gianofer fields
Peanut Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala or any tamale
I usually have it all worked out. I plan on bringing my lunch every day, and for once, show a little restraint. However, when the Deli busts out the tamales, Peanut Chicken, or Chicken Tikka Masala...all my newfound frugalness flies out of the window. Too good to pass up. Dang.
Willy Street Co-op Deli Sliced Roast Beef
Licking my chops while thinking of making a roast beast sandwich. Lean and delicious.
Sean Flyr
Broccolini
This is the lesser-known cousin of broccoli, with a fancy name. The entire thing is edible and can be cooked basically any way, or eaten raw. Some people swear by sautéing it; others love to use it in stir-fries. I like to coat it in olive oil, salt and pepper, then oven-roast it at a high temperature until it starts to char, and then finish it with a squeeze of lemon. You might want to make extra, because it’s hard to resist munching on it straight from the pan. Please enjoy!
Sara Berg
LüSa Hey You. Shoo. Natural Insect Repellent Essential Oil
LüSa uses simple, safe ingredients in this natural insect repellent. It’s made with aloe vera juice, witch hazel and a blend of essential oils: lemon eucalyptus essential oil (a natural oil that is as effective as DEET is for discouraging insect bites in preliminary research trials); rose geranium essential oil (an effective tick repellent); cedarwood essential oil (works wonders at keeping black flies at bay). I love this product; I even spray it on my dogs to help repel ticks. And it’s made locally, right in Viroqua, Wisconsin! Seasonal.
Dakota Fahrenkrug
ConcenTrace® Trace Mineral Drops
I’ve usually got a bottle of Trace Mineral Drops close at hand. It’s a great go-to when I’m feeling a lack of concentration, low on energy, or want some extra help warding off a cold. Each serving contains over 72 trace minerals and the bottle lasts me a very long time. Just a few drops in my water bottle does the trick!
Om Mushroom Powders
Om Mushroom powders are ideal for those of us who cannot seem to stick to our daily vitamin regimen but wouldn’t think twice about adding some extra goodness to our morning coffee, smoothies or homemade meals. Mushrooms are packed full of health benefits, and these powders can be easily worked into your day-to-day, so you don’t miss out.
Ian Adcock
Veriditas Just Plain Relief!
As I’m someone dealing with chronic pain, this essential oil has become a lifesaver. It’s a great natural pain relief that actually works. I never leave home without it.
Jesse Thurber
American Provenance Natural Men’s Hair Pomade
Initially, I had a hard time justifying paying this much for a jar of pomade, but was willing to go out on a limb and try something new. I’m glad I did, because this is quality product and now I can’t see myself going back to a conventional brand. The texture takes a little time getting used to, but you’ll find a little goes a long way; one jar lasts me MONTHS. Holds well and doesn’t leave your hair feeling greasy—nor does it dry out and get crispy after several hours. Different scents at each location.
Abigail
LüSa Da Balm
This product really helps with those pesky, itchy mysterious bites and bumps that summertime brings. Seasonal.
Brendon Smith
Tamaleria el Poblano Chicken with Green Salsa and Jalapeño Cheese Tamales
They’re locally made and make for a satisfying meal. My son took them for his school lunch every day for months.
Willy Street Co-op Bottled Cold Brew
As soon as the snow leaves the ground, this goes into my refrigerator. It is a helpful pick-me-up in the late morning and lasts me 2-3 days.
Cate Veith
River Hills Harvest Throat Coat Elderberry Juice
Great for the immune system and super-helpful during allergy season when throats get scratchy. Sweet and delicious. Used medicinally, an 11 fl. oz. bottle will definitely last a while. Used as a mixer for the perfect spring and summer thirst quencher, it may not.
Mitica® Drunken Goat® Cheese
Of all of our non-local cheeses, this is my favorite. It’s firm but creamy, with a fruity undertone thanks to being bathed in red wine.
Rachael Groening
Cedar Teeth Pizza
As a native Milwaukeean, I am so very glad to see we recently started carrying Milwaukee’s own Cedar Teeth Pizza! As I am a fan of the thick-crust pizza, I love their unusual sourdough crust; and the toppings are always fun and creative! My favorite is the Vegan Peanut Gallery and the Mashed Potato Pizza!
Sarah Linton
REBBL Protein Drinks
These have considerably more protein and less sugar than the protein bars I normally snack on. And they are way more delicious! They are 100% plant-based, and in addition to the nutrition they provide, they have the herbs maca, reishi, and ashwagandha to support energy and stress management. I love both flavors so much, but if I had to pick one, I’d probably go for the vanilla spice.
Paige Wickline
Apricots
Apricots are those beautifully orange-colored fruits full of beta-carotene and fiber. So delicious as a healthy snack!
Amy Payne
Szczutkowski Orchard Organic Applesauce
My grandma made the best applesauce in the world. This is a very close second! (As close as I have ever found!)
Katy Brown
Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños
These are an absolutely perfect nacho topping! Not too hot even if you’re not a spicy food fan.
Evan Coleman
Willy Street Co-op Summer Lemon Iced Tea
Cheap and super refreshing in the summer.
Astoria Goldsby
Brown Cow Cream-top Whole Milk Cherry Vanilla Yogurt
I hate yogurt but the cream top and the flavor of cherry vanilla makes me forget I am eating yogurt. Added bonus: throwing blueberry granola on top makes for the best snack.
Amanda Ikens
RP’s Tortelloni
I wish I had time to make fresh pasta at home; this is the closest to homemade pasta! They do all the work for you and this is awesome for a quick meal!
Jeff Dempsey
Batch Bakehouse Scali Bread
This bread is the best! The toasted nuttiness of the sesame seeds combined with the perfect density of the crumb makes this my go-to bread when the craving strikes.
Marnie McMullin
Garlic Scapes
Garlic scape pesto is my all time favorite pesto to make and devour. The garlic scapes give the pesto a mild creamy garlic flavor and make the texture more like a dip and less like an oily pesto. Admittedly, I have eaten garlic scape pesto straight from the jar with Blue Farm corn chips or rice crackers. I usually add about a cup or so of garlic scapes to a traditional basil pesto recipe and I skip the garlic cloves. I use almonds or pecans instead of pine nuts. Garlic scapes come around just once a year, so make a big batch and freeze it in small jars for later use.
Juniper Grayson
Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar
Ever want an all-in-one?—this is it!!! A super-fantastic miracle for everything :) Make a morning elixir—use for acid reflex—keeps your hairs shiny—boost your immune system and everything else! Your body and home will thank you.
Veriditas Vetiver Oil
From perennial grasses of northern India—warm, earthy, and grounding.
Kelsey Foster
Beyond Meat Beyond Beef® Crumbles
An excellent alternative to beef. The texture is the closest to real ground beef of any other alternatives I’ve tried. It makes great tacos. And I say this as someone who is not vegan or even vegetarian!
