Local Product of the Week: Candy Apple Butter

 
Doesn't your mouth start to water just at the name of these preserves?

Letelier Food Company makes all sorts of amazing products like these preserves (as well as an array of other flavors), meat pates, and vegetarian pates.

Here are a few ideas on how to use the preserves (as if you needed help!):

As a filling for these homemade pop tarts.

Mixed into your favorite pancake recipe... check out this recipe for inspiration.

Make some little dumplings stuffed with the preserves.

Or just stay simple and spread it on a thick piece of toast.

The preserves are available at Fresh Plush Grocer on West Lynn, La Patisserie,  the SFC Downtown & Sunset Valley Farmers Market, and the Hope Farmers' Market.

Be sure to check out their website to read all about the delicious preserve flavors they are offering this season... you won't be disappointed!

And don't forget to Like us on Facebook!

Top 5 Reasons to Like Yum Runnerz

Yum Runnerz is on a mission: to gain more support from the community... in the form of Facebook Likes.

Why should you support Yum Runnerz? Here are just five of the many reasons:

1. We are a local company, pushing local goods, and spreading the word about local artisans... so in a way, if you like us, you like local. And anyone who's anyone knows that local is where it's at.

2. When you like us on Facebook, you will learn about new products that we are repping, exciting ways to use products we already rep, and every now and then we'll surprise you with an inspiring quote or a golden nugget of information.

3. Get connected with other local artisans by exploring our website and Facebook page.

(I just have to ask...)

4. Why not?

And, I saved the best for last:

5. You could win a goodie basket of local products! If we reach 300 likes, all new Facebook likes from April 12th to June 1st will be entered into a drawing for a wonderful basket filled with goodness from local artisans like Pâté Letelier, Spicewood Food Company, and others. Read more about the giveaway here.

Did I convince you, yet? If so, head on over to our Facebook page, check out what's happening, and Like us!

Happy Monday!

Local Product of the Week: Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Strawberries are starting to pop up in our CSAs and at the Farmers' Market and, while I know you don't need ideas of ways to eat them, here are a few ways to use strawberries AND support a local food artisan like The Spicewood Food Company.

The Spicewood Food Company specializes in infused oils, balsamic vinegars, and (this week's highlighted item) a Traditional Style Barrel Aged Balsamic Vinegar that has been aged twelve years.

Oh my... we just got so excited here at Yum Runnerz just talking about everything it would be good with.

Here are a few ways to pair strawberries and aged balsamic vinegar:

Cut strawberries in half and toss with a bit of balsamic. Let sit so juices from the strawberries can mix with the balsamic. Toast a few pieces of bread and spread a thick layer of goat cheese on top. Add a few pieces of prosciutto and top off with strawberries.

In a large bowl, toss together some spinach, sliced strawberries, walnuts, some goat cheese crumbles, a little bit of olive oil, sea salt, and a drizzle of balsamic.

Or, our favorite:
Slice up the strawberries, put them on top of a few scoops of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with some aged balsamic.

You can find their products on the shelves at Specs or taste some of their other products at local restaurants like Cippolina, TRIO, and Siena. 

Hard Work is Key

If we've learned one thing at Yum Runnerz, it's that hard work is the key to success.

I know, I know... so cliche! But, the truth is that so many small business owners and local artisans get easily discouraged when a store says no to their product, or they have issues finding the right packaging, etc.... There are countless struggles that come with running a local artisan food company.

Don't be so depressing, you may say. The other side of the coin, of course, is that the fruit of your labor is so so sweet. With patience, persistence, and passion (and staying true to the heart of your business) you will see success. (See our post A Pesky Job that PAYS OFF!!!)

In honor of these lessons learned, the next few weeks we will be tweeting quotes about all of these topics... a little bit of encouragement for you local artisans out there.

And, remember.... you don't have to do it all on your own! That's what Yum Runnerz is here for – to lighten the load and do some of the leg work that you simply don't have time for. Check out our website to see a list of services we offer to help you and your business.

Nothing Better Than a Giveaway!

Ok folks... I'm about to make it really easy for you to win a fabulous basket of local products.

All you have to do is head over and Like us on Facebook. On June 1st, we will do a drawing of all new followers (you must have Liked Yum Runnerz on/after April 11th) and the winner will get a gift basket filled with goodies from local vendors like Zhi Tea and Pâté Letelier.

Now, that doesn't sound too hard, right?

Oh, and one more thing... We must reach 300 likes by the deadline for the drawing to take place. So, spread the word about Yum Runnerz.

Disclaimer: This is an independent contest arranged solely by Yum Runnerz... not Facebook.

2nd Retail Ready Workshop

We just held our second Retail Ready Workshop for local food artisans, so I thought it was a perfect time to get back into the swing of things here on the blog. We held the workshop at Hot Mama's Cafe in East Austin... a great little cafe with coffee, Mediterranean inspired food, and (of course) delicious desserts! At the workshop we had a great group of local artisans show up to take in all sorts of information about starting a local food company, getting products ready for the shelves, and actually getting them into stores. We then had special guest Jeffrey Lorien from Zhi Tea come share about the beginnings of his company, challenges, successes, and the importance of packaging. Thanks to everyone who came out for the workshop!

Stay tuned for more information about our next workshop that will focus specifically on packaging and marketing. There will be a few special guests who have tons of experience with design and packaging so you will not want to miss out!