700 Main Street West, Ashland, WI 54806. | Open Daily - 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

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Homegrown Holidays: 10 Local Gift Ideas

No matter what holiday you’re celebrating, ’tis the season of giving. And when you buy gifts that have been made locally, you give not only to your loved one, but also to your community. That’s because for every $100 spent locally, an additional $45 of secondary spending is generated. Compare this to only $14 in secondary spending when you buy from non-local businesses and you can see just how huge buying local can be! But enough of the serious stuff, let’s get down to the business of giving. Here are 10 ideas from local artisans and food businesses that would make perfect gifts to give this season.

Jams & Jellies – We offer an assortment of locally made jams and jellies from Bayfield Apple Company and Northwind Organic Farm, both in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Whether you choose traditional raspberry or the more unusual aronia berry or find some other flavor, local jams and jellies make sweet gifts.

Leather Kids’ Shoes – Are there expectant parents on your gift-giving list? Check out SoleKicks handmade leather shoes for babies and toddlers, made right here in Ashland, Wisconsin. They come in a variety of designs and color combos, from green and blue Lake Superior to red and purple birds.

Towels & Tees – Lake Superior and other peaceful images are printed on a variety of soft, durable fabrics by Three Sisters Studio in Bayfield, Wisconsin. For the cook, grab a tea towel from the household section. For the fashionista, grab a shirt from our clothing rack. Bonus: These images are also printed on leggings, child onesies, and sweatshirts!

Heat Therapy Bags – Anyone would love a CrampAid Cozy heat therapy pack for relief from aching joints or muscle pain. Handmade in Ashland, Wisconsin by Luci Daum Designs, these fabric bags come in lots of fun colors and easily heat up in the microwave.

Soap – You’ll find a wide variety of scents on our Local Soap shelf from Sweet Pea Soapery (Mason, Wisconsin), Maple Hill Farm (Washburn, Wisconsin), Buzz & Suds (Ashland, Wisconsin), Lake Superior Lather (Bayfield, Wisconsin), and Twin Oaks (Bayfield, Wisconsin). The Lake Superior soap from Buzz & Suds makes a great stocking stuffer for someone who loves the lake.

Candles – Local beeswax candles from Northern Nectar in Mason, Wisconsin come in many sizes and colors. You can even buy their local beeswax blocks for your own DIY projects. Speaking of beeswax, we also have Sean’s Bees beeswax candles from Highbridge, Wisconsin in a variety of calming scents. Wickie Candle Company in Bayfield, Wisconsin makes lovely scented candles in tins. Give the scent of Oak Island Trail to a summer visitor now far away!

Dessert Sauces – Lotta’s Small Batch in Bayfield, Wisconsin makes sumptuous sauces (in Bourbon Espresso and Butterscotch flavors). They make awesome sundaes, but take cake to the next level too!

Teething Toys – For the little one on your list, Sogg E. Bear Cub organic cotton teething bears have been a customer favorite for years. Made in Bayfield, Wisconsin, they continue to be the perfect gift for babies cutting teeth.

Dog Treats – Treat your pup to Racey’s Tasty Dog Treats. Made in Bayfield, Wisconsin, these biscuits come in two flavors (one is even gluten-free) and make a great gift for the pet in your family or the dog lover on your list.

Lotions – If you have someone to pamper on your list, try Best Body Butter from So-She Organics in Bayfield, Wisconsin or one of the solid lotion bars from Sweet Pea Soapery or Buzz & Suds. Lea’s Organic Herbal Skin Care in Washburn, Wisconsin makes face products and herbal salve that make wonderful stocking stuffers.

 

Still stuck for ideas? There’s lots more in the store, so stop in and ask Co-op staff for recommendations for local gifts.

Homegrown Holidays: 10 Local Gift Ideas Read More »

Vegan & Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dishes

For those of us who forgo turkey (along with other animal products), the Thanksgiving table can be tricky to navigate. Fortunately, there are plenty of main dish options for vegetarians and vegans. With a little planning, you can enjoy more than just a bunch of veggie side dishes. Read on for a variety of vegan and vegetarian Thanksgiving main dishes that will make this year’s menu a memorable one.

  1. Slow-cooker Vegetarian Lasagna – Sure, the slow cooker’s great for stews and soups, but it also happens to make a mean lasagna! In this ingenious slow-cooker recipe, all you have to do is chop your veggies, then layer the ingredients (raw) into the crockpot.
  2. Spinach and Almond-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms – Serve these delightful portobellos as an appetizer or entree. Experiment with filling variations for other tasty options, found in the serving suggestions below.
  3. Vegan Meatloaf – Made with chickpeas and lentils, this loaf is the right combination of moist yet firm. Packed with fiber, it is VERY filling!
  4. Roasted Fall Vegetables in Cheddar Crust – This tart starts with a Cheddar cheese crust that’s filled with roasted leeks, fennel and broccoli or Brussels sprouts. Beets or cauliflower would stand in beautifully too.
  5. Mushroom & Wild Rice Frittata – Packed with a flavorful medley of chewy wild rice and three kinds of mushrooms, this frittata is great any time of day.
  6. Wild Rice Stuffed Squash – Chewy, nutty wild rice is seasoned with herbs and cheddar in these delightful stuffed squash halves.
  7. Acorn Squash Stuffed with Chard & White Beans – Acorn squash is perfect for stuffing. This filling has Mediterranean flair: olives, white beans and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Vegan Pot Pies – Quick to make and more than filling, these mini pot pies are loaded with delicious veggies.
  9. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie – Warm up with this nutty-flavored comfort food. The fluffy mashed potato topping is slightly crispy on top.
  10. Butternut Squash Pasta Bake – With a sauce made from butternut squash and chickpea pasta (we carry Explore Cuisine’s Chickpea Fusilli), this pasta bake is loaded with flavor and protein.

Vegan & Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dishes Read More »

Feast Your Eyes On These Pies

Just because you are eating healthier, doesn’t mean you need to give up pie. Dessert can definitely be part of a well-balanced diet. If you want to add a little sweetness to your Thanksgiving menu, check out these healthy pie recipes for inspiration. These delectable yummies clock in at around 200 calories per serving (more

Feast Your Eyes On These Pies Read More »

Good Gravy: Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

Thanksgiving is coming up faster than you can shake a drumstick, so it’s time to rustle up some menu ideas. Whether you are looking for traditional foods or unique takes on your favorites, you’ll find lots of Thanksgiving dinner inspiration here. Keep it simple, but flavorful, by adding these holiday recipes to your menu.  

Good Gravy: Thanksgiving Menu Ideas Read More »

Thank you, Owners!

A week-long celebration of National Co-op Month 

Every weekday will feature 10% off 
a different department for owners only!

Check on Facebook or our website each morning (after 9 a.m.) to see the department of the day. Plus, owners can grab a free cup of coffee on Saturday & Sunday and 10% off Co-op swag all week long!

  • MONDAY: 10% off Coffee & Bakery (excluding Deli bakery and non-discountables)
  • TUESDAY: 10% off Cheese, Fridge, Frozen, and Meat (excluding non-discountables)
  • WEDNESDAY: 10% off  Wellness & General Merchandise (excluding non-discountables)
  • THURSDAY: 10% off Produce (excluding non-discountables)
  • FRIDAY: TBA
  • SATURDAY & SUNDAY: Free Cup of Coffee

Not an owner? New and renewing owners will receive a 10% off coupon good for the month of November when they sign up or renew.

NOTE: Due to the department discounts, We Love Our Owners coupons will not be accepted Monday through Friday. We Love Our Owners coupons will only be valid Saturday and Sunday of Owner Appreciation Week (and, of course, any time thereafter until the expiration date).

Thank you, Owners! Read More »

10 Best Things to Buy in Bulk

This week only, it’s our Incredible Bulk Sale, where you can save 15% off your bulk purchase!* If you’ve always skipped the bulk aisle (or just need a refresher), here are 10 foods (and non-foods) you can buy in bulk to save big bucks. Bonus? We’ve included recipes to help get you cooking using bulk

10 Best Things to Buy in Bulk Read More »

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