Spring 2021 - In this issue: First Alternative Co-op
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Spring 2021
March • April • May
Volume 5 • Issue 1
In this issue:
Spring Planting Guide • All About Alliums • Bellhop Pasta at the Co-op • An Interview with
Commonplace Farm • Force of Nature Meats • Double Up Food Bucks • and more!
Excitement Grows at
the Co-op this Spring
Adam Payson, Thymes Editor
ith 50 years of cooperative experience under our belt and a
spring in our step, First Alternative is here for another year
of bringing people together through fresh, local, organic food and
a focus on products that uplift communities near and far. Powered
by the people—the 12,000 (and growing) Owners that make up the
Co-op Community—there's nothing we can't do.
The year got off to an unexpected start when an early morning fire
destroyed the annex building behind the South Store that housed
our kitchen, backstock, and other facilities. Thankfully, no one was
hurt. The immediate outpouring of gratitude and offers to help we
Spring 2021 received were absolutely amazing. Local businesses kindly stepped
in to keep our Deli stocked with delicious foods and the Co-op
Kitchen is in the beginning phases of setting up a temporary Kitchen
Spring Planting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 in downtown Corvallis so we can bring your favorites back. Follow us
An Ode to Alliums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 on Facebook and Instagram at @firstaltcoop to get the latest.
Bellhop Pasta at the Co-op . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 In the meantime, the best way to support us is also the simplest—
Commonplace Farm Interview. . . . . . . . . . 10 come in and shop or order for Pick-up & Delivery (learn more and
Force of Nature Meats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 get your order started at firstalt.coop/order.) Both Co-op locations
are open 8am-8pm daily for all your grocery needs and we'd love to
Donna's Kitchen: Budget Recipes. . . . . . . . 14 see you here! It's that kind of support that's kept us going strong for
Double Up Food Bucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 50 years and nothing could mean more to us.
The Corvallis Environmental Center. . . . . 18 Interested in taking the next step? Become a Co-op Owner for
Wellness Thyme: Oregon Soap Co. . . . . . 20 only $70 (payment plans available.) The backbone of the Co-op
Side by Side: Hot Cereals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Community, Owners help guide our cooperative business by voting
on store referendums and electing (and comprising) our Board of
Directors. Owners also receive a once-per-month Owner Sale
The Co-op Thymes is a free quarterly magazine Day, where almost every non-sale item in the store is 10% off! If
published by First Alternative Co-op. Available you're interested in joining, visit Customer Service at either store or
in our stores and around Corvallis, it can firstalt.coop/ownership and become an Owner today.
also be viewed online at firstalt.coop.
Editor/writer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Payson
Design/layout . . . Adam Payson, Julia Lont
Illustrations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julia Lont
Photos . . . . . . . . . Julia Lont, Adam Payson
Opinions expressed herein are strictly those of the
writers and are not an endorsement by or official
position of First Alternative Co-op, its Board,
managers, or Owners, unless identified as such.
The same is true for claims made by advertisers.
h e Co- o
T p
e l ebrate
C
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Look for more
info soon at
ay www.firstalt.coop
4 The First Alternative Co-op Thymes Spring 2021
Garden Supplies Helping Hands
First Alternative Co-op's South Store carries a variety of ✿ Corvallis Sustainability
gardening supplies and both stores carry a selection of Coalition's Garden Guide
local and organic seeds. Many of our products are locally is a useful, free resource for
produced. Pick up some of the basics along with your accessing a wide variety of
groceries when you stop by this spring! gardening-related information.
Got extra garden produce
Scatter Some Seed! to share? Need to find plots
• Adaptive Seeds–Sweet Home to rent? Want to volunteer
Certified Organic & Open Pollinated at a community garden? Find
(available at both stores) information on a broad range of
topics here.Visit sustainablecorvallis.org/action-teams/
• The Thyme Garden–Alsea
(available at both stores) food to find this guide and more great opportunities.
• Territorial Seeds–Cottage Grove ✿ Check out the Facebook group Corvallis Garden
Certified Organic & Biodynamic Share for advice, networking, and resource sharing.
(South Store only) ✿ Leonard Street Community Garden takes donations
• Peace Seedlings–Corvallis of seeds or starts. Call Rebecka 541-752-7220 x312 to
(South Store only) coordinate or make a donation directly to devnw.org/
support-devnw.
Amendments, Etc. ✿ Starker Arts Garden for Education (SAGE) needs
• SeaCoast Compost–Coos Bay volunteers to help grow produce for food banks and
Biodynamic (South Store only) soup kitchens. Contact them at
• Down to Earth Potting Soil– sage@corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org.
Little Free
Eugene (South Store only)
• Down to Earth Amendments–
Farm Stand
Eugene (South Store only)
• We also carry Sluggo and
diatomaceous earth in bulk and a
diverse range of other products.
(South Store only) Brittney West (Plant Posse)
and Gavin Tougher (Pith to Bark)
Get Started With Some Starts! collaborated to design and
construct these hand-crafted
• Thyme Garden Herb Starts–Alsea (available at both stores)
Little Free Farm Stands which
• Peoria Gardens Plant Starts–Corvallis (South Store only) are a simple way to share
• Lively Organic Farm Starts–Eugene (South Store only) your garden bounty with the
community. They are made to
order from reclaimed wood
and cost $125. Order yours at
eatingrainbowgardencoop.com/
shop.
North: (541) 452-3115 • South: (541) 753-3115 5
Love Allium: an Ode to the Onion and Others
We still love you, even though sometimes you make us cry
ake any thousand savory recipes have more zing than a spring onion. If you find the pungency of
and you'll find that most allium— Thin slices of their green tops regular garlic too powerful, give
pardon, most all of them—call for make an eye-opening garnish, while green garlic a try instead.
an onion or garlic. Here's a fun look the thin white bulbs make a great Sometimes looking more like an
at these all-star alliums along with addition to stir-fry or fried rice oversized scallion or spring onion,
some delightful, and often mild, dishes. it's just garlic harvested while
early-season alliums—rising stars immature. Eaten raw, it's still pretty
that we hope to be seeing a lot pungent, but cooking mellows its
of this spring at the Co-op, often flavor considerably.
direct from our local farmers. For another smooth spin on the
garlic experience, give garlic
spears also known as scapes a
try. The curled tops of hardnecked
varieties of garlic, they're
trimmed off the plant in the spring
Garlic Here's some twisty encouraging the garlic bulbs to grow
etymology fun—the word allium fat. To cook, simply snip any papery
is derived from the Latin word for material extending from
Onions Easy to grow, garlic, while the word garlic evolved the bulb tip, coat with
transport, and store, we've been from the Anglo-Saxon garleac, oil and roast or throw
cultivating onions for at least 5,000 meaning "spear leek." Unlike onions on the grill, cooking
years. Egyptians saw them as a with their singular bulbs made of until tender and
symbol of eternal life, and buried fibrous, fleshy leaves, a garlic bulb caramelized. Pickled
them alongside Pharaohs. Ancient is made up of discrete cloves with a garlic spears also make
Greeks thought so highly of them papery skin and fleshy interior. for a delightful treat.
that Olympic athletes ate them by Garlic spears
the pound, drank their juice, and
rubbed themselves with the bulbs.
An allium's powerful flavor comes from compounds of the element
If the traditional storage onion's sulfur. Chopping onions and shallots lifts one compound, propyl
sulfury bite is too much, consider sulfoxide, into the air. When it comes into contact with the moisture
spring onions. With grass-like in our eyes, a chemical reaction creates sulfuric acid and brings tears.
shoots and small bulbs, spring But you can stop all the cryin' (or minimize it) with these
onions are a miniature and mild simple techniques! Pop your onions or shallots into the fridge for
relative to the onion. Grilled an hour before you plan to chop. The sulfoxide can't escape into the
or roasted whole, they have a air as well when it's chilled. Ventilation is also key. If it's too cold to
lovely and delicate flavor, like an chop the onion in front of the window, turn on your hood fan and
extremely mild sweet onion, do your dicing below it. Chopping efficiently (and safely) is another
and make a great side dish. way to avoid the tears. You can turn an onion into a small dice in no
time with the right technique. To see how, watch demonstration from
For a slightly bolder flavor, try
Donna's Kitchen on our YouTube channel: youtu.be/lOwhBHoorYo.
green onions, also known
as scallions, which look like
bulbless spring onions. Still
milder than an onion, they
Spring onions (above) & scallions
6 The First Alternative Co-op Thymes Spring 2021
Caramelizing Onions (or Shallots)
Caramelized onions or shallots can make a regular dish savory, sweet,
and spectacular and all it takes is butter, olive oil, and patience.
Directions: Halve a peeled onion from root to stem and chop into
thin slices perpendicular to the stem creating half-moon slices that fall
apart into straws. Put a skillet over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp each
Shallots They have the same butter and olive oil for each onion being caramelized (or 2 Tbsp. olive
juicy, layered interior structure as
oil if you'd like to omit the butter.) Once the oil is shimmering, add
an onion but with bulbs that grow
the onions, keeping the heat at medium, coat thoroughly and stir the
in garlic-like clusters of cloves. A
onions every 5-10 minutes until they're caramelized. It can take from
delicate (for an allium) flavor, like a
30 minutes to an hour to truly achieve caramelization depending on
mild, almost buttery-sweet onion,
the type and amount of onions, the sugars in them, and other factors.
you can substitute them in any
It's worth the wait. Ultimately, the onions will be sticky with a deep,
recipe calling for an onion.
golden brown color. Don't be afraid to taste test, they're only
Their delicate texture makes
done when you like them!
them easier to caramelize
than onions, making them an
especially good substitute in
recipes calling for them. Potato Leek Soup
Leeks Looking like a scallion Ingredients:
the size of a baton, leeks are one 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled & diced
of the mildest tasting varieties of 1 lb leeks, washed and chopped,
allium. They're popularly used to white & light green parts only
help build a flavor base for broths, 1 onion, chopped
soups, and stews. In cooked 1 celery stalk, chopped
dishes, they can be used as a 1 carrot, chopped
milder substitute for onions but 5 cups chicken stock
are too fibrous to replace them 1/2 cup milk
in any raw preparations. Dirt and 4 Tbsp butter
grit can hide deep in a leek, so be 2 Tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley
sure to give them a good wash! Salt and pepper
6 Tbsp plain yogurt
Chives An herb in the 1/2 cup chives, green onion or shredded cheddar cheese
allium family, chives pack big onion
flavor into unassuming grass-like Directions: Melt butter in a large saucepan. Add potatoes,
stems. Primarily used as a garnish, leeks, onion, celery and carrot; cover and cook 5-7 minutes,
their bold flavor works just about stirring frequently. Add chicken stock, salt, pepper and parsley.
everywhere—from omelets and Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until vegetables are tender
baked potatoes to salads and roast and potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. Add milk to pot; mash
meats. Just grab your bundle of potatoes and vegetables in the pot with an immersion blender or
chives and some kitchen shears and transfer to a blender in batches and process until smooth. To serve,
snip tiny pieces directly onto your ladle into bowls and swirl 1 tablespoon yogurt into each serving.
dish. If you cook with chives, make Sprinkle with chives, green onion, or shredded cheddar cheese.
sure to add them to the heat late in Recipe courtesy of the Corvallis Sustainability
the process or else they will wilt. Coalition's Simply Seasonal Recipes. You can
learn more about the Coalition, including how
to volunteer at sustainablecorvallis.org.
Find all your fresh, local, organic ingredients you
need at First Alternative Co-op.
North: (541) 452-3115 • South: (541) 753-3115 7
Handmade Bellhop Pasta Comes to the Co-op
Three cheers for fresh noodles from the "Brothers in Cheer"
ellhop, a small restaurant in Wanting to still do more to keep Bucatini Puttanesca
downtown Corvallis owned the community fed, Bellhop Thick spaghetti with a hole running
and operated by Chef Brian Parks, dedicated themselves to getting through it, bucatini is perfect for this
takes pride in preparing locally their pasta into the local stores. bold dish. Story goes, it was created
sourced, handmade food including They studied the market, worked to by an Italian restaurant owner, ready
house-made pasta dishes, southern- find the best packaging and labeling, to close for the night and low on
style fried chicken, artisanal and after a lot of hard work and ingredients, who was met by a table
sandwiches, and fresh salads. persistence, Gathering Together of hungry patrons that declared,
Seasonal specialties include seafood Farm's farm stand became the first "una puttanata qualsiasi," or "throw
from the Oregon Coast, locally to sell their fresh, handmade pasta. something together" (but ruder.) Just
foraged mushrooms, and a variety goes to show, give the chef some spice
of Oregon raised meat and poultry. Now we're excited and honored
and you get some back.
to carry it as well. Look for
When COVID hit, the Bellhop team strozzapreti, trumpete, bucatini, A pinch of chile flakes
began to think of ways to make the macaroni, radiatore and tagliatelle 2 cloves garlic, chopped
best of the situation. As a small in the refrigerated section at both 1 medium white onion
restaurant operating with a limited Co-op locations. 1/2 - 1 tsp chile powder
staff, they decided it was best to 1 teaspoon dried oregano
focus on takeout and delivery, Bellhop pasta’s only ingredients
1 Tbsp capers, drained and chopped
serving hungry customers three are Non-GMO semolina flour and
1 cup pitted black olives, chopped
hours a night, five days a week. water (and sometimes fun colors
1 (14 1/2 oz) can diced tomatoes
derived from beets, turmeric, or
You'll find a handy guide to ordering 1 lb. Bellhop bucatini
squid ink.) To prepare, simply add
Bellhop for take-out and delivery at: Salt and pepper to taste
pasta to boiling water, checking
bellhopcorvallis.com/hoursservice. every minute or so until it reaches In a large saucepan, heat oil and
Pro tip: call your orders in early! your desired texture. chile flakes over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, cook until
starting to brown. Add chile
powder, oregano, capers, olives
and coat well. Add tomatoes
and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil,
reduce to a simmer and cook for
10-15 minutes until the mixture
darkens. Meanwhile bring a pot of
salted water to a boil and prepare
the noodles. Drain noodles and
add them to the sauce, mixing
www.bellhopcorvallis.com thoroughly. Add salt and pepper
@bellhopcorvallis to taste and, if desired, finish with
grated Parmesan and parsley.
Bellhop bucatini. Also look for
strozzapreti, tagliatelle, trumpette,
macaroni and radiatore, available
at both Co‑op locations.
Subject to availability.
8 The First Alternative Co-op Thymes Spring 2021
From a quick flat tire fix to an in-depth
overhaul of every system on your bike, our
mobile shop is equipped for any repair.
Corvallis | 541.757.1781 | 455 NW Tyler Ave
Albany | 541.924.5616 | 321 1st Ave E, Suite 3C
541.974.4470 pnwmobilebicyclerepair.com
Now providing telehealth consultations!
Commonplace Farm is Anything but Ordinary
An Interview with the Corvallis-based salad specialists
he family farm isn't too commonplace anymore, delivered organic produce for 40 local
but the Muellers didn't let that stop them. Their grocery stores throughout Eugene,
adventure in agriculture began outside of Eugene where Corvallis, Salem, and Portland. We
they farmed and sold to markets, restaurants, and also normally grow for restaurants, but
stores as Excelsior Farm. At the beginning of 2020, they unfortunately this was a hard year for
made a huge change, relocating to Corvallis where a our restaurant friends.
retiring farmer needed trustworthy organic stewards Tell us about what brought you to
to continue working their land. In a recent interview, farming in the first place. From the
Jeremy Mueller told us the story: beginning of our relationship we wanted Look for it at local
Location and size of farm: The 24 acre property to work together, and have always booksellers
was sold to us by Denison Farms as Tom and Elizabeth harbored a desire to have a home on a farm where
have retired from farming after many years of service. work, life, family, and friendships can take place within
After many years of looking for property we’re very the context of growing food for our wider community.
grateful to be farming here and keeping the land in Some of these ideas were crystallized for us in the
organic food production for local folks. This year we writings of Wendell Berry, especially one collection
shared the property with our neighbors, Riverland of essays entitled The Art of the Commonplace: The
Family Farms, as it will take a little while for us to grow Agrarian Essays of Wendell Berry. Our farm name
into the new property. is a sort of punny, homage to this collection as it
What's your crew size? We worked with a seasonal represents a starting point in our farming endeavor
crew of 7 people this year. We also have a 4 year and a guiding light for us as we continue.
old daughter named Marion who is around the farm. You recently relocated to Corvallis. Could you
Together we grew, harvested, washed, packed and tell us a little about that change? Moving our
family and farm business here has been challenging. Our
new location had no buildings or heated greenhouse
space so we had to first build these. While we were still
building infrastructure COVID struck, making it more
difficult to get things done. It’s been a heck of a year.
We started by moving the farm, hiring a new crew, and
building infrastructure and then had to deal with the
pandemic and extreme wildfires. We didn’t have a day
off in over a year.
The Commonplace Family (left to right):
Marion, Ashli, and Jeremy Mueller
10 The First Alternative Co-op Thymes Spring 2021We’re looking forward to getting some rest this winter. than synthetic inputs. In addition to this we are always
Next year we’re looking forward to continuing what striving to figure out better ways of growing that use
we started. It hasn’t been easy moving here and getting less energy and produce better food. A key part of
going, but we love what we do and we love where we how we measure our success as farmers is the health of
live. Looks like we’re here to stay. our soil. Because this is a priority, we have consistently
What do you grow? We think of ourselves as “small- increased the amount of organic matter in the soil
scale organic salad farmers” because we specialize in rather than depleted it where we have farmed.
growing salad crops, but this includes a pretty wide Where else can we find your produce in
variety. We have 5 main babyleaf salad products, 3 the community? You can find our produce at
main microgreen products, and we grow specialty head many local Co-ops, independent grocers, and
lettuce, chicories, radicchio, collard greens, kale, chard, some regional chains in Eugene, Corvallis, Salem,
fennel, cilantro, parsley, and dill. and Portland. Our produce is also available
Other than these cash crops we love to grow cover seasonally through Organically Grown Company.
crops to build soil health and provide organic nutrients. Anything else you'd like to tell us or share
What do you sell to the Co-op? This year we with our readers? We love working with First
sold babyleaf salad greens, microgreens, head lettuce, Alternative and think of the Co-op as an ideal partner
specialty chicories, and radicchio to the Co-op. In to offer our organic produce to local folks. Thanks!
addition to these crops, we hope to be able to offer
more head lettuce, bunching greens, and herbs in 2021. Bonus question! Any advice
Tell us a little about your farming practices for home gardeners this spring?
and philosophy: We are a certified organic farm, so Start by doing a soil test then use the test results
our farm uses natural and biological systems rather to inform my decisions about what organic soil
amendments to add. One fairly safe and very
beneficial amendment I would use liberally when
first starting a garden is high quality, finished,
compost. More home gardening info on page 4.
Commonplace Farm is located
on Highway 20 Northeast of
downtown Corvallis.
North: (541) 452-3115 • South: (541) 753-3115 11Force of Nature Meats at the Co-op
Combating climate change with better, more diverse meat
orce of Nature is working to reclaim the legacy of our only path forward is with nature, not against it."
meat and to help build a global regenerative supply Through properly managed grazing, livestock can
network based around regenerative agriculture, improve soil health, stimulate deep-rooted grasses,
because Earth needs it. A focus on profit and growth increase biodiversity, propagate seeds, aerate soil, and
above all else has made us dependent on a global supply sequester atmospheric carbon.
chain that's both fragile and destructive. For the health
of our planet and ourselves, we can't carry on this way. It was grazing herds of elk and bison that once made
North American soils so fertile. Force of Nature is
Austin, Texas-based Force of Nature is uniting land looking to recreate that, while also creating exciting
stewards, ranchers, and farmers across the Southwest new opportunities in your kitchen and on your grill.
and Midwest to create a form of livestock farming
modeled after nature. With diverse herds grazing large Diversify your meat intake with Force of Nature's grass-
swaths of land, they hope to help rebuild ecological fed and finished Ground Bison and Ground Elk, try their
health, because, as Force of Nature co-founder, CEO, Grass Fed Beef Ancestral Blend, or take a bite out of
and land steward Robby Sansom says, "nature got invasive species with 100% wild caught Ground Wild
it right. 4.5 billion years later, it's time we recognize Boar—all available in the freezer section at the Co-op.
What's Regenerative Agriculture? 100% Grass Fed
It's a system of agricultural principles and Ground Elk This lean,
practices meant to going beyond conservation flavorful meat that's
to focus on the rehabilitation of our planet. typically only been
available to hunters is
It focuses on regenerating topsoil, increasing now just a visit to the
biodiversity, and keeping carbon out of the Co-op away. Substitute
atmosphere and in the soil where it belongs. this for ground beef
Ultimately, these practices—which include low- in any of your favorite
to no-till farming, carefully managed grazing, dishes, and enjoy the
cover cropping, and crop rotation—will increase richness of one of
biodiversity and strengthen the ecosystem against Mother Nature's best
climate change and natural disasters. kept secrets.
100% Wild Caught
Ground Wild Boar
A flavorful solution
to the $2.5 billion in
environmental damage
being caused every
year by invasive wild
boar in Texas. This wild
caught boar is similar
to farmed pork, but
leaner and richer in
flavor. If you like pork,
you'll love this.
12 The First Alternative Co-op Thymes Spring 2021100% Grass Fed Beef 100% Grass Fed
Ancestral Blend Ground Bison
This unique ground A cornerstone of
beef blend incorporates North America, these
nutrient rich organ bison spend their life
meats into a product grazing on regenerating
with the taste and grassland. Their rich
texture you expect meat is endlessly
from ground beef. This versatile, making them
100% grass fed and great for burgers,
finished blend includes meatloafs, chilis, tacos,
3% beef heart and and just about any other
7% beef liver. meat dish.
HOW REGENERATIVE
AGRICULTURE WORKS
North: (541) 452-3115 • South: (541) 753-3115 13Donna Tarasawa
Outreach Specialist
ith both staying in and budget-minded cooking Another way to savor and save: Budget Bites, a free
being more important than ever these days, quarterly booklet featuring 6 dinners for 2 adults.
we've decided to keep serving you fresh Budget Recipes: Grab a free copy in the store or read current and back
healthful dishes made with natural ingredients that won't issues at firstalt.coop/budget-bites.
break the bank. Here are four more for your collection!
Spinach Omelet Delicious and easy, these
omelets are something to crow about, any hour of the
day. The dried dill adds an extra layer of flavor to the
eggs and adding minced garlic to the spinach (feel free
to use fresh or frozen spinach) takes the flavor to the
next level while still keeping it super affordable.
Corn Cakes & Black Bean Salsa Typically
portrayed in sweet, butter-topped stacks dripping with
syrup, the versatility of the flapjack format shouldn't be
overlooked. Try these savory pancakes with mild salsa for
a taste of the possibilities. We used canned beans here,
but feel free to cook your own for even more savings.
Tofu with Peanut Sauce This dish features
what could be one of the best—and easiest—peanut
sauces you will ever try, served over delicate rice noodles
and tender cubed tofu. Top it off with a hearty garnish
of green onions (last seen on pg. 6) for a lunch that's as
affordable as it is flavorful.
Chicken Makhani This is a dairy free twist
on the classic Indian dish that uses coconut oil instead
of butter and coconut milk instead of cream and
yogurt. For the boldest flavor, buy your spices in bulk
as you need them. Not only will you be saving money, Get more Budget Recipes online:
you'll be sure you're getting the freshest ingredients Visit firstalt.coop/recipes or follow us on
possible, which can only improve the flavor. Facebook and Instagram: @firstaltcoop.
14 The First Alternative Co-op Thymes Spring 2021Spinach Corn Cakes
Omelet with Black
Bean Salsa
$1.77 $2.40
per serving per serving
Note: prices may vary, estimate only. Note: prices may vary, estimate only.
Split Pea Soup
Tofu with Chicken
Peanut Makhani
Sauce
$2.06 $3.97
per serving per serving
Note: prices may vary, estimate only. Note: prices may vary, estimate only.Corn Cakes with Black Bean Salsa Spinach Omelet
Ingredients: Ingredients:
Black Bean Salsa Corn Cakes 3 eggs, beaten 2 cups spinach, rinsed and
1 cup cooked black beans ¾ cup milk ¼ tsp dill chopped
2 green onions, sliced 2 eggs ½ tsp water 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can mandarin orange 2/3 cup flour Salt & pepper to taste ½ cup grated cheese
segments, drained ½ cup yellow cornmeal 2 tsp butter
2 tsp sugar 2 Tbsp sugar Instructions: Place eggs into a small mixing bowl, add
1 tsp lime juice 1 tsp baking powder dill, water, salt & pepper and whisk until mixed. Heat
¼ tsp salt ¾ tsp salt skillet and add butter. When melted, add spinach and
1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce 1/8 tsp cayenne garlic. Stir and cook until spinach is wilted, then spread
2 cups frozen corn, thawed spinach out in skillet and pour eggs over. Cook over
Instructions: In medium bowl, combine all salsa medium-low heat until eggs are mostly set. With a large
ingredients. Set aside. In another medium bowl, spatula, flip omelet over briefly to finish cooking eggs.
combine milk and eggs; beat well. Add remaining Flip back over, spread cheese over top, cover and cook
ingredients and stir until moistened. Heat griddle to 1 minute until cheese starts to melt. Fold omelet in
350° or large skillet to medium-high heat. Pour about ¼ half. Slide onto a plate, cut in half to make 2 servings.
cup batter onto griddle, spreading batter to a 4” circle.
Cook 2-3 minutes, turn over and continue to cook 2-3 Serves 1
minutes more or until golden brown. Serve with salsa. Estimated price per serving: $1.77
Serves 4
Estimated price per serving: $2.40
Chicken Makhani Tofu with Peanut Sauce
Ingredients: Ingredients:
3 Tbsp coconut oil, divided 1 bay leaf 6 oz Pad Thai (rice) ½ cup peanut butter
½ onion, diced 1 Tbsp veggie broth powder noodles 2 Tbsp tamari
1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 cup hot water 1 block tofu, cubed 1 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated 2 Tbsp agave syrup 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp (packed) brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced ½ can tomato paste 2 green onions, sliced ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
2 tsp garam masala, 1 can coconut milk 1 – 1” piece ginger, peeled flakes
divided Salt & pepper to taste 1 garlic clove 1/3 cup water
2 tsp chili powder, divided 1# chicken thighs Instructions: Prepare peanut sauce. Place all
2 tsp cumin ¼ cup cilantro, minced ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If
Instructions: Sauté onion in 2 Tbsp oil till translucent. needed to thin, add water 1 Tbsp at a time. Set aside.
Add lemon juice, ginger, garlic, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp Heat 2 quarts water to boiling, remove from
chili powder, cumin, and bay leaf. Cook 1 min. In med. heat, add noodles and cover. Let sit until noodles
bowl, whisk together broth powder and hot water. Add reach desired firmness, then drain. Meanwhile,
agave, tomato paste and coconut milk. Pour over onions heat oil in a skillet, add tofu and cook until lightly
and simmer for 10 min. Remove bay leaf; add salt & browned. Add green onions and sauté 1 minute.
pepper to taste. Remove from pan and set aside. In the
same pan, melt 1 Tbsp coconut oil; add chicken, 1 tsp Stir together noodles, tofu and sauce and serve.
chili powder and 1 tsp garam masala. Cook until chicken Serves 4
is brown on both sides. Pour sauce back into skillet Estimated price per serving: $2.06
and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 20-25
minutes. Serve over rice, garnished with cilantro.
Serves 4 • Estimated price per serving: $3.97Double Up Food Bucks at the Co-op
Combining the benefits of SNAP and Double Up
Food Bucks helps bring the farm to every fork
e are pleased to announce the Co-op's Here's how it works...
participation in Double Up Food Bucks, an
exciting new national model for produce incentives 1
available in 18 states and counting. VISIT THE CO‑OP &
Developed by the national nonprofit Fair Food SIGN UP AT CUSTOMER
Network, Double Up Food Bucks matches SNAP SERVICE (MAKE SURE TO
(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) dollars BRING YOUR EBT CARD)
spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. (Daily redemption Please allow 1-2 weeks for enrollment processing.
limits apply. Please see store for details.) Open
Daily
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) is a real rarity—a win/
win/win situation. It allows families with SNAP benefits FRESH • LOCAL
ORGANIC
to buy more healthful foods, helps local farmers and South Store North Store
grocers gain new customers, and keeps more food
dollars within the local economy. 2
An OSU survey of participants in the Farmers' Market Once enrollment is complete,
version of this program, which began in 2015, showed SHOP FOR FRESH,
that the program was having a postive impact. Nearly LOCAL, ORGANIC
70% said that they were eating fewer processed FRUITS & VEGGIES...
foods, 81% said they had more food available at home,
and a whopping 91% were buying more fruits and 3
vegetables. (Please note that enrollees in the Farmers'
AND FOR EVERY $1 YOU
Market DUFB program still need to register at the
SPEND ON FRESH FRUITS
Co‑op and benefits dollars cannot be transferred.)
& VEGGIES WITH YOUR
Now, the expansion into grocery stores offers EBT CARD THIS VISIT...
even more opportunities for low-income shoppers
to enjoy fresh, healthful foods, and you better
believe we're excited about it! EBT shoppers,
4
make sure you're doubling your food bucks this YOU GET $1 OF
spring, at the Farmers' Market and the Co-op! DOUBLE UP FOOD
BUCKS ON FRESH
FRUITS & VEGGIES
GET MORE FRUITS & VEGGIES YOUR NEXT VISIT!
WITH YOUR EBT CARD Be sure to use your EBT
card & let your cashier know
you'd like to redeem points.
& DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS
North: (541) 452-3115 • South: (541) 753-3115 17How An Environmental Center Adapts
The Corvallis Environmental Center has navigated the
"new normal" and kept their crucial mission on track
he Corvallis Environmental adapting using a little creativity, Garden which has helped families
Center (CEC) is a local ingenuity, and a lot of hard work, access sustainably grown, fresh
nonprofit that reaches thousands they were able to continue food for themselves, a vital part
of people in the community every meeting local needs and serving of maintaining food security.
year through place-based education those who need support. Through CEC’s Farm to School
programs at Avery House Nature Staff continued to pick up their program they deliver online and
Center, a 1-acre demonstration gardening tools at SAGE, clearing in-person content to teach children
and education garden in Bruce ground and planting produce, well about regional food systems
Starker Arts Park known as the aware that the community members and foster a connection to local
Starker Arts Garden for Education it's donated to would have an even farmland. Students receive activity
(SAGE), schools in and around greater need for increased access to sheets focused on nutrition and food
Corvallis, regional parks, and fresh, healthy food than before. education, utilizing pre-made boxes
through their virtual education that are picked up from school meal
resource page, CEC Connects. In 2020, CEC donated over
9,500 lbs of fresh produce to sites every month. Students from
When the pandemic first began, families facing food insecurity several area elementary schools
many nonprofits were negatively through their partnerships with local can attend Garden Adventure
impacted, and the CEC was no food banks and kitchens. CEC also classes at SAGE free of charge,
exception. However, after quickly manages Dunawi Creek Community promoting an accessible early
introduction to healthy eating
and the agricultural process.
The Corvallis Environmental Center (CEC) is a 501c3 nonprofit that
was founded in 1994 as a grassroots effort to take action on a number Through their online learning
of environmental issues. For over 25 years the CEC has been one of platform, CEC Connects, virtual
the keystones of our local community. Through programs focused on education content is delivered
environmental literacy, food and farming education, local food security, and often features lessons and
energy efficiency and climate action, the CEC has established itself as a video tours of local farms.
regional leader in the environmental movement. Avery House Nature Center
continues to host NaturePlay
preschool as an emergency, in-
person, early childcare center.
Not only have CEC educator’s
gone above and beyond to
prioritize children’s safety, they
made rapid adjustments and
adaptations to give children as
many opportunities to continue
to grow and learn as possible.
Through their elementary age
programs, children have been able
to get outside and dig around in the
dirt at SAGE, put their investigative
and scientific minds to work at CEC
www.corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org.
18 The First Alternative Co-op Thymes Spring 2021STEAM programs, and interact he challenges we have all faced
T
with an Avery House critter, all in this last year remain but the
while incorporating movement CEC will continue to facilitate
based learning in every class local, healthy, sustainable food
during School’s Out Adventures. initiatives and offer educational
As spring gets closer, the CEC has programs that foster the curiosity
recently opened registration for and love of nature in our future
the next session of educational environmental stewards. They also
programs and is diligently remain steadfast to their mission
planning for 2021 Summer to educate, engage, and inspire
Camps, which for many children the community to actively create
is the highlight of their year! a healthy and sustainable world
today, and for generations to come!
They can look forward to another
amazing summer of making pizzas To learn more about the
at SAGE with ingredients from the Corvallis Environmental Center
garden, digging in the dirt, learning including upcoming events,
about river systems, mountain programs, and volunteer
biking, wildcrafting with natural opportunities, visit their website:
materials, and so much more! corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org.
Learn more about CEC Connects at educate.corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org.
North: (541) 452-3115 • South: (541) 753-3115 19Spring Cleaning
gets Personal with
Oregon Soap Company
pring is a time of renewal and To help make this a reality, Oregon soap concentrates, available in
reinvigoration, the perfect Soap Company, in partnership with bulk in the Wellness aisle. They're
season for Oregon Soap Friends Of Trees and Trees for the gentle enough to use in the shower
Company, the Portland-based Future, sees that one native plant but strong enough for just about
soapmaker dedicated to leaving the or tree is planted for each ten bars any cleaning job around the house.
Earth cleaner than they found it. or five gallons of soap they sell. As a Throw in the enormous range of
result, over 30,000 trees and native scents and the freedom to get as
Founded in 1994 by Sat Atma Singh, little or as much as you need (we're
plants have been planted since 2007.
also known as Soapman, Oregon even happy to special order entire
Soap Company is dedicated to using The cleaning continues when you 8 lb. jugs for you, if you've got some
renewable energy and offsetting get their artisan crafted soaps made serious cleaning to do) and you've
their carbon emissions, including with organic ingredients home. got a super soap win on your hands.
the greenhouse gases produced in Bulk Bar Soaps: Pick your favorite Foaming Hand Soaps: If you'd
the growth and transport of both from a veritable library including rather have lather, grab a bottle of
raw materials and the final product. local favorites like Double Mint Oregon Soap Company Foaming
Soapman sums it up: "These days and Forest, invigorating Rosemary Hand Soap in your favorite scent.
carbon neutral is not enough. If we Lavender, and Truly Unscented, Made with organic coconut and
are to have any chance of recovering then chop your own bar, as thick sunflower oils, each unassuming
from the increasing degradation of or as thin as you'd like it. There's a little bottle packs an enormous
our natural environment, which is soap for every skin type and a scent 300-plus pumps of gentle, cleansing
our life support system, each one guaranteed to please every nose! soap. Economical 32 oz. refill bottles
of us must very quickly become Bulk Liquid Castile Soaps: Made will keep you pumping past spring.
carbon negative, which is to say, with organic coconut oils and olive Look for Oregon Soap Company soaps
that our actions absorb more green oils, there are few soaps as gentle in the bodycare sections of Wellness
house gases than they generate." and versatile as these liquid castile at both Co-op locations.
Foaming hand soaps and Pick your favorite scent and Get as little or as much of
economical refills save money cut your own bar of soap, in these versatile castile soaps,
and cut waste the Wellness aisle in the bulk bodycare section
Selection varies by location
20 The First Alternative Co-op Thymes Spring 2021nations
Turning do
!
into homes
Benton Habitat for Humanity
ReStore
Open Monday - Saturday
Visit website 9am-6pm
for hours
and donation
(Donations Acceptedinfountil 5pm)
4840 SW Philomath Blvd., Corvallis 97333
541-752-3352 | BentonHabitat.org/ReStore
real | local | moms
old
82 % o f househ
Moms m
ak e
ion s. R e ach your
g decis agazine.
purchasin O M M
rs with M
custome contact
Linda Bla
ir at
.
ut more 1-7250
To find o .c o m o r 541-23
ommag
linda@m100
Yadira Ruiz,
Sunbow Produce
%
he thought of hot cereal might evoke childhood invited me for breakfast and opened up a new world of
memories of either goopy revulsion or bowls morning meals to me. Cooking hot cereal with stock,
of creamy comfort. Regardless of how your inner onions and garlic then topping it with a poached or
child feels about it, cold late winter and early spring fried egg became my obsession that season.
mornings might be the perfect time to revisit this truly The beauty of hot cereal is that you can eat it every
world-wide breakfast custom. day and not get tired of it by simply changing up your
As they say, “I was this many years old” when I found add-ins and toppings. Dairy fanatics know cheese is
out rice porridge is a common staple in Japan, Vietnam, dreamy but so is coconut milk. Love fruit? Try cooking
Cambodia, Indonesia, China, and Thailand to name your cereal in apple cider with frozen fruit and topping
a few. Other countries like Angola, Slovenia, Brazil, with jam or fresh fruit (you’re welcome). If you let your
South Africa, and Estonia make theirs using flours sweet tooth make the breakfast decisions, reach for
ranging from buckwheat to cassava, and then there’s brown sugar, maple syrup, or cook some chopped dried
the cornmeal porridges from Romania, Italy, Ukraine apricots and dates in your milk before adding the cereal.
and the United States. Instead of temping you further with the possibilities, let
There are far too many types to name here, but the me introduce you to the cereals themselves.
one that really stood out for me is the Danish porridge Preparation Notes: I cooked all of these per the
Øllebrød, made from stale rye bread. basic instructions on the packaging, using water. Most
It has indigenous origins all over the world, I am of them require at least 10 minutes on the stove and
embarrassed to admit that it was only in researching frequent stirring! If you get distracted easily, you will
for this article that I learned that Southern grits have likely burn your porridge unless you turn the heat
Native American roots. down very low (you know your stove better than I
do). And make sure to soak your pan in water after
Many porridges are made with milk and a sweetener you’re done because when hot cereals dry, they turn
but some are made with broth. I’ll never forget the first to concrete! Remember you get to dream up your own
time I had savory porridge. I was interning at an organic combinations, have fun and feel good, because hot
blueberry farm in Bow, Washington. The owners cereal is an excellent source of fiber.
Gluten Free Options
22 The First Alternative Co-op Thymes Spring 2021Hot Cereal
Gluten Free Options
Oatmeal, porridge
& muesli, oh my!
Other Options
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Creamy Brown Rice: Eden Rye Flakes: Rye flakes look a lot like rolled
Has a creamy and also chewy texture with a oats and cook up more like flat wheat berries, it’s
mild flavor. I highly recommend this one as a surprisingly chewy. If you’re looking for creamy, you
starting point for anyone new to porridge. won’t get it here but if you prefer firm textures,
you’ll have a lot of fun with this one, it even tastes
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Creamy Buckwheat:
a little bit like bran muffins...without the muffin.
The package describes this one as velvety but I'd liken
it more to the texture of okra, or flaxseed. If you Bob’s Red Mill 5 Grain Hot Cereal: Contains
don't like those, this probably isn't the one for you. flaxseed, whole grain wheat, rye, barley, oats
Personally, I don’t mind it and thought it was tasty. and triticale. It has a chewy texture and a nutty
flavor but also is neutral enough to be prepared
Bob’s Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal: My sweet or savory. This one reminded me of
favorite of the bunch. I like cooking this one with “Cream of Wheat” but was tastier. It also had
milk and adding a little sugar when I am feeling the longest prep time of up to 20 minutes.
nostalgic for childhood comforts but this is also my
Bob’s Red Bob’s Red Mill 7 Grain Hot Cereal:
go to for adding garlic, broth, and a poached egg.
All the ingredients you’ll find in the 5 Grain with
Bob’s Red Mill Muesli: The hot preparation the addition of pearled barley and brown rice for a
instructions left this one a bit too watery but I thicker, more porridge-like texture. Very tasty!
loved the crunch from the seeds and nuts and the Bob’s Red Mill Organic Oat Bran: Creamy but
burst of sweet and tart from the fruit and coconut sticky texture, the flavor is very subtle and would
shavings. Muesli gets the versatility award because be a great starting point for someone who isn’t sure
it’s just as delicious cold, no cooking required. about the taste of whole grains. It’s the one that
Ancient Harvest Organic Quinoa Flakes: Takes flavor-wise reminded me the most of grits. The serving
less than 2 minutes to cook on the stove! While size on this one was generous and share-worthy.
it’s still hot, it has a bit of a mushy texture but once Bob’s Red Mill Scottish Oatmeal: Naturally
it cools, it congeals into a more firm texture. It’s sweet and nutty tasting, very thick and suitable
quinoa so it’s slightly bitter at first. If I had this one for both sweet and savory add ons. The difference
again, I would absolutely add some savory bits. between this and “regular oats” is the texture.
Other Options
Selection varies by location
North: (541) 452-3115 • South: (541) 753-3115 23THE
MAJESTIC
T H E AT R E
VIRTUAL THEATRE
MARCH
5TH Singu-hilarity: A Robot Comedy
Variety Show
20TH Majesticpiece Theatre:
North Corvallis
21ST She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms
29th & Grant
27TH Majestic Readers’ Theatre Company:
28TH The Heidi Chronicles South Corvallis
APRIL 1007 SE 3rd
9 TH Friday Night Funny | 7:30pm
Open daily
24 TH Majestic Readers’ Theatre Company:
25TH Hugs and Quiches firstalt.coop
30TH Teatro Milagro presents Blast Off!
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MAY Twitter for sales, specials & news:
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Only | 7:30pm All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be used or reproduced without prior permission of
the editor. Opinions expressed herein are strictly
8TH I Love You, You're Perfect, Now those of the writers and are not an endorsement
16TH Change Reprise by, or official position of, the Co-op, its Board,
managers, or Owners unless identified as such.
22ND Majestic Readers’ Theatre Company: The same is true for claims made by advertisers.
Nutrition and health information is for educational
23RD This Random World purposes and not a substitute for consultations
with licensed health or dietary professionals.
THE MAJESTIC THEATRE A Free Publication
115 SW 2ND ST., CORVALLIS
For tickets and more info visit us at
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