A Workshop on the Horizon

That's right, we are hosting another workshop!

This time we will focus on packaging and working with the lovely people at Envision Creative Group who will be there to answer questions and share stories. 

The workshop will be held at the Hope Farmers' Market's Pine Street Station on October 1st. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in advance here.

If you are an artisan looking to learn more about:
 - how to create the perfect packaging for a product, this workshop is for you.
 - some major do's and dont's of packaging, this workshop is for you.
 - how to create packaging that scares customers away, this workshop is NOT for you!

If you have any questions about the workshop, feel free to contact us at foodiemccoy@gmail.com.

We hope to see y'all there!

Local Products in Action

We represent a lot of great artisans and we've shown you a several of their products in the past few months. Today, I'm gonna share a few more ways to use the products in easy dishes... maybe even for a meal or two this weekend!

Start your day with Bona Dea's Positively Pancakes and top with this amazing Maple Blueberry Syrup.

Looking for a great snack? Why not make this Grilled Flatbread, to serve with Pate Letelier's assortment of veggie pates? 

For dinner, try East Meets West sauces in place of the marinade for this Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry.

Or, if you're looking to try something new, try grilling some kale for a Grilled Kale Salad with Ricotta and Plums, using Spicewood Foods' Aged Balsamic Vinegar. 

More ideas to come but, for now, enjoy and Happy Friday!

Local: A Love Letter

We are taking a break from our regularly scheduled post to talk about one simple topic: Local. As food brokers to local artisans, clearly we love us some Local. But why, you may ask?

Is it just because local is supposed to be better for the economy?

Is it because we love Austin so much we don't feel like working with people outside of Austin?

Or is it because of the beautiful community that surrounds Austin's food community? Yeah, that one sounds more like it.

In case you haven't noticed, Austin restaurants and foodies are all about supporting local farms and artisans. We see it every day when we take products out to restaurants and stores to buy – businesses love local. And even in talking with people on a regular basis about food, there is a growing awareness of eating organic, local, and freshly made goods.

Austin's food community also supports its members beyond the business side of things. The community saw a great example of this just a few weeks ago when a fundraising event was held in honor of a local food artisan who is battling cancer. There was music, food, an auction, and a great number of people out to support. The night was an amazing model of community.

And we see this community strengthening all over town as the network of chefs, restaurants, and farms becomes intertwined and even more bold in their call to eat local.

So let this post be an open love letter to Local and, more specifically, the Austin food community. We love doing business with y'all.

Local Product of the Week: Eggplant Pâté

The first talk of eggplants has begun for the season. I remember getting so tired of eggplants by the end of summer/fall last year... I was constantly at a loss of what to make!

But, I love the idea of an eggplant pâté, which is one of Pâté Letelier's vegetable pâtés. It's got goat cheese, roasted garlic and onions, and some herbs and spices to complement the eggplant well. Try it spread on some toast or slightly warmed up and served with vegetable crudites or crackers.

Pick some up today at Fresh Plush Grocers on West Lynn or at La Patisserie, or stop by Pâté Letelier's booth at the SFC Markets on Saturday or Hope Farmers' Market on Sundays.

Local Product of the Week: Bona Dea Marvelous Muffins Mix

 
Last week I told you about our new additions to the family. Now it's time to get a bit better acquainted, starting with Bona Dea's Marvelous Muffins Mix!

Bona Dea's Marvelous Muffins Mix is so great because of its versatility. You can make it your own and change it to fit whatever you're craving - make it healthy with some nuts, dried fruit, and flax meal, or satisfy your sweet tooth by adding some chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and cinnamon. All this talk is making me crave a delicious Blueberry Muffin! Or even a Blueberry Chocolate Chip Muffin... see, I told you the options were endless!

Pick some up at Whole Foods downtown or order yours online.

Local Products of the Week: Welcoming the Newbies

Have you heard? We recently welcomed two new artisans to the Yum Runnerz family. So, in honor of these additions, I thought I'd formally introduce them to y'all.

First up is Bona Dea Baking Co. a local company that provides gluten-free flour to at home bakers and restaurants. Their products range from an All-Purpose Mix to Pancake and Scone Mixes. You can purchase their mixes at local stores like Whole Foods Downtown or Avenue B Grocery (and more to come soon!) or taste products made with their mixes at restaurants like Hopdoddy Burgers and Sugar Mama's Bakeshop. Their mixes are perfect to have on hand for all your gluten-free baking needs.

 
Second is Wimberley Valley Gourmet Specialties a fabulous shop operating out of Wimberley, TX. We will be working to get their array of oils (including pecan, avocado, and sunflower) onto the shelves of stores near you. In the meantime, why not take the short drive out to Wimberley to peruse their shop and explore the wonderful town?

We are so excited to have both artisans as part of the family and we look forward to sharing their great products with the foodies of Austin.

Local Product of the Week: Ancient Texas Secret

 
The name of this sauce alone conjures up thoughts of a magical meal!

East Meets West Texasian Sauces are perfect to have in the pantry for those nights when you want to whip up something simple, or add a little kick to your favorite dish. They are great marinades, flavorful sauces for stir-fries, and would be delicious as a dipping sauce for your favorite roasted vegetables.

Ancient Texas Secret has the sweetness of apricots and the kick of horseradish and cayenne. Pour it over a steak, throw it on the grill, and you've got a fabulous meal. Or, for you vegetarians out there, toss it with some roasted mushrooms, potatoes, or summer squash from the farmers' market.

Find this week's product at local stores like Faraday's Kitchen Store, The Meat House Westlake, Live Oak Market, and Wheatsville. Pick some up today!