Open House: Grand Rapids Coffee Roasters and Awesome Chocolates

Grand Rapids Coffee Roasters
1111 Godfrey Avenue SW
Suite S530 - Fifth Floor
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Work Phone: 616-802-0071
Email: mikehite2@yahoo.com
Click here to visit the Web site.

Awesome Chocolates
128 South Main Street
Wayland, MI 49348
Work Phone: 616-581-9690
Click here to visit the Web site.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2009
Time: 9 am - 3 pm
Where: 1111 Godfrey Ave SW, Suite S530- Fifth Floor

Perks: We will provide coffee & espresso samples along with Awesome Chocolate samples. In addition we will have available for sale coffee in pre-packaged 12oz bags and our normal Saturday Special of 2 lbs custom roasted coffee for $16.95. Henry will have chocolates for sale as well as caramel apples. Since we are open to the public on Saturdays, there will be no charge for the tour or samples.

Details:
Grand Rapids Coffee Roasters:We are your neighborhood coffee roaster. We roast only the top 10% of premium specialty beans found from the premier growing regions around the world. The beans are handpicked at the peak of ripeness and are meticulously graded by bean size and density. We roast them in small batches with a drum style convection roaster to ensure an even roast throughout the bean. Our roaster is manually operated by only the owners of Grand Rapids Coffee Roasters to ensure a consistent roast. Upon roast completion, we hand pack the coffee in premium packaging and deliver it to our customers. Free delivery on orders of 5 lbs. Call in your order today, and we will deliver it tomorrow. We Use -100% Arabica Coffee - Fair Trade Certified - Organically Grown.

Awesome Chocolates: My name is Henry Klok and I make candy. Not just any candy, but delicious chocolates that are the melt in your mouth kind and I make them all by hand, one at a time. How do I do it? First I arrange fresh roasted nuts (pecans, cashews & peanuts) on a parchment lined tray, and then I give them each a generous heaping dollop of my famous soft & gooey caramel. The caramel is my own secret recipe - so soft, so goooooey. Then I freeze them because I have to - so soft, so gooey - then I dip each piece in my rich chocolate coatings by hand. The chocolate is also my secret recipe. Once you try one of my delicious hand crafted treats you will want more, but that’s a good thing!

The Light Bulb guy

I hear alot of people refer to Michael Hedrick as the light bulb guy! That's because his booth is usually lit up with his line of energy-efficient, full-spectrum light bulbs.

The actual company name is Healthy Living Technology, and he sells WAY more than just light bulbs. Last month I finally purchased the Living Water All-In-One Showerhead w/ filter. The showerhead has a replaceable filter that takes out chlorine, sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen sulfide. I became concerned about the chemicals and toxins you absorb and inhale during showers, and Healthy Living Technology had the solution. I chose the handheld model since I also have a big dog I routinely bath (can't wait to try it!)

You can also get whole house air and water purification systems, as well as a slew of other feel good products.

So next time you're picking up your order, be sure to swing by the Light Bulb guy and take a peak at what else is for sale!

Wondering Where all the eggs went?

You may have noticed that some producers are only selling eggs by special order, while others have a very limited supply of eggs. That's because chickens like to take a well-deserved break in the winter! The truth is that as the days get shorter, chickens react to the decrease in day light. This change in day length causes hens to molt and cease egg production, a process that may take several months.

Molting is a natural process that allows the hen to replace old, worn feathers and rejuvenates her oviduct, the organ that “makes” eggs. With the molt, the hen puts the bulk of her energy into feather growth, leaving little for egg production. This is the way nature intended it to be. Factory farms, who cram the chickens into giant warehouses, among other atrocities, use chemicals, unnatural feed, and fake sun light to trick chickens into creating eggs all year round. It is just not right!

So while you may be a little bothered that you can't get the eggs you've been happily buying for months, be happy to know that the chickens are resting their bodies so that they can give you their eggs in the Springtime.

Doesn't that make the eggs you get from the Co-op even more precious?

Wells Orchard Farm Tour - this Saturday!!

Just a reminder that the Wells Orchard Farm Tour is this Saturday September 27th 9am-10am. There are still spots available. If you are interested in signing up please send an email to membership@westmichigancoop.com.


Wells Orchard
Saturday September 27th 9:00-10:00am
O-8993 Kenowa SW
Grand Rapids MI, 49534
http://www.wellsorchards.com/

Wells Orchards is a working family farm located along the Grand River west of Grand Rapids. The family has been raising tree fruit commercially for over 125 years, 88 of those years on this farm. They grow many varieties of tree fruits, including apples, peaches, pears, sweet cherries, and plums along with other crops. Their goal is to provide the highest quality fruit to the public, at reasonable prices, and in a friendly atmosphere.

Things to know:

• The tour of the orchard is free, there is an optional corn maze for $2


• The store will be open and among other things there will be single serving cider portions for $1


• Family friendly!


• Wear closed shoes that can get dirty


• No apple picking allowed

Mud Lake Farm Tour this Saturday!!

Just a reminder that the Mud Lake Farm Tour is this Saturday September 20th at 9am and 10:30am. There are still spots available for the 10:30 tour. If you are interested in signing up please send an email to membership@westmichigancoop.com.

Mud Lake Farm
Saturday September 20th 9:00am & 10:30am
3411 Ottogan Street
Hudsonville MI, 49426
http://www.mudlakefarm.com/

Mud Lake Farm is situated on 40 acres in southern Ottawa county. We are firm believers in sustainable agriculture, and enjoy exploring new ideas to make our farm more sustainable. We do not use chemical pesticides, herbicides, or growth hormones on our farm. A variety of herbs, greens, and other vegetables are available in season.

Things to know:

• Carpool if possible - we have very limited parking along the right side of the road past our driveway only (please don't park in our neighbor's yard on the left side of the road!!)

• We have a very friendly border collie (she will want everyone to throw her frisbee...), but sometime kids are afraid if they aren't used to dogs

• Wear closed shoes that can get dirty (not a good idea to wear heels, sandals, your best shoes...), especially if you'd like to walk around after the tour. Most of our property is low land, and if there's been much rain it will be wet.

There is also space still available for the Wells Orchard tour on Saturday September 27^th 9am-10am. Please email membership@westmichigancoop.com to reserve a spot!

Coco Charlotte Bakery

I've been buying baked goods from Coco Charlotte Bakery ever since they joined the Co-op a few months ago, and none of their products have disappointed.

The first time I tried the gluten-free brownies. Before you get turned off by the words "gluten-free" you have to hear me out. The only problem I had with these brownies was that I wanted more! They were delicious. So rich and chocolatey, they disappeared in no time.

Being satisfied, the next time I shopped I bought the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. I love oatmeal raisin cookies, and I didn't think these would live up to my standards, but I have to tell you, I've never had a better oatmeal raisin cookie.

Last month, along with the brownies again, I also tried the Triple Berry Cobbler. It came in a pan. I couldn't get enough of it. I served it warm. If you like berries, it is packed with them.

On a serious note, I have to point out that not only does Coco Charlotte create yummy food, but they also have a wonderful Mission Statement that makes you feel good to support them.

This month I'm having trouble deciding what to buy from them. I have a craving for those oatmeal cookies, but there's also the double chocolate cookies to be tried, and a banana nut loaf that is calling to me.

Too many decisions to make! I'm thinking I may need to buy them all!

Grassfields Farm Tour this Saturday!

Just a reminder that the Grassfields Farm tour is this Saturday August 30th at 10am. There are still a few more spots available, so if you are interested in signing up for the tour please send an email to membership@westmichigancoop.com.

Grassfields
Saturday August 30th 10:00am
14238 60th Avenue
Coopersville MI, 49404
http://%3ca%20href=/">www.grassfieldscheese.com">http://www.grassfieldscheese.com

Grassfields is a family owned and operated farm that has been in the family since the early 1920s. In 2002, they started making raw-milk cheese (they are the first place in Michigan licensed to make and sell raw milk cheese). They sell seven different varieties of cheese. In Spring 2007, Grassfields was certified Organic.

Things to know:

* Cheesemaking will be going on, as well as a tour on a wagon of the farm!

* Wear closed shoes that can get dirty

* $3.50/person

Information on Mud Lake and Well Orchard farm tours scheduled for September can be found in a previous blog post below.

One of our producers is in the news

Just a quick heads up - Groundwell Community Farm, who sells through the Co-op got a nice write up in press.

Read it on Mlive.

2008 Farm Tours

We've set up 3 Farm tours to visit local farms that are involved with the West Michigan Co-op!

Please reserve your spot on the tour by sending an email to membership@westmichigancoop.com. There is limited space and tours will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

Grassfields
Saturday August 30th 10:00am
14238 60th Avenue
Coopersville MI, 49404
http://www.grassfieldscheese.com

Grassfields is a family owned and operated farm that has been in the family since the early 1920s. In 2002, they started making raw-milk cheese (they are the first place in Michigan licensed to make and sell raw milk cheese). They sell seven different varieties of cheese. In Spring 2007, Grassfields was certified Organic.

Things to know:

• Cheesemaking will be going on, as well as a tour on a wagon of the farm!


• Wear closed shoes that can get dirty


• $3.50/person

Mud Lake Farm
Saturday September 20th 9:00am
3411 Ottogan Street
Hudsonville MI, 49426
http://www.mudlakefarm.com/

Mud Lake Farm is situated on 40 acres in southern Ottawa county. They are firm believers in sustainable agriculture, and enjoy exploring new ideas to make our farm more sustainable. They do not use chemical pesticides, herbicides, or growth hormones on our farm. A variety of herbs, greens, and other vegetables are available in season.

Things to know:

• Carpool if possible - we have very limited parking along the right side of the road past our driveway only (please don't park in our neighbor's yard on the left side of the road!!)


• We have a very friendly border collie (she will want everyone to throw her frisbee...), but sometime kids are afraid if they aren't used to dogs


• Wear closed shoes that can get dirty (not a good idea to wear heels, sandals, your best shoes...), especially if you'd like to walk around after the tour. Most of our property is low land, and if there's been much rain it will be wet.

Wells Orchard
Saturday September 27th 9:00-10:00am
O-8993 Kenowa SW
Grand Rapids MI, 49534
http://www.wellsorchards.com/

Wells Orchards is a working family farm located along the Grand River west of Grand Rapids. The family has been raising tree fruit commercially for over 125 years, 88 of those years on this farm. They grow many varieties of tree fruits, including apples, peaches, pears, sweet cherries, and plums along with other crops. Their goal is to provide the highest quality fruit to the public, at reasonable prices, and in a friendly atmosphere.

Things to know:

• The tour of the orchard is free, there is an optional corn maze for $2


• The store will be open and among other things there will be single serving cider portions for $1


• Family friendly!


• Wear closed shoes that can get dirty


• No apple picking allowed

Space is limited for all the farm tours so sign up early!
Email us at membership@westmichigancoop.com

Creswick Farm Tour

I was disappointed that I wasn't able to make it to the Creswick Farm Tour on October 20th, which wrapped up this years series of farm tours. Did anybody else out there go? How was it?

Luckily, I see that there is a summary of the whole Farm Tour series on their website.



What great pictures!

I can't wait for next year's farm tours! It's going to be a long winter!

Crane Dance Farm Tour

It's been a little over a week since I attended the first of many Local Farm Tours put together by Farms Without Harm.

The tour was of Crane Dance Farm in Middleville. Crane Dance Farm is a sustainable, regenerative, pasture-based farm.

I haven't ate meat in many years, but I have been buying my eggs exclusively from the local farms, and mostly Crane Dance, for a couple years now. So even though they have beef cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and turkeys, I still wanted to go and see how a small organic, cruelty free farm is run, and where my eggs come from.

It's pretty much amazing. This farm is ran by 2 gals, Mary and Jill. They own the farm and live there and do most of the work all themselves. When they talk, you can tell that they believe animals deserve to live a happy and healthy life.

There are 2 sections to the farm. On one side of the road is the pigs, cows, sheeps, and goats. The other side is where all the poultry are kept.

The pigs are kept in a large fenced area outside and they have little shelters to get out of the sun and take naps. There are also lots of shade trees. These babies were running all over the place!



This was their mom in a mud pit.



The farmers, Mary and Jill, explained that in a normal farm setting these piglets would have had their tails cut off at birth and kept in gestation crates. They would be so stressed because they would not be able to do anything but stand up and sit down, that they would gnaw on each others tails due to stress. The adult pigs have their noses pierced to make it painful when they try to root into the ground, something that they love to do. The adults would have no room for walking either and would only be able to stand and sit all day long for their entire life.

Then we saw some really cute cows.



This hairy one's name was chewbacca :)



You can see from this picture that these cows have lots of room to roam.



This is where the sheep and goats are kept.



Then we crossed back across the street to see the birds.

First up was the turkey house.



These turkeys come and go inside their house, but there is an electric fence around them to keep predators out. They are locked up at night to keep them safe from owls.

Here are some of the chickens:



The eggs you get from these guys are not only brown and white, but some are greenish/blue, some are grey, some are speckled. It's because of the genetic diversity of the chickens. And let me tell you, you have not had an egg until you have tried one of these. They are delicious. The flavor is so much more intense than any store bought egg. Ask anyone who has ate my cupcakes or cakes! :) They make your baking taste awesome!

They also have ducks. I bought some duck eggs, but was a little leary of how I was going to cook them and how they would taste. On Saturday morning I woke up to the aroma of breakfast and got up to find that my husband made french toast with them. It was delicious.

It is important to not be fooled by grocery store free-range eggs, like I was for years. The US Government will let an egg producer label their eggs free-range if the chickens are not kept in battery cages. This DOES NOT mean they are outside basking in the sunshine (like the picture you see above). Often times, these chickens are still crammed inside warehouses with very little room to move around in, they still have their beaks cut off, and they are still very unhappy and treated inhumanely.

After the tour Marie Catrib's gave everyone chorizo hash that they made on site along with some local tomatoes and local cheese from Steve-N-Sons Grassfields Cheese located in Coopersville.

If you would like to sign up for the farm tours, visit Farms Without Harm. The next tour will be on September 22 in Montcalm County at Heritage Acres, an 80-acre Mennonite farm who uses sustainable practices to raise a variety of animals and crops.

Little Rooster

Little Rooster Bread Company (www.littlerooster.net) has graciously volunteered to donate all of their proceeds from the current shopping round to the West Michigan Co-op to help defray the costs of the equipment that we have recently purchased, including freezers, coolers, tables, etc. A big thanks goes out to Little Rooster!!! :) A few other members have also made generous contributions. Thank you so much!! We are still a few hundred dollars short. Any little bit will help. If you wish to make a donation to the West Michigan Co-op you can do so at the time of your order pick-up or by contacting Gail at fwh@ameritech.net.