Top Ten Things for sale in the Deli that you may not be aware of:

1. D’ Artagnan rendered duck fat. $8.99 for a 7oz. tub. Absolutely fantastic! This succulent oil substitute can be used to coat a pan, fry your favorite vegetables or meats or simply add for flavoring – you name it! D’Artagnan rendered duck fat is a staple of European cooking, and is a frequent ingredient utilized in our very own Culinary Programs and Classes. Nutritionally similar to olive oil, it is low in saturated fat, with a good combination of poly and monosaturated fats. D’Artagnan’s Duck Fat is all-natural, with no added preservatives or artificial ingredients so please – “don’t fear this fat”.

2. Lorina Blueberry Soda. $4.99 for a 25oz. bottle. More French goodness! We offer several flavors of refreshing flavors from Lorina, including the more familiar lemonade and pink lemonade, however blueberry looked to be the most interesting. All Lorina flavors are still packaged in the old-style “flip-top” bottles, so once they’re empty they can have a variety of uses such as act as an attractive vase for flowers or perhaps to store decorative glass beads – whatever suits your fancy! 

3. Pain Is Good jerk flavored microwave popcorn.$2.99 per bag. Yes. For real – microwave popcorn flavored with a meat marinade. Personally, I am accustomed to popcorn that doesn’t taste like meat – call me crazy – and hot enough to be painful? I’ve only ever tried jerk flavoring ON meat. But, this microwave popcorn has had repeat customers, so what do I know…

4. Pain is Good Bloody Mary mix. $6.99 for 25 oz (wine bottle size). Sticking with the Pain… This looks rather thick, as in concentrated, and zesty. With a name such as this- is there any doubt? Mix to taste- perhaps depending upon what time of day it is.

5. Goat Gouda. From Holland- $19.00 per pound. I just really wanted to say “Goat Gouda”. However, it is a palpable product, and sells well.

6. Boars’ Head Sauerkraut. $1.79 for a 1lb. bag. Being half German – I know a thing or two about Sauerkraut. And the Sauerkraut available from Boar’s Head is not “wallowing” in brine- like many (other) store-bought brands packed in glass. This kraut is crisp and ready for a grilled hot dog, or pastrami sandwich. Yum!

7. Mrs. Olsons’ Potato Lefse. $4.59 for a 9.6oz pkg. My other half is Norwegian so we know good Lefse when we taste it. For myself, I grew up on hand-rolled, very thin sheets of this unleavened potato bread. Mrs. Olson’s Lefse is fairly neutral in flavor ( just like Norway), and versatile for wrapping around meats, cheeses, or swipe with a bit of butter (or duck fat!?!) and warm it up. Not unlike a Scandanavian tortilla. Try one, and you will quickly find yourself envisioning many home and picnic uses.

8. Rugelach. (pronounced ROO -ge-lock) 99 cents per piece. Found in the Deli Espresso case, these little gems are rich pastries rolled with an assortment of nuts, fruits, chocolate and cut to size in order to provide a one or two bite pleasure! There are several flavors available, with occasional blends, such as raspberry and chocolate, for example. These mini-pastries are borderline addicting – slip one in your loved ones’ lunch pail.

9. Earth Cafe vegan/gluten free cheesecakes and pies. $4.99 per piece. Considering the recent interest in gluten-free living, this is a new product that we have been eagerly awaiting to debut. These vegan/gluten free goodies are located in the “grab and go” case near the entrance to the Deli along with pre-wrapped (not-so gluten-free) sandwiches and other take out items. While other gluten free desserts are offered in the frozen foods section of the Co Op, these are ready to eat, and enjoy immediately.

10. Flourless Tortes. $21.99 for a 6 inch round. Yet another gluten-free, fresh-baked goodie, and this one is made right here at home in our very own Co-Op Bakery. No concession in flavor here, you won’t miss the flour, whether your diet prohibits it or not! Chocolate lovers, Torte lovers, this is for you!

-Todd Giesler