Spoonful - November/December 2021

Holiday Baking Classic cookie recipes inside

Friendsgiving Fair Trade Gifts Local Holiday Markets

NOV | DEC NEWSLETTER 2021

HELLO SPOONFUL READERS! With November upon us, the holiday season is here and we’re getting ready to close out 2021! This year has been challenging for our community and country – we are (hopefully) seeing the light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. Now is as good a time as ever to be grateful and to reflect on the events over the past year. I am so proud to be a part of this community that has been able to pull together and not only navigate this tough year, but also begin to thrive in it. I am beyond thankful to our Board, Owners, customers, vendors, and our incredible employees who have all been working together toward a common goal - the success of the Common Market. All of this has resulted in a growth in sales, an influx of new customers, and continued growth in Ownership. Please look for the annual report in this edition of Spoonful!

Looking ahead to 2022 – as we continue to move forward, we will focus our efforts on increasing our presence in the community and our value image by growing support for local vendors, increasing programs that help customers with in-house cooking ideas, continuing to grow our products made inhouse, increasing employee development training programs, growing our green initiatives programs,

and continuing to expand our product variety.

Looking ahead to the near future - we are ready to help you celebrate your holiday season - with our fresh and natural local turkeys, uncured spiral hams, organic and local seasonal produce, grocery essentials, high quality cheeses, side dishes, and of course desserts made in house at our café. Our knowledgeable and attentive front-end department and amazing employees all throughout the store are ready to help you with all your holiday needs. You can reserve your holiday turkey starting 10/18. On top of that we will have a special holiday treat for all our Owners: $15 off any purchase of $75 or more from 11/19 – 11/28. Look for the coupon on a postcard arriving soon!

On that note, if you are not an Owner but support the work the Common Market does for the community, please consider joining our group of over 8,000 Owners which have been key in our growth and long-lasting impact in Frederick. Information on the benefits and membership can be found on our website or if you’re in the store please stop by our customer service desk!

We wish everyone a happy holiday season, filled with joy and hope for the future.

Thank you for your support,

Román Diaz, General Manager

Editor & Ad Sales - Susan Schulman | Design & Layout - Kayleigh Montgomery-Morris, Yumi Redifer Classes & Education - Libby Nuss | Owner Services - Sue Leveille | Contributors - Annie Gunnell, Jen Young, welcometothetable.coop Contact marketing@commonmarket.coop with contributions. Contact sschulman@commonmarket.coop for advertising rates.

The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Board, management, staff, or consumer-Owners of the Common Market. Nutrition and health information are given for informational purposes only and are not meant as a substitute for a consultation with a licensed health or dietary practitioner.

BOARD OF

DIRECTORS Megan Schneebaum President

Annie Marshall Vice President

John Clarke Secretary

John Beutler Lynn Brantley Mary McKelvie Alecks Moss Gislene Tasayco Robert Wolpert Directors

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DEC

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The Common Market Board of Directors meets monthly via Zoom. All are welcome to attend.

To receive the Zoom link, RSVP on our events page by 12PM on the day of the meeting.

As I write this, I’m feeling delighted with the little chill in the air, and I’m dreaming of pulling out my knitted hats, sweaters and mittens. The sun is coming up a little later each day now, and setting a little earlier, and I’m noticing that I want to sleep just a bit longer. This change of season feels like a gift, and I’m happy to immerse myself in Fall ritual: not just adding cinnamon to my early-morning coffee, but also putting away the air conditioners and fans, and switching from dinner-as-a-big-salad to pots of chili and pans of roasted vegetables.

The front of both stores look so festive and beautiful lately when I shop, with straw bales, pumpkins and pots of mums - and the apple displays inside are just dazzling! People seem to me a little brighter and maybe more happy-busy as they shop. I’m not knocking gorgeous summer days, but this season right here is my time of energy and re-set.

It’s a great time to re-commit yourself to cooperation, too! October

was National Co-op Month, and the surge of that can carry you forward into the energy of the rest of Fall and early Winter. We can all take a minute to reflect on how completely remarkable it is that, together, WE OWN TWO GROCERY STORES, started from just an idea, and driven by values for four and a half decades.

We can notice the cooperative way in which The Common Market provides a marketplace for local farmers (those apples!) and producers. We can remember to cultivate extra gratitude for every Staff person who cheerfully makes our sandwiches, rings up our groceries and mops the floors - as well as gardening with neighborhood schoolchildren!

As the days shorten, I appreciate human connection the most. I think my ancient mind probably loves gathering around a fire with other people more than anything.

Communities draw in a little more snugly in this season, and I’m happier than I can say to be a part of this one.

Cooperatively Yours,

Annie Marshall, Board Vice President, The Common Market Board of Directors

Route 85

7th Street

Cherish

Roxanne

File Maintenance Coordinator What brought you to the Co-op?

I already shopped here and was really drawn to the customer service that the store provided over the competition.

What do you like best about your job?

The people that I get to work with and learn from on a daily basis. You all really are my work family!

How has working at the Co-op affected your life?

Working at the Co-op brought me out of my shell and helped me to find some more self-esteem that I really needed.

What are some of your favorite products at the Co-op?

The new Twin Bears sourdough breads, Mayorga coffee, Wallaby Greek Yogurt, Stacey's Wheat Tortillas, Vegenaise, Common Market brand milk, lacinato kale, black grapes, etc, etc, - I really could keep going!

What is your favorite food to make?

Apple pie for the holidays or my mom's homemade bread recipe. A simple egg & cheese breakfast sandwich!

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

I take long walks with my son, Oliver. I also love to read and listen to lots of different types of music.

File Maintenance Coordinator What brought you to the Co-op?

I was looking for a change in careers at the time and I was just beginning to learn about natural/ organic foods and all the health benefits. The Coop seemed to be the perfect fit!

What do you like best about your job?

Entering new items! I love to be one of the first to check out our cool new stuff!

How has working at the Co-op affected your life?

It has helped me expand my knowledge of natural and organic foods and given me the opportunity to find new foods to add to my daily life. Plus it has also allowed me to meet and work with some really great people.

What are some of your favorite products at the Co-op?

Birchbender products are one of my favorites the pancake mix and brownie mix make some delicous treats! Also...ALL THE CHEESE! Our cheese department never fails to have some delicious cheeses that are new to me. Love it!

What is your favorite food to make?

Blueberry muffins with fresh blueberries!

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

Listening to music or an audiobook/podcast.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A Legacy of Love

I see myself growing and learning and loving where I am! I hope to be kinder, more confident, and more at peace with myself and the world around me.

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Yes, I Really Do Need All These Cats...

Retiring early and living a quiet, peaceful life on many acres of land, taking care of lots of dogs and cats that need a furever home.

Local Farm

SPOTLIGHT MAYNE'S TREE FARM Buckeystown, MD Mayne's Tree Farm is a 170-acre farm that has been operated by the Mayne family since 1956. Over the years, the farm has become a destination for Frederick-area natives, known for their pick-your-own strawberries and fresh Christmas trees. During the holidays, many families brave the cold to cut down their own tree or pick out one that has already gotten the chop.

Holiday Decor at the Market

Look for Mayne's handmade wreaths at the Common Market in December. They're a simple and beautiful addition to your festive holiday decor.

A Farm For All Seasons

Like the inscription on their wooden sign says, Mayne's is "more than just trees!" Visit them in the summer to pick your own strawberries, and take a hayride through their pumpkin patch in the fall. They even supply the Common Market with organic carving pumpkins for Halloween!

Visit www.maynestreefarm.com for more information.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Keeping It Local

Local Sales $4.53 M* 17%

At the Common Market, “local” is defined as products from farms or businesses within 150 miles of the co-op.

We partner with sustainable, local farms and businesses to provide our community with the freshest, most nutritious and delicious whole foods in our area.

Total Sales

Local as % of Sales Grocery Perishable

138 49 LOCAL BUSINESSES

LOCAL FARMS

view the full Local List at www.commonmarket.coop/shop/local-starts-here

RECYCLING 204,200

5% 14.6%

Frozen

3.6%

Bulk

11.6%

Bread

0.6%

Cheese

6.6%

Meat Produce

43.4% 4.8%

THIS YEAR,

7,645

LBS OF ELECTRONICS

LBS OF CARDBOARD

183

LBS OF PRINTER INK CARTRIDGES

2,504

LBS OF MIXED MATERIALS

215

LIGHT BULBS

1,960 LBS OF BATTERIES

700

LBS OF HOLIDAY LIGHTS

6

OF EVERY $1 SPENT AT THE CO-OP STAYED IN OUR COMMUNITY!

Always Improving

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Here are just a few of our many improvements!

1. Creation of the Green Team with members from Staff and the Board. Projects have included starting an Oyster Shell recycling project with The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Sustainability Award recognition by the Frederick County Office of Recycling, and reviving the raised beds at North Frederick Elementary School.

2. Formation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee sponsored by the Board of Directors! This committee is dedicated to the exploration of topics related to social and racial justice and highlights the cooperative principles of education and concern for community. We believe that our lives are enriched when we value, honor, and affirm the diverse experiences of our community. Find more information on the speaker series, “Food for Thought” and “Cooperative Conversations,” discussion group on the website 3. New events created over the past year that have given exposure to local vendors and farmers, as well as the Common Market include the Loco for Local one day farmer’s market style vendor event & Soul Street farmer’s market featuring local black-owned businesses.

4. In addition to membership in a valuesbased, local, natural and community business,

added Owner benefits this year include Owner Only monthly discounts and free use of the Community Room at both store locations.

5. Partnerships with local business organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Hood College, and Frederick Health Hospital have offered great marketing opportunities and a platform to introduce the Common Market brand to a wider audience. Community Partnerships also offer this type of exposure as well as benefits to our Owners.

6. Staff Communication remains a top priority facilitated by department bulletin boards, Morning Huddles and Lunch/Coffee with Leadership at both store locations.

7. Common Market, as well as some of our meat and seafood suppliers, have partnered with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program and the Savory Institute to maintain values and standards for our community who shops these products.

8. To address nation-wide rising food costs, Owners and Staff were surveyed and voted to introduce some local but non-organic produce in order to offer more competitive price points on some products.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021

A look at the numbers from this past fiscal year...

7,919

Ownership Owners are the foundation of our cooperative.

Meeting our Owners’ needs is the reason for the co-op’s existence. The more Owners use the co-op’s services, the stronger the organization becomes. The stronger the cooperative, the more competitive it can be in the marketplace and impactful it can be to the community.

TOTAL Owners at the end of FY '21

$

33,314

The total amount distributed back to our Owners in Patronage Rebates

85%

635

Patronage Rebate amount redeemed

NEW Owners

50.2% Percentage of sales to Owners

$

1,198

The total amount donated by Owners to Frederick Food Security Network

Staff Wages & Benefits Benefits

An employee referral bonus was implemented, offering $150 to any current staff member who refers an employee who completes their introductory period in good standing.

Every quarter, Owners choose four non-profits to support through our Bring-a-Bag for Change program.

These non-profits represent the categories of Kids, Environment, Animals, and Community. Shoppers raise money for these charities each time they bring a reusable bag for shopping. The total contribution, combined with a portion of our sales from a given day, is split evenly amongst the four local charities.

79,473

Total bags saved from the landfill in FY '21

$

14,632

Total raised for local non profits in FY '21

$

215,834 Total raised since FY '07

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Hiring & Promotions With the opening of a second store, The Common Market added over 70 jobs to the local economy. Common Market internal promotions are at an all-time high!

Employee Assistance Program Through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), The Common Market provides confidential access to a variety of professional services. The EAP, available to all employees and their immediate family members, offers short-term counseling, legal support, financial professionals, and other online information, tools and services.

Our current starting wage is $14/hr.

The current minimum wage in Maryland is

$11.75/hr.

The livable wage for a onebedroom apartment in the Frederick County area is

$19.82/hr.

Our Triple Bottom Line

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

The Ends

The Common Market Co-op operates in order to achieve 4 Ends. Those ends are as follows, with a few quick highlights from the past year: A prosperous, just, and vibrant local food economy. (In FY 2021 we had a total of 187 local partnerships, with an average of $0.44 per consumer dollar staying in the community!)

An economically successful and growing business operated on the model of cooperative ownership. (An average of 1,345 shoppers came through our doors each day this past year!)

A community whose members are educated about food, health and wellness choices, about social and environmental issues in food production, and about the value of cooperatives as an alternative business model.

(This past year The Common Market sold $4,006,748 in healthy produce alone to our community!)

The Common Market is a valuesbased business with a triple bottom line: people, planet, profit. This means we take into account our social and environmental impacts in addition to measuring financial success. We strive to give back to the community without depleting the planet’s resources.

A model for the use of environmental resources that is increasingly sustainable in the products we sell, the business we operate, and the practices we promote and support in the larger community.

(Our recycling program is amazing: last year we recycled 449,280 pounds of waste and 2,504 pounds through the Terracycle program. Additionally, 8761 kwh were used from our electric vehicle charging stations, saving 1,752 gallons of gasoline.)

Concern for Community

Help Support Co-op Principle #7 This Holiday Season NOV

DEC

1 -15 & 1 -1 5 DE C

1 -15

Round up at the registers to help locals in need

Toy and Supply drive benefitting Heartly House Much appreciated items include: • Gift cards • Gas cards • Unwrapped new toys (excluding guns, swords, etc.) for children newborn - age 18 • Batteries Nov

Dec 2021

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Holiday Gift Guide Simplify Your Shopping with these Unique Finds

1. Evolution Salt Lamp

7. Mount Royal Alpine for You Soap

2. Sunbeam Candles Candle for Peace

8. Pacha Home for the Holidays Whipped Soap + Scrub

3. Sea Witch Botanicals Krampus Incense

9. Unwined Gingerbread Lane Candle

4. Ner Mitzvah Aluminum Menorah

10. Cognitive Surplus Chemistry of Beer Glasses

5. Wild Rose Candy Cane Lip Balm

11. Badger Aromatherapy Travel Kit

6. Pranarom Cera Essential Oil Diffuser

12. Indigo Wild Mazel Zum Soy Candle

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Common Market Gift Cards, The Perfect Gift!

- Available in any amount - No expiration date - Use them at both locations - Buy online or in-store (we'll mail it for you!) scan to purchase Have a friend or family member who wants to be a Co-op Owner? Give them the Gift of Ownership!

This is done in the form of a special $200 gift card, which can be redeemed only for ownership at the Co-op. Buy online or at our Service Desk. Simply purchase the gift card and give it to that special person who wants to be an Owner, and they'll visit the store to fill out their Owner Equity Form. It’s a simple way to spread the love of your Co-op!

scan for details

CLASSES & EVENTS COOKING Learn more about cooking techniques and experiment with fresh, new ingredients.

ENVIRONMENT Cultivate awareness and engage in the topics of local and global preservation.

BACKYARD AGRICULTURE For the first-time gardener or avid green thumb to explore the potential in one's own backyard.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Obtain the knowledge that can help restore balance to your body & mind.

KIDS Fun, interactive experiences for kids to learn about food and its source.

EVENT Exciting happenings at the co-op and around town.

Board Meetings Virtual Board Meeting and Food for Thought Presentation Thursday, November 18

Food for Thought | 6 - 6:30PM, Speaker: Aje Hill, Founder & Executive Director of I Believe in Me Board Meeting | 6:30-8:30PM

Virtual Board Meeting and Food for Thought Presentation Thursday, December 16

Food for Thought | 6 - 6:30PM, Speaker: TBA Board Meeting | 6:30-8:30PM

Events FIRST EVER Community Partner Holiday Markets!

Wednesday, December 1 | 4 - 7PM @ 7th St. Saturday, December 4 | 11AM - 2PM @ Rt. 85 Shop local this holiday season! Join us and some of our local Community Partners who will be in the store selling their gift cards and wares.

Support your local economy while shopping for unique gifts for everyone on your list!

Classes Grow Your Own Gourmet Mushrooms [OFFSITE] with Michael Judd

Sunday, November 7 | 2 - 3:30PM $65 You can grow delicious and nutritious culinary and medicinal mushrooms in your own garden or home (in apartments, on rooftops and patios, too!) In the workshop we will cover how to inoculate stumps, logs, wood chips, and burlap sacks while improving your garden ecology. In this interactive class you will learn the types of outdoor mushrooms that we can easily grow in our area, the conditions required and the tools you will need.

Compost Happens! [ONLINE]

Tuesday, November 9 | 6 - 7:30PM FREE | RSVP Join us as we examine ways to put your trash can on a diet- even during the holiday season! We’ll learn about the benefits of composting and ways to prevent food waste. Composting is an easy DIY activity that makes a big impact on resource conservation in your local community, AND, helps reduce methane and carbon emissions that contribute to global climate change.

Tapping for Health & Wellbeing with Dr. Mimi McLaughlin

Monday, November 29 | 7 - 8:00PM @ Rt. 85 Community Room $12, 50% off for Owners Do you sometimes feel stuck or have a difficult time getting through pain, discomfort, or stress? Learn what tapping is and how it serves as a healing tool for physical, emotional, and performance issues.

In this class you will learn how to perform EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping on yourself or on loved ones to help restore calm and well-being. This class will provide another means to create healthier individuals without harmful drugs, while enhancing and empowering the mind and body.

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Investing for Good: How Can You Invest in Companies You Actually Like?

Wednesday, December 8 | 6:30 - 8:00PM @ Rt. 85 Community Room FREE | RSVP

Did you know that you can invest in companies that are trying to make positive changes in the world - while also making money and building your nest egg? It's possible, and it's easier than you might think! This session will introduce you to the idea of investing "sustainably" and help you figure out what's real, what might actually make money, and what strategies will best suit your values.

COMMUNITY PARTNER Spotlight!

Straight Shot Fitness In-Person and Online Personal Training

Medical Advocacy and the Benefits of Small Lifestyle Changes [ONLINE] with Moving Us Forward, Inc. Wednesday, December 22 | 7 - 8:30PM FREE | RSVP In this class we will explore -How to advocate for yourself or a family member in a medical setting (questions to ask, resources, etc.)

-Potential benefits of small lifestyle changes (movement, food, connection, mindfulness, rest) -Healthy lifestyle choices as preventative “medicine” -Resources for different specialty diets

Common Market Owners: Owners receive one free individual or group personal training session (a $50-$85 value).

Why we stand by Straight Shot Fitness: Straight Shot Fitness is dedicated to helping people of all fitness levels build strength and confidence with progressive, functional strength and conditioning workouts. They believe in taking the best parts of functional training methods and giving you an honest and straightforward approach to helping you feel, perform, and live the life you want to live.

www.straightshottraining.com

Register for our classes from the comfort of your own home!

We aim to provide an educational and inspiring environment in which to explore with our community natural approaches to health and sustainability.

Our Community Partners Program continues to grow, offering our owners many options to save and support local business!

Visit our website to learn about all of our Community Partners.

www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events

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Dec 2021 13

Give the

Gift of

Fair Trade this holiday season!

It is never too early to start planning and shopping for the holidays – and in this year of cargo stranded on container ships, The Common Market is thrilled & thankful to announce that our full order of Andes Gift items has arrived!

Why we Love A member of the Fair-Trade Association, Andes Gifts stands behind the Co-operative principles of Cooperation among Cooperatives, Concern for Community, Support of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives. Andes Gifts believes in supporting indigenous communities through the establishment of knitting cooperatives. This empowers them to contribute to the economic stability of their families and local community. Andes Gifts is committed to developing long-term relationships with their artisans and providing consistent work for these knitting cooperatives.

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Being part of a cooperative allows these

By purchasing from Andes you are helping

women to remain within their local

to empower indigenous artisans by

community while earning a dependable

providing them with economic opportunities

income. This also helps preserve the knitting

they might not have otherwise had.

techniques and traditions of the Andes.

Andes Gifts has several important goals: to create long-term dependable employment opportunities for Aymara and Quechua women in Peru & Bolivia, and to connect thoughtful consumers with the people and ancient cultural traditions behind the products they are buying. Each new design is created in collaboration with the artisans from the knitting cooperatives.

Many of their designs are made with alpaca, merino wool, and cotton. Some also contain upcycled fibers such as alpaca and cotton.

Look for hats (including fun animalthemed hats for kids and adults), scarves, gloves, ear warmers, wrist warmers, ponchos, shawls, mug cozies, knitted plants, leg warmers, finger puppets, and more!

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Dec 2021 15

Gingerbread Cookies Makes 48 3-inch cookies. Prep time: 1 hour

Sugar & Spice Spice up your holiday spread with these much-loved classic treats.

Recipes by Robin Asbell

1 1⁄2 cups unbleached flour 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour 1 ⁄2 teaspoon baking soda 1 ⁄4 teaspoon baking powder 1 ⁄2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 ⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 ⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1 ⁄4 cup light brown sugar 1 ⁄2 cup molasses 1 large egg Royal Icing 2 cups powdered sugar, approximately 1 large pasteurized egg white or 2 1⁄2 tablespoons meringue powder 1 ⁄4 teaspoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons water, approximately 1. In a large bowl, mix together flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices. Using a stand mixer or an electric beater, cream butter until soft, then add brown sugar and beat until well-mixed. Add molasses and beat, scrape down and add egg, beat again until combined. Stir in the flour mixture.

Divide dough into four rectangular pieces, place between sheets of parchment and roll out ¼" thick. Stack sheets of dough on a baking pan and chill for 3 hours.

2. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lay sheets of dough on counter, remove top layer of parchment and use a cookie cutter to cut into shapes. Using a thin spatula, transfer cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets. Repeat process with scraps.

3. Bake 12 minutes, switching the pans between oven racks halfway through. When cookies are puffed and look dry, remove and cool on the pan for five minutes, then move cookies to a cooling rack.

4. Using a stand mixer or electric beater, mix powdered sugar with egg white or meringue powder. Mix in lemon juice and water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency. Transfer icing to a piping bag with a small round tip and use to draw outlines on the cookies.

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Poppy Seed Rugelach

Chocolate Glazed Nut Brittle

Makes 24 cookies. Prep time: 6 hours (includes chilling); 1 hour active

Servings: Makes 2 1⁄2 lbs. (approx. 27 servings). Prep time: 1 hour; 20 minutes active

1 1⁄2 sticks butter, room temperature 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 2 cups flour 1 ⁄2 cup sugar 1 ⁄4 teaspoon salt 1 ⁄2 cup poppy seeds 1 ⁄4 cup milk 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons raisins, chopped 1 ⁄2 teaspoon lemon zest 1. Cream butter and cream cheese together until fluffy. Add flour, sugar, salt and beat to combine.

Form 2 disks, wrap in plastic wrap; chill 4 hours.

2. In a coffee grinder, grind poppy seeds coarsely then heat in a pan with milk, honey, raisins and zest. Stir over medium-low until thickened, approx. 20 minutes, then cool completely.

3. Preheat oven to 325ºF and line two sheet pans with parchment. Roll out dough to make two 12" rounds about 1⁄8" thick, then spread each with half the filling. Use a pizza cutter to cut each round in 12 wedges. Roll up each piece from the wide end, bend in tips to make a crescent. Place on pan, chill 1 hour.

4. Bake for 40 minutes, switching the pans between 5. oven racks halfway through. When done, cool cookies on pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.

Rugelach, a traditional Jewish treat, can also be filled with chocolate chips, walnuts, marzipan or fruit preserves.

2 cups sugar 1 ⁄2 cup water 1 stick unsalted butter 1 ⁄3 cup light corn syrup 1 ⁄2 teaspoon baking soda 2 1⁄2 cups roasted salted peanuts or cashews plus an optional 1⁄4 cup, finely chopped 8 ounces dark chocolate, melted 1. Line a large sheet pan with a rim with parchment paper.

2. In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the sugar, water, butter and corn syrup and bring to a boil to create caramel. Cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the caramel is light brown and registers 300°F on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully stir in the baking soda.

The mixture will bubble. Stir in the nuts, then immediately scrape the brittle onto the prepared baking sheet. Using the back of a large spoon (oil it lightly if it sticks), spread the brittle into a thin, even layer. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes.

3. Spread melted chocolate over the brittle, sprinkle with the finely chopped nuts, if using, then chill. Break the brittle into large shards.

Store in airtight containers for up to two weeks.

A recipe of decadent brittle makes wonderful gifts, a little goes a long way!

Portion and package festively for teachers, coworkers and friends.

Reprinted by permission from grocery.coop. Find recipes and information about your food and where it comes from at grocery.coop.

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Dec 2021 17

Friendsgiving Old Friends, New Traditions

T

hey say friends are the family you choose. If you’re looking for a way to connect with good friends AND eat some delicious food, Friendsgiving is the perfect “holiday!” It’s a relatively new concept – a mashup of Thanksgiving and a friendly get together – but Friendsgiving is quickly becoming a wildly popular addition to the already festive holiday season. Some folks celebrate in addition to a traditional Thanksgiving, and some opt out of Thanksgiving altogether if traveling or schedules prohibit them. The meals are usually pot-luck style, with each friend assigned to bring a signature dish, thus lessening the pressure on the host to craft the entire meal. If you’re attending or hosting a Friendsgiving this year, here are a few pointers:

Be as inclusive as you can.

If you have a vegan friend or a friend with a food allergy or two, be sure to include them in the planning of your dish. There are lots of amazing meat-free and allergy-friendly recipes available, there’s no excuse to leave anyone out!

Keep an open mind.

If you want to keep the menu Thanksgiving-themed, that’s great! But if your best friend makes amazing arepas, just go with it! Your grandma won’t be there to knock the un-traditional foods, and the variety of foods will only add to the memories.

Make it your own!

There’s no Friendsgiving rule book! Does your friend group like singing karaoke, playing board games, or watching Christmas movies? There’s no reason not to incorporate some fun activities into your Friendsgiving.

Be realistic about your culinary skills.

Not exactly known for your pumpkin pie? Bring one from your favorite local bakery (or Co-op!). Your friends know you best, and will be thankful you put the time into choosing something they’ll love, even if you didn’t spend hours in the kitchen.

Tell guests to bring Tupperware!

There WILL be leftovers.

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Nov

Dec 2021 19

Fresh at the Market Grab 'n Go

Fresh Salads

Ark Foods believes that vegetables are the ultimate food. If grown right, they don’t need much help to taste good. You’ll find vegetables not regularly seen in premade salads - like watermelon radish and brussels sprouts - and their Clean Label Eats are made only with ingredients you (and your great-grandma) can pronounce.

Fresh Entrées

Fresh Meat

Founder and Chef Joe Cavey started Torn Apron to provide restaurant quality grab and go meals to customers looking for a healthier alternative to frozen microwaveable food. Working for his mother's catering company from a young age gave Joe an appreciation for high quality food made from scratch, and you can literally see the quality in each vacuum sealed entree!

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Fresh Chicken

From chicken breast to thighs, whole young chickens to wings, all Farmer Focus products are organic, certified humane, non-gmo, and held to high standards. You can rest assured knowing these products have pasture access, no antibiotics, and are fed an organic diet. Each package is marked with a code that can be entered at www. farmerfocus.com. When entered, you can see the farm that raised your chicken!

What is Purposefuel?

"Purposefuel is a plant based snack made with clean, nutritious ingredients that will fuel your mind and body. Our bites are made with no preservatives, are nonGMO and have no added sugars. We offer full transparency of ingredients; you can probably buy all the ingredients we use and make the bites yourself but that would be time consuming and no fun."

Is Purposefuel Vegan?

"Yes, our bites are made with 100% plant-based ingredients."

What are functional snacks and how is Purposefuel different?

"Functional foods are ingredients that offer health benefits that extend beyond their nutritional value.

However, it must be emphasized that these foods and ingredients are not a magic bullet or panaceas for poor health habits. Diet is only one aspect of a comprehensive approach to good health. Additionally, you should always consult a doctor when considering foods you wish to add to your diet."

Available Flavors:

Matcha Lemon Mango Tumeric Chocolate Raspberry Cacao

Common Market Owners get $1 off each item!

ROD'S SHARPENING SERVICE Serving Frederick & Central Maryland Chef's knives Serrated knives Santoku knives Hunting knives Pocket knives Utility knives Cleavers Salon shears Thinners Grooming tools

Household scissors Fabric scissors Carpet shears Garden tools Trimmers Pruners Loppers Axes & adzes Machetes Lawn mower blades

and more!

Operating by appointment only - call today!

571-379-6452

www.rodssharpening.com Proud to be a Common Market Community Partner Common Market Owners get $1 off each item!

Nov

Dec 2021 21

Create ease in your life Join us!

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Classes Yoga therapy Circle of Friends

Empowering Lives...

One Spine at a Time!

8701 Antietam Dr Walkersville MD 21793 Dr. Mimi and her staff are fantastic! I am happy to report that my migraines/ headaches have decreased in both severity and intensity -Bethany Stockdale Kirby

Call today for a complimentary consultation!

14 West Main Street, Middletown, MD www.mountainspirityoga.com

M-W-Th: 9-12:30, 3-6:30 Tues: 4-6 • Sat: by appt.

WWW.DR-MIMI.COM | 301.898.8005

927 W 7th Street Frederick, MD 21701 (301) 663-3416 Address Service Requested

Shopper Reviews Amazing super friendly staff, tons of staff, love browsing! Always find the cutest things and something for everyone!

- Genelle R. Great local coop. You can buy an ownership share to become part, but anyone can shop there. Excellent selection. Staff is very helpful.

- Nicholas S.