Category: Food & Farms

  • Continuing Mother’s Day Traditions Thanks to Made Good

    Continuing Mother’s Day Traditions Thanks to Made Good

    We all wanted Mother’s Day to be different this year, but we didn’t think it would be this different- thanks to COVID-19.

    Thankfully, Basil Bandwagon and Made Good helped me keep my family’s traditions alive and well. Growing up, my mom would always make rice cereal treats. Creating them with different cereals, fun colors and shapes; you name it and she did it.

    Well a couple of months ago, I moved into my own home. It was a difficult adjustment to not annoy her with videos or pictures to show her from social media, hug her every chance I could get, or ask her “what’s for dinner?” Because let’s be honest, when you try to make food living on your own, it never tastes as good as if your parents made it. So to save myself the time (and my mom from tasting poorly made food), I was able to grab a box of Vanilla Crispy Squares from Made Good.

    My mom isn’t a huge fan of sugary foods or anything that tastes like butter, and with having a compromised immune system, I knew that having the individually wrapped squares inside was perfect for her (plus, I can hear about when my dad will eat one and blame my younger sister for leaving the wrapper around. As an older sibling, you have to take every chance to torture your younger siblings, especially when you’re not living at home).

    So not only was I able to give my mom something that I knew she’d enjoy, but we were able to keep our tradition going during these tough times (all while staying 6 feet apart). Added bonus- the selfie photo shoot with her because we never take pictures together since we both hate it. Thanks Mom!


    Check out some of Made Good products on sale this month!


    Feel up to the challenge to make your own cereal squares?

    Check out this recipe featuring Made Good granola:

    Ingredients:

    2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons butter

    2-2/3 cups mini marshmallows

    3-1/3 cups granola

    Method:

    1. Melt butter in large sauce pan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted and well-blended. Cook 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

    2. Add granola. Stir until well coated.

    3. Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly and firmly into 13×9 inch pan. Cut into 2×2 inch squares or in different shapes when cool. Enjoy!


    Here are some more delicious recipes featuring Made Good products*:

    Banana Chia Oats Pudding

    Ingredients:

    2/3 cup old-fashioned oats

    1-1/3 cups unsweetened almond milk

    1 tablespoon chia seeds

    pure vanilla extract

    1 large banana, mashed

    2 tablespoons unsweetened creamy no-nut butter

    Method:

    1. In a jar combine old-fashioned oats, unsweetened almond milk, chia seeds, splash of pure vanilla extract, mashed banana, and unsweetened creamy no nut butter.
    2. Stir well. Refrigerate overnight.
    3. In the morning split into 2 bowls. Top with sliced banana, and Made Good granola (any flavor). Enjoy!


    Tropical Smoothie Bowl

    Ingredients:

    3/4 cup pineapple juice

    1 cup frozen mango

    1 cup blackberries

    1 banana

    1/4 cup shredded coconut (if you’re not allergic)

    Method:

    1. Combine pineapple juice, frozen mango, blackberries, banana & shredded coconut in a blender.

    2. Add into bowl. Top with granola, more coconut & fresh fruit. Enjoy!


    “Hey there, teddy bear!”

    My parents also thought it would be fun to join in on the ‘bear hunt’ for the neighborhood kids! Make sure you check out your neighbor’s windows and see if you can find some.

    If you have no idea what I mean about ‘bear hunt,’ check out this article from the NY Times:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/style/teddy-bear-scavenger-hunt.html

    *Recipes found on Made Good Instagram account

  • Celebrate National Kombucha Day with Health-Ade Kombucha Recipes!

    Celebrate National Kombucha Day with Health-Ade Kombucha Recipes!

    ALL Health-Ade Kombucha on sale this month (1/1/2020-1/31/2020) 2 for $6!

    Yields one small jar of dressing

    INGREDIENTS

    1/4 cup Health-Ade Blood Orange Carrot Ginger Kombucha

    3/4 cup olive oil

    1 teaspoon raw honey

    1/2 teaspoon sea salt

    1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    1 clove garlic, finely minced

    METHOD

    1. Combine all ingredients in a small jar and whisk vigorously to combine.

    2. Taste dressing and season with more salt and pepper, if desired.

    3. Dressing will keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to five days.


    Yields 4 servings

    INGREDIENTS

    1 bottle (1 pint) Health-Ade Cayenne Cleanse

    Juice from 4 blood oranges, plus 1 sliced blood orange for garnish

    1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped

    Juice from 1/2 lemon plus zest for garnish

    1 cup ice cubes

    Cayenne pepper, for sprinkling

    METHOD

    1. Combine Cayenne Cleanse, orange juice, carrots, lemon juice, and ice into a high-powered blender. Blend on low, slowly increasing to high speed. Blend on high for 1 minute or until smooth consistency is reached.

    2. Strain drink through a fine mesh sieve once or twice. Divide drink equally between 4 cocktail glasses. Pour over ice if desired.

    3. Use a vegetable peeler to peel 4 long ribbons of lemon zest. Place 1 ribbon into each glass.

    4. Slice remaining blood orange in wheels and place one face up in each glass.

    5. Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into each glass. Enjoy cold. Refrigerate up to 2 days.


    Yields 1 serving

    INGREDIENTS

    1/4 cup crystallized ginger, for rim

    2 teaspoons sea salt, for rim

    2 ounces grapefruit juice

    1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)

    4 ounces Health-Ade Ginger Lemon Kombucha

    2 ounces club soda (optional)

    Grapefruit wheel or wedge, for garnish

    METHOD

    1. Place candied ginger and sea salt in the bowl of a food processor. Give it a few good pulses, until ginger and salt are combined and powder-like.

    2. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled highball glass. Dip glass in ginger-salt mixture to coat. Fill glass with a handful of ice cubes.

    3. In a cocktail shaker, add grapefruit juice, lemon juice, Ginger Lemon Kombucha, and a handful of crushed ice. Very gently shake and strain into a prepared glass. Top with club soda if desired.

    4. Garnish with a grapefruit wheel or wedge and serve.


    Yields 2 servings

    INGREDIENTS

    1.5 cups diced mango (about 1 mango)

    1 cup dried pineapple

    1/2 cup cold water

    1 cup Health-Ade Ginger Lemon Kombucha

    2-3 ounces rum or vodka (optional)

    METHOD

    1. Add mango, pineapple, and water to a blender and blend until smooth.

    2. Strain mixture through a mesh strainer, scraping with the back of a spatula to get all of the juice.

    3. Mix fruit puree with kombucha and optional alcohol, and serve over ice.

    4. Garnish with sliced pineapple and basil.



    All recipes and information above are provided from INFRA and Health-Ade Kombucha.

    Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) is a purchasing cooperative owned and governed by independent natural and organic food retailers of all sizes working together to leverage our voice in the industry. They unite their members for the purpose of providing operational support, leveraging purchasing power, and engaging in shared marketing activities.

    Working together is how we compete and differentiate ourselves in the marketplace, and gives us a higher chance of success. The level of integrity and commitment of the retailers who are INFRA members helps us shape a future together where we will be able to continue to bring high quality organic food to our individual communities, because we have a shared vision and commitment.

  • Dark Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Cookies

    Dark Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Cookies

    Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, & Vegan – *Contains Coconut*

    Cocomels are the perfect sweet treat that you can eat straight out of the bag or add into any dessert- just in time for the holiday season! They are the perfect vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free candy.

    BONUS SALES IN RECIPE: Coomb’s Maple Syrup $7.99; Wholesome Powdered Sugar $3.29; & Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips $4.29!

    Ingredients

    Shortbread Cookie:

    • 1 Cup Butter
    • 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
    • 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
    • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
    • 2 1/4 Cup Flour
    • Salt

    Caramel Layer:

    • 2 3.5oz Bags of Cocomels, unwrapped (mix up the flavors!)
    • 1 Tablespoon Milk

    Chocolate Layer:

    • 1 Cup Chocolate Chips
    • 1 Teaspoon Coconut Oil

    Method

    A. To make the Shortbread Cookies:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. In large bowl, mix butter until creamy. Then add maple syrup, vanilla, and powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
    3. Add flour and salt and mix until a dough forms.
    4. Transfer dough onto parchment paper and roll into 1/4″-1/2″ thick slab. Cut into circles (or your favorite cookie cutter shapes).
    5. Spread cookies on parchment paper on sheet tray so that they are equally spaced. Use a fork to poke 3 sets of holes into the cookies to avoid bubbling.
    6. Bake for 14 minutes. Cookies should be pretty firm and the edges should be slightly golden brown.
    7. Move cookies to cooling rack.

    B. To make the Caramel Layer:

    1. Place unwrapped Cocomels in a microwave safe bowl with 1/2 tablespoon of milk.
    2. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring after each time, until they are completely melted.
    3. Allow caramel to sit for a little bit to thicken. Don’t wait too long or the caramel will be too hard to spread!
    4. Using a spoon, spread the caramel mixture evenly over each cookie. Place in refrigerator for 5-10 minutes or until caramel is solid.

    C. To make the Chocolate Layer:

    1. While the caramel layer is setting up, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl for 30 second intervals, stirring after each time.
    2. Remove the cookies from fridge and spoon chocolate evenly over the top of the cookies.
    3. Return cookies to fridge for 10-15 minutes or until the chocolate layer is firm.

    D. Once cookies are complete, ENJOY!


    Before you enjoy your incredible Dark Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Cookies, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite organic market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon

    For more information about Cocomels, visit this link: https://jjssweets.com/

    Adapted from: https://justwhatweeat.com/coconut-caramel-twix-cookies/

  • PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake

    PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake

    On sale this week (8/5-8/11): Organic Lemons 5 for $5!

    Your perfect dessert is right here! Made with fresh blueberries and lemons, this light and tasty loaf cake will be the “talk of the dessert table.” We’ve made this recipe to be gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and soy free too!

    Bonus- Garden of Life’s Unflavored Collagen is on BOGO! Buy one, get one free while supplies last!

    Ingredients

    ½ Cup Granulated Sugar

    ½ Cup Dark or Light Brown Sugar

    1 Egg + 1 Egg White

    ½ Cup Melted Coconut Oil

    ¾ Cup Unsweetened Applesauce

    1 ½ Cup Gluten Free Flour or All-Purpose Flour (preferably Bob’s 1-to-1 GF flour)

    ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder

    ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda

    Pinch Salt

    ½ Cup Milk; any plant based or whole milk

    ½ Cup Fresh Blueberries

    Zest 1 Lemon

    3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

    2 Teaspoons Vanilla

    2 Scoops Garden of Life Unflavored Collagen Peptides (BOGO for a limited time!)


    Method

    1. Beat together sugars and eggs. Add in oil and applesauce.

    2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

    3. Add in milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, & vanilla to the egg/sugar mixture. Stir to combine.

    4. Add in dry ingredients & mix until fully incorporated.

    5. Fold in fresh blueberries.

    6. Grease and line a loaf pan (8”x4”) with parchment paper.

    7. Pour in batter and smooth out evenly.

    8. Bake @ 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

    9. Cool completely before slicing.

    10. Enjoy!


    Before you enjoy your perfect lemon blueberry loaf cake, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite produce market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon #producerecipeoftheweek

  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 7/31/19

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 7/31/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Basil Bandwagon Natural Market: MCT Oil Powder, Collagen Peptides Powder, and Whey+MCT
    Blackbird Foods Authentic Pizza: Pizza Margherita and Kale & Mushroom
    Garden of Life Whole Hemp Extracts: 10mg, 50mg, Inflammation, Relax, & Sleep (droppers and softgels)
    Halsa Oatgurt: Mango Pear & Blueberry
    HealthDirect Collagen & Collagen Energy: new sizes and flavors!
    Pure Indian Foods: Best Hing Ever
    WYLD CBD gummies: Huckleberry, Lemon, Blackberry, & Raspberry
    Yellowbird Sauce: Jalapeno & Habanero
  • PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: MANGO AVOCADO SALSA

    PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: MANGO AVOCADO SALSA

    On sale this week (7/22-7/28): Organic Tommy Atkins Mangoes 5 for $5!

    Salsa is the perfect snack, side, topping, or even small meal that you can have all year round! The best part is that you can mix and match different fruits and veggies to make your salsa catered to your cravings. With the hot weather we’ve been having lately, we were craving something light and refreshing- so check out our recipe below for our mango avocado salsa!

    Pair with our fresh North Atlantic salmon (available Thursdays-Sundays)!

    Ingredients

    1 Avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and diced

    1 Ripe Tommy Atkins Mango, peeled, pitted, and diced

    4 Scallions, chopped

    1/4 Cup Cilantro, finely chopped

    1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced

    2 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice

    1 Tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

    1/2 Teaspoon Coarse Salt


    Method

    1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.

    2. Serve with chips or top on fish and enjoy!


    Before you enjoy your refreshing mango avocado salsa, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite produce market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon #producerecipeoftheweek

  • PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: BROCCOLI SALAD WITH GRAPES!

    PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: BROCCOLI SALAD WITH GRAPES!

    On sale this week (7/1-7/7): Organic Broccoli $1.99 each & Organic Red Grapes $2.49 lb!

    This salad is the best addition to your table this 4th of July! It’s simple to make, healthy for you, and everyone will love it- plus you get all of the health benefits from the broccoli and grapes too!

    Ingredients

    Salad

    1 Cup Bacon Bits

    1/3 Cup Hemp Seeds

    1 Large Head Broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces

    1/3 Cup Red Onion, diced

    1 Cup Seedless Red Grapes, halved

    Dressing

    1 Cup Mayonnaise

    3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

    2 Tablespoons Sugar

    Pepper, to taste


    Method

    1. In a medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and pepper together.

    2. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, onion, and grapes in a bowl.

    3. Pour house-made dressing over broccoli salad mixture and toss to coat evenly.

    4. Sprinkle bacon bits and hemp hearts over salad, mix well, and enjoy!


    Before you enjoy your delicious broccoli and red grape salad, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite produce market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon #producerecipeoftheweek

  • PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: CAULIFLOWER SKEWERS

    PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: CAULIFLOWER SKEWERS

    On sale this week (6/24-6/30): Organic Cauliflower $2.49 each!

    This is a basic recipe which is easy to build on. By adding different spices and flavor profiles to the marinade, the skewers can represent many traditions of flavor. Add fresh herbs for a Mediterranean flavor, smoked paprika for a Spanish theme or curry for Indian style. You can replace the lemon with lime and use cilantro and chili powder which can bring in Mexican flavors as well. You can serve the skewers with a variety of sides like beans, rice, corn, couscous, lentils or a simple green salad with fresh tomatoes.

    Ingredients

    1 Large Head Cauliflower, cut into large florets

    1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

    3 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Avocado Oil

    Salt and Pepper

    Several Wooden, Bamboo or Metal Skewers (If using natural skewers, soak for 20 minutes in water)


    Method

    1. Preheat grill to create a hot and a warm zone.

    2. Thread cauliflower florets onto skewers, diving the cauliflower evenly among the skewers.

    3. Mix oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to create a marinade and brush onto the skewers.

    4. Grill skewers until they have obtained a nice grilled appearance. Then move to the warm zone for finishing until cauliflower is tender.

    5. Serve and enjoy!


    Before you enjoy your cauliflower skewers, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite produce market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon #producerecipeoftheweek

  • Celebrate Hemp History Week!

    Celebrate Hemp History Week!

    June 3rd-9th, 2019

    This June, celebrate the 10th Annual of Hemp History Week with Return of the Plant! Demand for hemp extracts (CBD), foods, and body care products continue to grow. The plant’s ability to regenerate soil is motivating more farmers to grow hemp in the United States. With hemp’s return to U.S. soil through passage of the 2018 Farm Bill coinciding with the campaign’s 10th year, it’s time to make 2019 the Year of Hemp together! Visit HempHistoryWeek.com to learn more! 

    Click here to check out our Produce Recipe of the Week including hemp!

    Drinkables

    Don’t like the taste of hemp but want the healthy benefits? Try these hemp products that you can use as a substitute for your favorite drinks- water, tea, coffee additions, smoothies, juices, and more!

    Eat Up

    Hemp comes in all different shapes and sizes- granola, crackers, seeds, oils and more! It’s high in protein and omegas which makes it the perfect addition to your healthy lifestyle.

    Spread It Everywhere

    Everyone needs to spread a little love! Grab some hemp butters to spread on your morning toast or some hemp honey for your cup of tea throughout the day!

    A Healthy Clean

    Take a clean approach to your cleaning habits. You can use Dr. Bronner’s Hemp Pure-Castile Soap in so many ways! For more ideas and recipes using Dr. Bronner’s soap, click here: https://www.drbronner.com/all-one-blog/2017/06/dilutions-cheat-sheet-dr-bronners-pure-castile-soap/

    Supplements and Salves

    Support your body’s natural endocannabinoid system with hemp extracts! We carry different formulas such as capsules, drops, salves, proteins, and more!

    Treat Yourself

    Are you always on-the-go? Grab a hemp bar from Evo Hemp or a cannabinoid rich morsel from Rise Relief!


    Regardless of how you celebrate hemp history week or what hemp products you use, let us know! Leave us a note, email us, tag us on social media, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares #hemphistoryweek2019

  • Organic Mocha Mug Cake

    Organic Mocha Mug Cake

    On Sale This Month: One Village Coffee (Artist, Legend, & Decaf) for $11.99 each!

    One Village Coffee is a specialty coffee company that packages their fair trade and certified USDA organic coffee beans in a compostable bag! Their flavors range from light to dark roasted coffees, focusing on balance and sweetness. We all love to start our days with a large cup of joe but this decadent mocha mug recipe is a heavenly cup of deliciousness to end your day with.

    Ingredients

    3 Tablespoons Flour

    2 Tablespoons Sugar

    1 Tablespoon Baking Chocolate, chopped

    1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder

    3/4 Tablespoon Coconut Oil (Basil Bandwagon Brand is on sale for 25% off!)

    1 Tablespoon Brewed One Village Coffee

    2 Tablespoons Milk

    1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla


    Method

    1. In a Basil Bandwagon ceramic mug, combine chopped chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave in 15 second intervals until fully melted.

    2. Add brewed coffee, milk, and vanilla into mug. Stir and microwave for additional 15 seconds (microwaved mixture should look like chocolate milk).

    3. Add sugar to hot mug and stir until sugar is completely dissolved.

    4. Add baking powder and flour and stir until there are no lumps.

    5. Microwave for 45-75 seconds.

    6. Let cool for 2 minutes and enjoy!


    Before you enjoy your decadent, organic mocha mug cake featuring One Village Coffee, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite organic market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon

    For more information about One Village Coffee, visit this link: https://www.onevillagecoffee.com/