LexTalk: January/February 2018

January/February 2018

LexTalk News from Lexington Co-op Markets

CITRUS MOJO It’s citrus season!

We ‘re inspired by this homemade mojo sauce that works with roasted potatoes, fried plantains, beans and rice, pork, beef, chicken, shrimp or veggies! It sounds like a great immune system booster too!

Blend equal parts orange and lime juice with olive oil, plenty of fresh garlic and a pinch each of cumin, salt and pepper. strongertogether.coop

Letter from the Board T

wo years ago, many of you invested in the Co-op to make the Hertel store a reality.

Our awesome team has poured their hearts into creating the store that you deserve and the one that you asked for. Now that the Hertel location has been open for 5+ months, many of you have started to ask, how is the Co-op doing? Your Board is excited to report that our overall cash position is strong and our sales at the Hertel location are beating our projections. We welcomed 2,000 new owners since the store opened, and the grand opening and our holiday Owner Appreciation Days saw record participation!

While we did have some higher expenses and costs associated with the development of the new store that were included in fiscal year ended 2017, we were very excited with how the year ended. We successfully distributed 100% of the dividends on Preferred Shares for all member owners who invested in the Capital Campaign.

The Board was also thrilled that we were able to distribute 20% of Lexington’s eligible profits, as patronage dividends, to all member-owners who met an annual shopping threshold over the past year. These are two distinct ways in which the Co-op is returning profits to you, the member-owners.

MORE CO-OP ECONOMY

There are many challenges to running two stores and we are working to achieve economies of scale, especially as it relates to the back-office administrative side. While we do expect FY 2018 to be a challenging year as we digest the second store, the good news is, the management team has a strong budget process and we anticipate returning to profitability in 2020 as planned.

We do not anticipate that we will be able to pay patronage dividends (the one with the voucher) until then. As of now, Capital Campaign investors can still expect to receive dividends on their Preferred Shares in 2018.

As a cooperative business, we have something that helps us stand out from the pack. That’s you and me - our memberowners. We own this business together, and many of you have supported Lexington since before I was born. Our new store, the 2,000 new owners since opening day, and the warm welcome from our new neighborhood are evidence that we’re on the right track. Our finances are on track with our expansion projections, and you can trust that your Board and the Management team are closely monitoring Lexington’s profitability and financial footing.

How are you liking the new store so far? What can we do better? Please let your Board know by emailing us at board@lexington.coop. We

2017 Patronage Dividends

January 31, 2018 is the last day to redeem your Patronage Dividends Lost your voucher? Don’t know if you have a dividend? Just ask at any register. We can let you know AND apply it for you!

encourage all of you to shop at either store!

We all make shopping choices every day.

It can be as big as doing your full weekly shopping trip, or as small as buying a cup of coffee.

Every purchase you make counts. When you shop at the Co-op, you are putting 56 cents of every dollar you spend back into the local economy.

Not many businesses can say that. With the market pressures from Wegmans, an upcoming expanded Dashs Market and the newly opened Amazon.com-owned Whole Foods, Lexington will need your support more than ever. Management and the Board are committed to making sure that Lexington is financially stable for many years to come, and we are excited for what the future holds.

Happy New Year!

Matt Caldiero,

Board of Directors Treasurer

FOLLOW US.. find out the scoop, the sales, the fun! sign up for email updates www.lexington.coop

MORE SUSTAINABILITY

Thinking about going solar?

Co-op owners can receive discount pricing and will be connected to a vetted solar installer from now through February 28!

In-line with our BIG Direction goal, the Co-op is partnering with the WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable to offer our low cost solar power to your homes through the Solarize Campaign!

Some highlights of the campaign include:

Learn more at: lexington.coop or SolarizeSBR.org in our stores: Elmwood- Feb 15th, 4-6 Hertel- Feb 17th, 2-4 & Feb 20th, 4-6

• A 20% reduction to market installation pricing • 25-year equipment warranty plus an unprecedented 10-year extended warranty • Finance your system with $0 down, and be financially positive from day 1

Join other Co-op owners to build a sustainable future.

MORE NEW LOCAL Products Elmhurst Nut Milks Elma, NY

Story: The Schwartz brothers opened up a conventional dairy in NYC in the 1920s. Years later as the dairy industry struggled, son, Henry Schwartz made the switch from cow’s milk to nut milks. He teamed up with food scientist Dr. Cheryl Mitchell and moved his operations to Elma, NY. Product: Nut Milks. Elmhurst uses whole nuts shipped from California, instead of nut paste, used in many other milks. They use a proprietary cold milling process that keeps the nutrients in tact, while maintaining a creamy milk texture.

One Step Further: There are no additives, gums, stabilizers, or emulsifiers in their milks.

MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD

Kindred Kreek Farm Newstead, NY

Story: Rick Tilyou of T-Meadow farm has retired and sold his pigs to Kindred Kreek Farm.

The Jendrowski Family has been farming themselves since 2005, but the farm has been in the family since the late 1830s.

Product: Kindred Kreek will now be a source for heritage, pastureraised, LOCAL pork!

Jeff Jendrowski will continue to maintain the herd and elite bloodline of T-Meadow’s pigs.

Pasture-raised, the pigs are fed a vegetarian diet of grains and hay grown on the farm.

One Step Further: There are never any antibiotics or growth hormones used by Kindred Kreek with any of their animals. In taking over T-Meadow’s relationship with the Co-op, Kindred Kreek will offer the same cuts of meat at the same price!

Childs Blueberries Hinsdale, NY

Story: Dan and Carrie Childs have been growing blueberries for more than 30 years. They are driven by a passion for producing the most flavorful and sustainable berries possible.

Product: Blueberries! Grown in the perfect blend of soil, Childs uses Integrated Pest Management and sprays only when absolutely necessary. Look for the berries in Lexi’s Kitchen baked goods this winter!

One Step Further: Childs maintains honey beehives to keep fields pollinated. They harvest the berries by hand reducing the use of machinery as well as dead loss and rot that can occur from berries crush or knocked down by tractors. They sell their berries in-season at Farmer’s Markets.

Berries that don’t sell that day are frozen or turned to jam that same day.

DATE NIGHT

read-toLook for on fillets heat salmly at the exclusive store!

Hertel

Sugar & Brown Mustard n Pepper Lemo Tuscan

DINNERS

The Perfect Catch

loch duart salmon

I LOVE YOU TOFU!

Loch Duart farm-raises their salmon in the wild waters off of Scotland.

The company focuses on delivering the freshest, most delicious salmon while remaining exceptionally environmentally conscious.

Lexi’s Peanut Teriyaki Tofu & Broccoli Peanut Teriyaki Sauce 1/2 cup Tamari 1 1/3 T Sriracha 3 T brown sugar 3 T smooth peanut butter 3 T sesame seeds 3 T sesame oil 3 T cold water 1 tsp granulated garlic combine and mix well

+

Emerald Sesame Kale Salad

Fish are hatched within their farm and raised with 30-50% more space than other large farms. Salmon are fed a diet centered around capelin- a natural part of a wild salmon’s diet. top photo: reciperunner.com

Loch Duart adheres to a self-

et Don’t forgs & your card ! flowemrsby

fondue

imposed fallowing practice that preserves natural marine life in their farmed waters, as well as uses no chemical antifouling treatments on their nets when harvesting fish.

To control pests, Loch Duart does not treat their fish, but instead raises and releases their own lumpfish to act as “cleaner fish” in their fevers.

No, there’s no typo there- a fever is a group of salmon!

Who knew?

+ Lexi’s Raw Deal Salad

garlic, oregano, mint, jalapeno peppers, sea salt, grapeseed oil

Mail the 12!

February

FOR TWO

Say “I love you” with cheese!

Start with this basic fromage recipe and then let your imagination (and love) run wild...

1 pound cheese bits 1 garlic clove (optional) ¾ cup dry white wine or a favorite beer salt & pepper 1. Cut your cheese bits into 1/2” chunks.

2. Combine your cheese with the garlic in a food processor, pulsing at first until roughly uniform and chunky.

3. Slowly add the white wine, continuing to pulse until a uniform smooth and creamy consistency.

4. Add black pepper and salt to taste.

5. Heat until nice & melty- Enjoy!

LOCAL: The Piggery

Ancho Chili Porkchops +

Roasted Beets with Orange & Mint

lbs beets 5 T olive oil, divided tsp salt ¾ tsp black pepper 1/2 T balsamic vinegar orange /4 cup fresh mint, chopped

Mediterranean Porkchops +

Greek Orzo Salad orzo, feta cheese, kalamata olives, pine nuts, parsley, roasted red peppers, scallions, olive oil, lemon juice,garlic, salt & pepper

Preheat oven to 350°. Stem nd slice beets, toss with T olive oil and place on a heet pan in an even layer.

LOVE IS

Lexi’s Kitc makes dinn hen er e Look for the asy! delicious sid se es a more in-sto nd re

. Roast 30 minutes, or until soft.

Looking for a light dessert? Call on fruit for the most satisfying sweetness of all!

. Cut the orange in half lengthwise. Juice one half into a small bowl. hinly slice the second half, set side. In the same bowl, whisk ogether: salt, pepper, vinegar, nd 3T olive oil.

Oranges - drizzle with local orange blossom honey and sprinkle with dried lavender and mint.

Grapefruit - the perfect dessert for two!

Preheat broiler. Place grapefruit halves on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle the top of each half with 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Place under broiler for 6 minutes, turning pan, if needed, for even browning. Serve immediately.

. When the beets are done oasting and still warm, toss hem with the dressing, orange lices, and fresh mint. Enjoy!

OCAL Favorites

God’s Country Creamery Ludington Lace East Hill Creamery Underpass Raclette Jake’s Smoked Gouda

Get Dippin’

salami, pretzels, pickles, pearl onions, bacon, veggies, apples, croutons, breads, or sirloin tips all make for perfect fondue dippers!

SWEET

Limoncello - a sweet, sunshine-colored liqueur made

with lemon zest created in Italy as an after-dinner drink - get the recipe on our blog!

Lexi’s Key Lime Pie and Lemon Squares!

Traditional Fondue Arnaud Comté Gruyere Emmi Swiss Gruyere Tine Jarlsberg

Italian Classics Belgioso Mozzarella Mitica Fontina Fontal Asiago Fresco Fulvi Pecorino Romano

Mix It Up!

try different combinations of your favorite cheeses! Feeling extra daring? Swap the white wine for beer or champagne

812-7641

Emi’s Quick Tip Freeze ends of cheeses to add to your fondue collection.

nothing mild about “There’s these wing recipes! ”

- Chef Luke Bennett, Elmwood Hot Bar Coordinator

PB&J Wings 2.5 T LOCAL Lewiston Concord Blackberry Jam (may substitute concord grape or raspberry jam) 2 T smooth peanut butter 1 ½ T red wine vinegar

Lexi’s Kitchen

GAME TIME CHECK LIST PIZZA

ultimate green | four cheese | buffalo chicken

PLATTERS

chicken finger | buffalo tofu nuggets

DIPS

buffalo chicken wing | buffalo cauliflower guacamole | red pepper hummus mango salsa | tofu cashew

FAMILY-SIZED APPS

spanikopita | vegan meatballs | swedish meatballs

SWEET SNACKS

½ T tamari ½ tsp sriracha ¼ tsp toasted sesame oil 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper 1 T toasted sesame seeds

In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients, except the toasted sesame seeds, and set sauce aside. Bake or fry a dozen wings, then toss with sauce to coat and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Curry Chicken Wing Rub 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp cumin seed 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp granulated garlic 1 tsp salt ½ tsp ground coriander ½ tsp sugar

½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp paprika ½ tsp onion powder ¼ tsp ground cloves ¼ tsp ground cardamom

Recipe makes about 4 T of rub. Mix 2 T curry rub with 1 T olive oil and toss a dozen wings to coat. Marinate at least 30 mins, but up to overnight. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread chicken wings evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees. Use left over rub to season beef, pork, shrimp, or veggies!

Waffle Fry Nachos Super easy to make! Just bake waffle fries according to package directions and then load them up with your favorite nacho toppings like guacamole, beans and crumbled cheese - we love cojita!

cookie cake | flourless chocolate cake

Small Farmers, Big Change.

Before they’re smashed into guac, Equal Exchange organic fair trade avocados are grown in Michoacán, Mexico, the avocado capital of the world. Equal Exchange partners with PRAGOR a progressive group of small-scale avocado farmers. In response to corporate interests that made it difficult for small-scale farmers in their region to compete, PRAGOR courageously organized and decided they would collectively control the entire process from growing to exporting.

Today, 22 small scale avocado farmers supply 400 food co-ops and grocery stores. Partial profits are paid into a fund for projects like supporting local indigenous culture through music and a center for the elderly.

PCC Markets photo

sauce your

BOWL

soba NOODLE udon vermicelli wild forbidden RICE brown jasmine basmati bulger wheatberries quinoa GRAIN cous cous RAW DEAL – fresh and aromatic!

Delicious with greens, chickpeas, or lamb. ¼ c. peeled garlic minced 2 sprigs fresh oregano minced 4 sprigs fresh mint minced ½ jalapeno pepper minced 2 tsp. sea salt 3 Tbsp. grapeseed oil Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth ADD walnuts, pepitas, fried egg

SIMPLE SESAME – cut right to noodle bliss. Use Soba noodles and add freshly chopped cabbage, peppers, and broccoli to mimic Lexi’s famous bowl!

2 ½ T tamari 2 T sesame oil ½ T brown sugar ½ tsp garlic minced ¼ tsp crushed hot pepper Whisk ingredients together, make sure sugar is dissolved.

ADD cashews, edamame

Make a few sauces on meal prep night for quick and healthy flavor all week long!

THAI PEANUT– drizzle over a grain bowl with sweet potato, chicken or tempeh.

1 1/2 T sriracha 2 T sugar 1 1/2 tsp brown rice syrup 1 1/2 T apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup tamari 2 T smooth peanut butter Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.

ADD shredded carrot, cucumber, cilantro

CILANTRO GINGER PESTO– zesty and highly addictive, try a rice bowl with tuna or tofu.

1 bunch fresh cilantro, leaves only 1 T fresh ginger, peeled and minced 3 T canola or vegetable oil 1 T sesame oil 1 T sugar 1 T fresh lime juice Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Add oil if needed to thin the pesto.

ADD avocado, pickled red onion

807 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222 716-886-2667

1678 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216 716-886-0024

Open to Everyone 7 am - 11 pm daily lexington.coop

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO NY PERMIT #801

2,054 owners took part in our Board of Directors election.

6. Crack. That. Parm.

2017

Top 10 Co-op Moments 1. Hello

Hertel

A moment years in the making- July 12, 2017 marked the opening day of your second Lexington Co-op store at 1678 Hertel Ave.

2. Ownership Soars The Co-op welcomed 2,015 new owners this year!

3. 900 Prices were lowered!

Working alongside our owners we took a look at prices. The end result? We lowered 900+ items an average of 67¢.

4. JOBS!!!! Not only did we add 54 new full-time employees

to the Co-op but we were able to bring jobs to our community as well! Five Points Bakery, BreadHive and Bootleg Bucha were all able to expand alongside of us- creating more jobs in the process!

5. Historic Election We offered online voting for the first time in Co-op history AND more of you voted than ever before!

These three words became a rallying cry as the Co-op began cracking fresh 80 lb wheels of Parmesan cheese in our stores in front of an audience.

7. A Fresh New Look We refreshed our logo, updated our colors and got an unofficial mascot to welcome you to the Co-op!

8. LOCAL Purchases Top $2M Our stores combined for more than $2 million in local purchases in 2017!

9. Cheese Madness We set the bracket and you cast the votes in the first ever Lexington Cheese Madness competition. Prairie Breeze from Milton, Iowa took the inaugural championship title.

10. Retail Business of the Year We were honored by Buffalo Business First naming us Buffalo’s 2018 Retail Business of the Year!