http://www.potashbros.com/index.php en camille@camillewiner.com Copyright 2010 2010-09-02T20:11:24+00:00 http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/how_to_make_smores_indoors/ http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/how_to_make_smores_indoors/#When:20:11:24Z With summer coming to a close, you may not be sitting around by the campfire as much.  That doesn’t mean you couldn’t savor a summer treat like the classic S’mores. You could even consider serving S’mores as part of your Labor Day menu as S’more supplies are on special this week in our store. So, here’s how you can make delicious S’mores…Indoors. You will need graham crackers, 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 bag of mini-marshmallows. Preheat the oven broiler on high heat.  Place parchment paper or aluminum foil on a cookie sheet. Break graham crackers at score.  Place cracker in rows, not allowing any gaps. Keep aside enough cracker halves to complete sandwich later.  Spread marshmallows across the crackers, then top each one with chocolate chips. Broil for approximately 5-7 minutes, with the oven door slightly cracked.  Watch closely that they do not burn.  When they are golden brown, remove from oven, top each S’more with its other graham half.  Press each one down gently, allow to cool and serve. Cooking Tips, Dessert 2010-09-02T20:11:24+00:00 http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/how_to_cook_corn_on_the_cob/ http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/how_to_cook_corn_on_the_cob/#When:19:02:34Z It’s August, time to savor summer and enjoy the first harvests.  We’ve heard that the corn stalks are over 8 feet tall in some areas! When buying corn, the husks should be bright green and fit snugly around the ear of corn. The kernels should be tight in their rows, plump and juicy right up to the top of the ear. Here’s some ideas for enjoying fresh corn on the cob. Grilled corn.  Soak the corn in the husks for at least 15 minutes, completely submerging all the ears.  Then, remove and drain excess water.  Once your grill is hot, place corn, still in the husks, on the grill and cover.  Turn every 5-10 minutes, depending on the grill.  Remove when the husks are dark, crispy brown, even burned.  Shuck and rinse under warm running water and serve. Steamed or boiled corn.  Shuck the corn and rinse under cool water to remove excess silk.  Place in steamer basket, cover and steam for 8-10 minutes. To boil, place enough cold water to submerge corn, bring to boil and add corn.  Boil for about 7-10 minutes, or until done. Microwaved corn.  If it’s too hot to heat up the stove-top or the grill, you can microwave your corn, especially if you only cooking 2 or 3 ears. Submerge corn (in husk) in water and let it soak for about 1/2 hour.  Place in microwave safe dish and microwave for about 5-7 minutes. Or, you can shuck the corn, rinse and place in a dish with a few tablespoons of water. Cover with plastic wrap, create a steam vent, and cook on high for about 6 minutes.   Cooking Tips, Fruit & Vegetables, Seasonal 2010-08-13T19:02:34+00:00 http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/chill_out/ http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/chill_out/#When:14:31:27Z Summer is here and its hot!  Time to eat light, cool meals.  Salad fills that bill nicely. A good balsamic vinaigrette is a flavorful, light way to top a salad. Balsamic vinegar is made from white Trebbiano grape juice.  It gets its dark color and pungent sweetness from aging in barrels of various woods and in graduating sizes.  It is ages over a period of years. You can make balsamic vinaigrette in a manner of minutes. It is also wonderful on spinach salad with mandarin oranges, almonds, red onion and cucumber. Or, try it on asparagus or grilled vegetables. Cooking Tips, Chef Notes, Fruit & Vegetables, Seasonings 2010-07-23T14:31:27+00:00 http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/the_mighty_blueberry/ http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/the_mighty_blueberry/#When:13:44:50Z The blueberry is a flavorful and magical fruit of the shrub. In addition to being low in calories, blueberries rank among the highest on a per serving basis for antioxidant activity, which means that they neutralize free radical damage to cells and tissues that can cause cataracts, heart disease and cancer. Studies have been done that also show the blueberry one of the most powerful foods in improving brain function, reducing the effects of Alzheimers’, promoting gastrointestinal health and helping to relieve diarrhea and constipation.  Blueberries are native to North America, and are best in season between May and October. When purchasing blueberries, choose the ones that are firm, and move freely within the container.  Do not wash until just prior to eating, as blueberries have a protective bloom on the skin’s surface. Blueberries will keep in the refrigerator for about a week, and can be frozen for up to a year. For best results freezing, wash, drain, then spread berries on a cookie sheet and freeze.  Once each individual berry is frozen, place together in a freezer bag or container for ongoing storage. All Natural, Fruit & Vegetables, Dessert 2010-07-23T13:44:50+00:00 http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/whats_in_season/ http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/whats_in_season/#When:17:33:30Z In our global economy we have the ability to acquire any foods we want year around.  No matter what time of the year, we can usually get most fruits and vegetables from the grocery store. So, what does it mean to say that a fruit or vegetable is “in season”?  The seasonality of food refers to the times of year when a food is at its peak in terms of harvest or flavor or both.  An easy way to identify which produce are at their peak at the grocery store is that they are on special or less expensive than usual. So, it’s a win-win!  You have the opportunity to save money when the food is freshest.  You are getting the most out of that food nutritionally and financially!  Check out our seasonality list on our Facebook page. All Natural, Fruit & Vegetables, Seasonal 2010-06-10T17:33:30+00:00 http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/5_quick_grill_tips/ http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/5_quick_grill_tips/#When:18:12:03Z 1. Preheat grill.  The grill is ready to cook on when you can hold your hand five inches above the grate for 2 seconds. 2. Have everything nearby.  Tongs, platters, etc. should be ready close by so you don’t risk burning your food to run inside for something. 3. Be safe.  If the flames flare up, turn off burners.  Use baking soda instead of water to quell the fire. 4. Be gentle. For juicier meat, use tongs instead of a fork, so you don’t stab the juices out. 5. Let it rest.  Before slicing meat, let it rest for a few minutes to let the juices distribute.  You can also lose precious juices by slicing too soon, even to check the meat for doneness. Cooking Tips, Meat, Poultry and Fish 2010-05-25T18:12:03+00:00 http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/locally_made_wisconsin_natural_acres_honey/ http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/locally_made_wisconsin_natural_acres_honey/#When:17:44:56Z Here at Potash we are going to start featuring products that we acquire for our customers that are made locally.  Our first featured item is honey from Wisconsin, the Land of Milk and Honey. Wisconsin Natural Acres was born out of a passion for beekeeping and honey that proprietor Doug Schulz had since he was a boy chasing bees and butterflies.  Even though he was advised against continued bee stings by his doctor, Doug’s interest did not fade with boyhood.  At age 17 he began working with a local beekeeper, which led to his career in the business. Wisconsin Natural Acres Honey has no additives and is 100% pure Wisconsin honey.  The floral source makes Wisconsin Natural Acres Honey one of the lightest and sweetest nectars of the world. Did you know that honey has many cosmetic and medicinal purposes as well?  Honey can be used for hair and skin, as well as for relieving the pain of sore throat and to treat minor wounds. For scratches & cuts: Spread Wisconsin Natural Acres honey over the affected area and cover. The honey can be removed with warm water. Not only will honey keep the wound from becoming infected, it encourages healing and seals in moisture.   All Natural, Dessert, Locally Made 2010-05-19T17:44:56+00:00 http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/lets_talk_poultry/ http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/lets_talk_poultry/#When:17:30:34Z This week’s specials include Miller’s Amish Chicken, natural chicken grown at a local, independent farm. As we talk more about where our food is coming from, and what, exactly, we are eating, you may be wondering –– what are the differences between various poultry items we find in the supermarket? Let’s discuss. A capon is a young, male chicken that has been neutered.  This produces white and tender breast meat.  Capons are traditionally served at Christmas in France and Italy, and Easter in the United States. A chicken is the most common and widespread domesticated animal and there are more chickens in the world than any other bird. Usually weighing 3-4 pounds or more, and is a standard supermarket broiler (or broiler/fryer).  There are many ways chickens are raised, including kosher, free range and organic. A Cornish hen is a miniature “game” bird that is a cross between the White Plymouth Rock and Cornish breeds.  They are available when they weigh between 1 and 2 pounds. A Guinea hen is originally from West Africa and have been known in Europe since classical times.  The meat is a little darker than chicken, is leaner and more flavorful, but without much leg meat. So, now you know a little more poultry!     Meat, Poultry and Fish 2010-05-05T17:30:34+00:00 http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/earth_day_topic_local_products/ http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/earth_day_topic_local_products/#When:13:59:54Z Happy Earth Day! These days we hear a lot about environmental concerns and “green” living.  We do believe that it is common sense to pay attention to the affect human consumption is having on our earth and to use that information to make choices that help reduce harmful affects and make it easier for generations to come to enjoy the planet. One of the ways that Potash Bros. contributes to the cause is to look for items to pass on to our customers that come from local vendors.  How does acquiring products locally help the environment? Local agriculture helps the environment by reducing the use of oil and other costs in transporting food long distances.  Produce, for example, is shipped for an average of 1500 before being sold, and that average only takes into account domestic produce –– it doesn’t consider the food we import from Mexico, Asia, South America and other countries. Also, investing dollars locally helps strengthen the community and its economy. Studies have shown that small farms re-invest their money back into the community by purchasing feed and other materials from local businesses. Acquiring products locally also empowers us to know more about what we are consuming, and to make better health choices for our diet. There is no doubt that the U.S. is answering the call to make necessary changes to the way we live.  The trend toward localization is reflected in the number of farms operating in the U.S., which rose 4% from 2002 to 2007. In 2009 First Lady Michelle Obama planted a large vegetable garden on the White House lawn, which had not been done since Eleanor Roosevelt planted a victory garden during WWII, inspiring millions of others to do the same. Green Living 2010-04-22T13:59:54+00:00 http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/spring_cleaning_tips/ http://www.potashbros.com/index.php/site/spring_cleaning_tips/#When:15:33:56Z As we emerge from winter semi-hibernation, we seem to have a biological need to clear our clutter and clean our spaces. We like to rid ourselves of all that has accumulated over the long, dark season.  Here are some ideas to help you get started: Start making a list of all you’d like to accomplish.  For example, “clean out hall closet, wash drapes, dust blinds, clean fixtures”.  You could make one list for “clearing clutter” and one for “cleaning”. Also, you might want a list for outdoor cleaning projects as well. Assemble all your cleaning supplies and tools.  Consider going more “green” by using more environmentally safe products if you aren’t already. Assemble a collection of boxes that you can use to help you clear clutter.  Label them “trash”, “donate”, “put-away” and “storage”. Don’t purchase any new storage bins until you are sure of what you need after you’ve de-cluttered. Start at the top level of your house and work your way down. Start with the interior and work your way out. Consider what you can hire professionals to help. Create a calendar to help you set and accomplish your goals. Pace yourself!  There’s no rush.  Take lots of breaks. Consider ways you can make it more fun –– get the whole family involved. Set up leisure activities for when you complete certain tasks.  Open up the windows, enjoy the breeze and sunshine as you work.   Household 2010-04-09T15:33:56+00:00