Hot Shots -May 3, 2024
Charmaine Yam

Hello All,

Phew! It's been a whirlwind few days around here! As the clock inches closer to game time, you can practically feel the office vibrating with excitement. Well, that, or it might just be the collective caffeine buzz from everyone's pre-game coffee (and maybe a few other beverages). I'll admit that I'm not a hockey aficionado, but I do know how to let out a great cheer, enjoy a chili cheese hotdog without making a mess, and sport a freshly pressed jersey like nobody's business.

Before donning my well-rested hockey jersey, I politely asked how we all felt about bandwagon fans. There was an awkward moment of silence, but then I was greeted with the response, 'All are welcome!' With that affirmation, the next morning I proudly donned my jersey and high-visibility gear, happily skipping through the coolers.

Though I may lack expert puck knowledge, I do hold dear memories of my uncle hauling me off to hockey games in my youth. There's a magical aura surrounding playoff games—the electrifying energy as the lights dim, the intro music blares, turning us all into a pack of goal-hungry wolves, brandishing towels in anticipation of the action to come. But alas, no more season tickets for me and my uncle David. I shall carry on the tradition in the comfort of my own home with “He who puts up with my quirks and still loves me”.

This week, the weather has been all over the map, a chilly 3°C in the AM and by the afternoon up to 18°C. With such meteorological acrobatics, I found myself yearning for something spicy yet light, a dish that could linger in the fridge for days without losing its luster. Enter Chana Aloo, a delightful union of chickpeas and potatoes. But what is the secret behind its signature flavor profile? It's all in the masala blend.

Masala, meaning "spice blend" in Hindi, has been a fundamental part of Indian cuisine for centuries. Its origins lie in ancient times when traders from diverse regions such as the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe journeyed to the Indian subcontinent, bringing along a plethora of spices and herbs. Indian cooks gradually incorporated these spices, experimenting with different combinations to craft distinctive flavour profiles, thus giving rise to what we now know as masalas. The term "garam" denotes heat, in cooking this typically consists of a mixture of warm and aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, and coriander seeds, among others. Once whole spices are toasted and pulverized into a fine powder, voilà, you have Garam Masala. Every region, every household, has its own spin, though store-bought versions are a solid springboard if your spice cabinet isn’t as extensive. I'm five drawers deep into this spicy odyssey, and I don't regret a single aromatic moment. Come join the dark side, friends.

Let's see what I have uncovered this week.

Bunched Chard in Green, Red and Rainbow from **Cal-O -** available in 12CT or 24CT cases

For a delightful twist on chard, try this herb-infused oil recipe:

Start by simmering peeled garlic cloves and chard in a cup of water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Once cooked, take out the garlic cloves and greens cool and sip on the leftover vegetable broth.

Finely chop the cooked greens and set aside.

In a pan, heat half a cup of oil over medium-low heat and add your preferred spices along with any leftover herbs you have on hand — consider using chopped hot chilies, dill, and parsley.

Carefully add the chopped greens to the oil, using tongs or chopsticks to prevent splattering. Stir while cooking until the moisture evaporates, about 10-15 minutes, then add the garlic and mash into the mixture.

Remove from heat, season with salt to taste, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust the oil if needed and let it cool.

Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, allowing it to come to room temperature before use. Enjoy this flavorful herb oil over cream cheese or ricotta for a delicious treat!

Globe eggplant from **Cache Organic -** available in an 18/24CT case

Sweet Orin Apples from **Nature’s First Fruits** - available in a 110/113CT case

Orin Sweet apples have yellow-green skins covered in russet-colored lenticels. Their creamy yellow flesh has a tropical aroma and a crisp, juicy texture. They are low in acid and high in sweetness, with fruity flavours reminiscent of pineapple and pear. These Japanese apples are a cross between golden delicious and Indo varieties. They are versatile for eating fresh, baking, and pairing with meats and cheeses. Popular in Japan for their sweet flavor, they are also commonly used for juice and given as gifts as a symbol of hospitality.

New Crop Onions from Spring Fresh! Available in both Red and Yellow 50# bags. You might be wondering, what exactly is the difference between these new crop onions and the typical storage onions you're used to?

Well, storage onions are the kind you usually see in stores year-round. They're cured to develop a tough outer layer that helps them last for months. This curing process involves several weeks of drying followed by gradual cooling to make the onions go dormant. These are the onions we rely on during the winter months when fresh produce is harder to come by.

But now, with the arrival of spring, we have new crop onions! These fresh onions have just been harvested, so they haven't gone through the curing process. This means they have higher water content, thinner skins, and a sweeter taste compared to storage onions. They may look a little different, but trust us, their delicious taste makes them just as marketable and enjoyable as their storage counterparts.

Alexander Lucas Pears! Available in 50/55ct from Viva Terra

While they might resemble other yellow pears at first glance, Alexander Lucas Pears offer a unique flavor profile. They are exceptionally sweet with subtle hints of citrus and floral notes, providing a delightful complexity that sets them apart from other varieties. These pears are only available for a limited season, typically from winter through early spring, making them a rare gem in the market—a sought-after treat for pear aficionados. Don't miss your chance to enjoy them while they're here!

Burdock Root from Winter Green! Need a smaller portion of burdock? No problem! Just let us know, and we'll gladly accommodate your request.

Heads up!

Apricots and White Peaches are arriving at Discovery Organics this week! Get your preorders in with our wonderful sales team!

With sleeves rolled up and the stove ablaze, I slowly drift away into my culinary mind palace, leaving a trail of savory aromas in my wake. I hope your weekend is filled with relaxation, scrumptious food, and quality time with family and friends, if that's what you desire.

More chats next week!

- The Compliance Officer

Hot Shots - May 3, 2024

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