Buffalo Rising Online

Planting season is just around the corner. Late April into early May is the perfect time to begin germinating seeds. If you’re not the germinating type, it is a good idea to get out and pick your seeds up now, before all of the best ones are gone.

In the case of Richard Price’s Faerie Garden Seeds, all of them are the best.

It is rare when a hobby, fueled by passion, can stretch beyond pleasing oneself into the realm of making a difference. Richard Price and the Upstate Faerie Herbal Collective are doing just that, contributing to a movement made up of those passionate about gardening, fresh produce and preserving heirloom varieties.

Richard is a one of an ever-growing group of folks that call themselves “seed savers”. As a member of the national organization, Seed Savers Exchange, he is able to network with gardeners and farmers procuring and producing the seeds…

The Co-op’s cheese selection isn’t the largest in town, but it never lets me down. In the last month we’ve explored the offerings of Yancey’s Fancy as well as Red Dragon. Today we’ll cover a simple Fontina.

Fontina is a cow’s milk cheese made in Italy, Sweden, Denmark and France. The wedge pictured above is a young Fontina, similar in texture to Monterey Jack. Mature Fontina is a harder cheese, and in the U.S. is not as popular as its softer companion. Gentle in flavor, it is great on a sandwich, in an omelet or plain with a nice piece of fruit. At $8.99 per lb., this nice tapered piece was less than $3.50.

The crackers I chose were on sale for only $1.79. Suzie’s Kamut Flat Breads are available in a few varieties but I opted for the sesame, a flavor I have a difficult time resisting. Kamut, an ancient Egyptian grain, is very high in vitamins, minerals an…

Over the last few years, the Lexington Co-op has offered our readers a number of delicious recipes made from whole ingredients. Today Lexington’s talented chef, Jamie Zynda, is sharing her grandmother’s recipe for stuffed artichokes. This is the season of the artichoke, though they are generally available in supermarkets year round. As our markets and produce stands around the city begin to display the bounty of the new season, BR will continue to provide you with new recipes. If you have one you’d like to share, please contact us at YUM! Grandma M’s Italian Artichokes by Jamie Zynda, Lexi's Chef

Ingredients: 6-8 large artichokes with sharp tips cut off and stems removed - 3 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock) - 1/2 cup Pec…

Editor's Note: "Frenchie" is a slang term used to describe a sandwich that is coated with batter and fried.

Last week, while browsing through a fine selection of Yancey‘s Fancy cheeses, I stumbled across a wedge of what may be a Buffalo dairy lover’s dream come true: Buffalo Wing Cheddar. For a city that prides itself on the humble little wing that could, I was hard pressed to find a better snacking cheese to accompany my night on the couch cheering on the Sabres. I immediately took it home, unwrapped the quaintly packaged wedge, and proceeded to smother a few crackers with the boldly hued concoction. The cheese didn't disappoint. It has a smooth, creamy texture with flecks of fiery red pepper. I was completely taken aback by the intensity of the heat. This is definitely not a cheese for the meek of palate. Those who have the ambition to conquer the heat will find …

Yancey’s Fancy is an award-winning cheese maker based in the Finger Lakes region. Their legacy begins with the settlement of founder Leo Kutter of Bavaria, Germany in the Cowelsville, NY area in 1926. There he worked as a maker of Limburger until the war began. After the war he moved to Corfu where he began his own company, manufacturing Swiss, brick and cheddar in addition to Limburger. Since then, the business had been handed down and has undergone many changes. Today, Yancey’s Fancy offers an extensive line of cheeses and cheese curds. Fortunately for us, a number of are available at the Lexington Co-op.

Yancey’s cheeses are extremely reasonable at only $5.99 per lb. I took home a nice wedge of aged cheddar made with “Finger Lakes Champagne”. It was bright and flavorful, the perfect addition to a piece of homemade apple pie.

Today’s predicted high temperature is only 28°, though with the expected sun it should feel warmer than that. Still, temps below 40° certainly classify as cool, and that makes it perfect weather for a bowl of good chili. The thing I love about chili is its flexibility. There are so many variations in existence, it would be a disservice to attempt to even briefly mention them here-- I would surely leave someone’s favorite out. Suffice it to say, most versions boast big flavors and warm up the coldest of days.

This afternoon the Lexington Co-op will be offering samples of a new product, a “Chili Starter” from Growing Green Works, an economic education program where youth get hands on experience by starting their own business.

The starter is comprised of tomatoes, chilies, peppers, garlic, cilantro, onions and seasonings. 65-70 % of the ingredients are local produc…

Lexington Co-op, have I told you lately that I love you?

As of late, one of my favorite dining options has been a quick stop at the Co-op. For me, it’s the perfect place to grab lunch- loaded with fresh, yummy options for anyone that likes to graze. I love to graze. The sandwiches here are delicious, but grazing is more fun. A little of this, a little of that, pretty soon you have a one woman (or man) picnic.

The cheese offerings are really nice. Their prices are comparable to those elsewhere in the city, and the selection is well chosen. Yesterday, I just couldn’t settle on anything until I spotted the Red Dragon cheese. Red Dragon ($11.99 lb.) is a creamy English cheddar made of cow's milk, Welsh brown ale and whole grain mustard. It has a really pronounced flavor, very piquant and tangy. Especially enjoyable is the texture resulting from the mustard seeds. Thi…

We all love the traditional Superbowl chow. Chili, Bison dip, those little smoked sausage things, cheese, cheese, cheese and the standard subs, pizza and wings.

This Saturday, the Co-op is offering shoppers a taste of some alternative munchies. Samples of gourmet chips and beverages will be available to those that stop by between noon and 3 p.m. Another thing to keep in mind is the killer fresh sandwiches, salads and other goodies they make in-store. Many of them would be great additions to your Superbowl feast.

If the Co-op isn't a store that you frequent regularly, this event is a great opportunity to stop in and check it out. FYI- the Co-op is open to members and non-members alike.

Lexington Co-op 807 Elmwood 716.886.2667