is • 2 tablespoons finely
the natural tenderizer that the ground Six Depot espresso
tannins in coffee offer (think (regular or decaf)
why a red wine sauce is so • 2 tablespoons TNT
often paired with a juicy steak). Napalm In The Morning
What do coffee and bitters Espresso Bitters
have in common? You guessed
• 2 tablespoons dark brown
it, tannins! Tannins are found in
sugar
all sorts of ingredients used to
make bitters. • 2 tablespoons balsamic
vinegar
But both coffee and bitters
• 2 tablespoons oil
can be...well...bitter. That’s not a
(whatever you have
flavor you want with your steak
handy)
usually. That’s why this recipe,
with balsamic vinegar and the • 2 tablespoons chili powder
added equal part of brown • 1 tablespoon garlic
sugar, really balances out the powder
bitter, tannic taste and creates
• 1 tablespoon salt
a lovely caramelized crust for
all your pan frying and roasting • 1 teaspoon ground
needs. Mix up a big batch and mustard
give them out as gifts! Great for • 1 teaspoon ground
grilling season too! coriander
Pro tip: save some of the rub • 1 teaspoon red pepper
and season any sauce with flakes
it. It will bring the whole dish • ½ teaspoon oregano
together!
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in
a bowl and rub into steak
or chicken before cooking.
16 T H E S CO O P | W INT ER 2 0 2 2Yes, I do want
some Shrub
Anna Monaco
Meat & Seafood Team Member
winter Shrub
What is a shrub? they migrated into the cocktail
world when colonial Americans Ingredients
A shrub is a guy that thinks brought the preservation • 1 cup grated apple
he’s fly and is also known as technique with them. (including liquid)
a...wait...that’s the opening line • 1 cup grated pear
to the TLC’s iconic 1999 single So why drink shrubs? (including liquid)
No Scrubs. We’re talking about
There is some general feeling • 1 ½ cups sugar
shrubs! Nobody wants a scrub
that shrubs help regulate your • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
but everyone wants a shrub!
insulin levels naturally and so crushed with the back of
Shrubs - also known as shrubs are often recommended a pan
drinking vinegars - are for diabetics. They are
usually packed with natural • 16 fluid ounces apple cider
flavored vinegars often
antioxidants from the base vinegar
found in alcoholic cocktails,
non-alcoholic drinks, and fruit. They aren’t too sweet
on wellness shelves. Made and just like a tart glass of
Directions:
from mixing fruit and vinegar lemonade, they are surprisingly
refreshing! 1. Combine everything but
with some sugar, shrubs
the vinegar in a large jar
add a depth of flavor and
So the next time you over and mix until sugar is
balanced level of acidity to any
purchase produce or if your dissolved.
concoction they go in.
late season fruit is still sitting
2. Add vinegar and cover.
Shrubs date back to the in your fridge, crush, blend, or
muddle it, add some vinegar 3. Store in the fridge or ina
Babylonians who mixed the
and sugar, and see what cool, dark place for at least
fermented fruit juice with water
flavor combinations you like! 4 days or up to 2 weeks,
to make the water safe to drink.
It could be cucumber and swirling or gently shaking
Our version of a shrub has its
lime or orange and cherry or once a day.
origins in 17th century England
where it was used to preserve even tomato and basil. The 4. Strain the mixture, saving
fruit past harvest season. As possibilities are endless! the liquid and discarding
with most delicious elixirs, the solids (or turn them
into a chutney!).
winter Refresher
Ingredients
• 1 fluid ounce Fall Shrub
(see recipe above)
• 4 fluid ounces water or
seltzer
• ½ fluid ounce brown sugar
simple syrup (1:1 water to
brown sugar dissolved and
cooled)
• 5 dashes of TNT Alibi
Citrus + Aromatic Bitters
THE SCOOP | WI NTE R 2022 17get
cozy. Devorah Sawyer
Marketing Manager
I’m sure I’m not alone when
I talk about my favorite part
of winter—wrapping myself
in a blanket next to a fire with
a giant mug of hot cocoa and
the comfiest socks. To me there
really is nothing better.
18 T H E S CO O P | W INT ER 2 0 2 2Let’s talk about the comfiest Ok, next we need the hot
socks first. My mom gave me a cocoa to complete this cozy
pair of Maggie’s Organic wool relaxation session.
socks for Chanukah two years
ago. She bought them from I choose Equal Exchange
the Co-op, obviously, so Organic Hot Cocoa. My go-to is
I loved them even more. their milk chocolate mix, but if I
But they’re now one of five feel like a little more excitement
pairs in my sock drawer, I’ll sometimes grab the spicy
and they’re the first socks I one. Either way, it’s really easy
grab the day after laundry to whip up hot cocoa this way.
day. You can add water, but I like
the added richness of making it
The merino wool with oat milk.
keeps my feet warm in
my boots even when Eating and drinking products
I’m outside for hours from Equal Exchange make
building snow forts with my brain feel just as good as
my younger sister. I like that my body because I know I can
the soft layers are breathable trust them with sourcing the
and the socks are thin but still best ingredients
cushiony. from the best
people. They’re
All of this is made better another co-op
by the fact that Maggie’s and make sure
keeps their business practices their producers
sustainable and ethical, paying are earning fair
fair wages and helping workers wages. They
create co-ops, for example. focus heavily
on educating
With the many colors and about the economic and
styles to choose from I’m environmental impacts of the
not sure how you’ll pick your products they make.
favorite, but you will. Find
Maggie’s Organic socks in the Between the dark, milk &
wellness aisles. Chances are spicy hot cocoa mixes, your
they’ll end up in your regular cozy evening will taste like a
sock rotation. socially responsible hug.
THE SCOOP | WI NTE R 2022 19print copy mail design FULL COLOR DIGITAL PRINTING, OFFSET PRINTING, COPYING & WIDE FORMAT family owned and operated since 1973! Kwik Print has always been the source of high quality printing combined with dependable service, state- of-the-art technology and community spirit. Located right across the street from the Berkshire Food Co-op, Kwik Print keeps business in the Berkshires. The community's local resource for all of your printing needs. 35 Bridge St Great Barrington | kwikprintinc.com
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