Pizza

Pizza Dog

While it’s tough to beat a classic hot dog with all the standard fixings, it can also be a lot of fun to merge a traditional hot dog with the flavors of other favorite comfort foods. With that in mind, we introduce you to the Pizza Dog, featuring your favorite pizza flavors, complete with a gooey, cheesylicious local Maplebrook Mozzarella topping. Our weekly sale from July 1st – 7th features Applegate Farms Natural Uncured Beef Hot Dogs and Bakerly Brioche hotdog buns, so pick up a pack of each and give the Pizza Dog a try! 

Spotlight on American Flatbread

Our Member Deals Spotlight shines brightly on a company with humble roots here in Vermont – American Flatbread! From May 27th – June 2nd, member-owners can enjoy 20% off American Flatbread’s products (applies only to frozen flatbreads here at the Co-op, not at their fabulous restaurants). Read on to learn more about the history and mission of this locally-born company:

 

George Schenk, the founder of American Flatbread, founded his business with a firm understanding that food is more than what’s on the plate, which he shares in “The Five Faces of Food” and his simple phrase, “food Remembers the acts of the hands and heart.”

“Food is important. What we eat and how it’s grown intimately affects our health and the well-being of the world,” says Schenk. He created American Flatbread based on the philosophy of food for the greater good, and the company remains committed to building upon that legacy.

American Flatbread was born in Waitsfield, Vermont, but demand for frozen flatbreads soon outgrew the humble kitchens of their flagship location. Rustic Crust, the company that now produces American Flatbread frozen pizzas, took over the reins and says that they’re proud that George entrusted them with his mission and they remain committed to upholding it. 

Headquartered in New Hampshire, Rustic Crust continues to work with fresh, all-natural ingredients to bring you the authentic flavor you’ve come to know and love. According to Rustic Crust CEO Brad Sterl, “Our two good-for-you pizza brands make their home in the beautiful New England countryside, and are made by real people and using real ingredients. American Flatbread frozen pizzas feature 100% organically grown wheat crusts and topped with fresh herbs, vegetables, and the finest of cheeses (no rBST growth hormone!). They’re all-natural, with no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, and handcrafted from scratch and par-baked in wood-fired ovens.

Truly nutritious, light, crisp, and flavorful — convenience without compromise – American Flatbread pizzas are honestly delicious, the best premium frozen pizza bar none, for people who care about pizza and the planet.

 

Homemade Pizza

Making pizza at home might seem intimidating – especially compared to the relative ease of popping a pre-made frozen pie into the oven, but we think you’ll agree that nothing tastes better than homemade and the process is actually quite simple. PaneBelle’s pizza dough is featured in our weekly sale from January 14th – 20th, along with local Maplebrook fresh mozzarella, Muir Glen organic pizza sauce, and a handful of perfect pizza toppings, including local Vermont Smoke and Cure Pepperoni, so it’s an excellent time to try your hand at homemade pizza! Feel free to get creative with the toppings. This recipe makes 2 thin-crust 12” pizzas. If you prefer a thicker crust, follow the same instructions but create one larger pizza. 

Featured Co-op Connection Business – Shafer’s Market

Our featured Co-op Connection Business this month is Shafer’s Market and Deli! Perhaps you’ve cooled off with one of their delicious creemees this summer or enjoyed a slice pizza fresh from their wood-fired oven? We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on this family-owned business that’s been working hard to keep the community fed during these challenging times and we’re reminding card-carrying Co-op member-owners that they can enjoy a 10% discount on all of Shafer’s delicious offerings through the Co-op Connection. Read on to learn more:

 

When life-long Middlebury residents Adam Shafer and Jennifer Stocker learned that their hometown deli, located at 54 College Street in downtown Middlebury, was for sale back in 2017, they jumped at the chance to call it their own. Shafer came into the business with a lot of experience in the culinary world, having grown up in a family that knew the ins and outs of restaurant management. He regularly pitched in to help his grandfather Bill Shafer at the two restaurants he owned – the Lemon Fair Diner and The Pizza Cellar, both of which were located on Middlebury’s Merchants Row. He eventually moved on to professional stints at several local restaurants including Two Brother’s Tavern, Carol’s Hungry Mind Café, and Bistro Sauce in Shelburne, then finally made a return to his hometown for a seven-year stint with Middlebury College Dining Services.

Co-owner Jennifer Stocker works the house-made dough for their wood-fired pies

Stocker brings her own business experience to the team after a successful 22-year career as a hairstylist. She and Shafer have six children (including 3-year-old twins!) and visitors to the market and deli will likely find the teenagers pitching in behind the counter. Stocker and Shafer bring a great deal of energy and passion to their work, which has truly been put to the test during these past few difficult months. The challenges presented by the pandemic have required Shafer and Stocker to be nimble and creative when it comes to feeding their community. They’ve certainly risen to the challenge, first by shifting their model to include more pantry staples during the early days of the pandemic, and, most recently, by providing a much-needed food delivery service to students at Middlebury College who are required to remain on a strict campus quarantine. 

Stocker adds the hearty house-made sauce

They currently serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week and provide local delivery. Their goal is to gradually work back up to their pre-pandemic hours, though, for now, they must first focus on building back up their staffing. Stocker stressed that her first priority was that the food coming out of their kitchen rise to their very high standards. When they’re able to keep standards high with a full staff again, they’ll be able to return to later hours. For now, you’ll likely find them open from 7:00 am until at least 7:00 pm.

Stocker piles on the fresh toppings

Their eclectic menu offers something for everyone, including an extensive breakfast menu, signature sandwiches featuring house-cured meats, hearty burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and, of course, a long list of ice cream and creemees for dessert. They also offer a selection of retail items in their market including soda, beer, candy, dairy, and other basic items. If you’re looking for a great cup of local joe, Shafer’s offers hot and iced coffee options from Bud’s Beans. They also extend a very generous 15% discount to all local EMTs, police, and fire personnel.

The wood-fired brick pizza oven works its magic

Whether you’re a seasoned regular, or it’s your first time visiting Shafer’s Market and Deli, we’re confident that you’ll find something delicious and leave with a smile. 

Hannah serves up a fresh scoop of ice cream and a smile from the walk-up window

 

The walk-up window offers convenient access to an exciting list of ice cream, milkshakes, and creemies

Homemade Pizza

Making pizza at home might seem intimidating – especially compared to the relative ease of popping a pre-made frozen pie into the oven, but we think you’ll agree that nothing tastes better than homemade and the process is actually quite simple. PaneBelle’s organic pizza dough is featured in our weekly sale from January 16th – 22nd, along with local Maplebrook fresh mozzarella, local Bove’s pizza sauce, and a handful of perfect pizza toppings, so it’s an excellent time to try your hand at homemade pizza! Feel free to get creative with the toppings. This recipe makes 2 thin-crust 12” pizzas. If you prefer a thicker crust, follow the same instructions but create one larger pizza. 

Spotlight on American Flatbread

Our Member Deals Spotlight shines brightly on a company with humble roots here in Vermont – American Flatbread! From May 30th – June 5th, member-owners can enjoy 20% off American Flatbread’s products (applies only to frozen flatbreads here at the Co-op, not at their fabulous restaurants). Read on to learn more about the history and mission of this locally-born company:

 

George Schenk, the founder of American Flatbread, believed that food is more than what’s on the plate, which he shares in “The Five Faces of Food” and his simple phrase, “Food Remembers the acts of the hands and heart.”

“Food is important. What we eat and how it’s grown intimately affects our health and the well-being of the world.” He created American Flatbread based on the philosophy of food for the greater good, and the company remains committed to building upon that legacy.

American Flatbread was born in Waitsfield, Vermont, but demand for frozen flatbreads soon outgrew the humble kitchens of their flagship location. Rustic Crust, the company that now produces American Flatbread frozen pizzas, took over the reins and says that they’re proud that George entrusted them with his mission and they remain committed to upholding it. 

Headquartered in New Hampshire, Rustic Crust continues to work with fresh, all natural ingredients to bring you the authentic flavor you’ve come to know and love. According to Rustic Crust CEO Brad Sterl, “Our two good-for-you pizza brands make their home in the beautiful New England countryside, and are made by real people and using real ingredients. American Flatbread frozen pizzas feature 100% organically grown wheat crusts and topped with fresh herbs, vegetables and the finest of cheeses (no rBST growth hormone!). They’re all-natural, with no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, and handcrafted from scratch and par-baked in wood-fired ovens.

Truly nutritious, light, crisp, and flavorful — convenience without compromise – American Flatbread pizzas are honestly delicious, the best premium frozen pizza bar none, for people who care about pizza and the planet.

 

Homemade Pizza

Making pizza at home might seem intimidating – especially compared to the relative ease of popping a pre-made frozen pie into the oven, but we think you’ll agree that nothing tastes better than homemade and the process is actually quite simple. PaneBelle’s organic pizza dough is featured in our weekly sale from January 24th – 30th, along with local Maplebrook fresh mozzarella, local Bove’s pizza sauce, and a handful of perfect pizza toppings, so it’s an excellent time to try your hand at homemade pizza! Feel free to get creative with the toppings. This recipe makes 2 thin-crust 12” pizzas. If you prefer a thicker crust, follow the same instructions but create one larger pizza. 

Spotlight on American Flatbread

Our Member Deals Spotlight shines brightly on a company with humble roots here in Vermont – American Flatbread! From August 30th – September 5th, member-owners can enjoy 20% off American Flatbread’s products (applies only to frozen flatbreads here at the Co-op, not at their fabulous restaurants). Read on to learn more about the history and mission of this locally-born company:

 

George Schenk, the founder of American Flatbread, believed that food is more than what’s on the plate, which he shares in “The Five Faces of Food” and his simple phrase, “Food Remembers the acts of the hands and heart.”

“Food is important. What we eat and how it’s grown intimately affects our health and the well-being of the world.” He created American Flatbread based on the philosophy of food for the greater good, and the company remains committed to building upon that legacy.

American Flatbread was born in Waitsfield, Vermont, but demand for frozen flatbreads soon outgrew the humble kitchens of their flagship location. Rustic Crust, the company that now produces American Flatbread frozen pizzas, took over the reins and says that they’re proud that George entrusted them with his mission and they remain committed to upholding it. 

Headquartered in New Hampshire, Rustic Crust continues to work with fresh, all natural ingredients to bring you the authentic flavor you’ve come to know and love. According to Rustic Crust CEO Brad Sterl, “Our two good-for-you pizza brands make their home in the beautiful New England countryside, and are made by real people and using real ingredients. American Flatbread frozen pizzas feature 100% organically grown wheat crusts and topped with fresh herbs, vegetables and the finest of cheeses (no rBST growth hormone!). They’re all-natural, with no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, and handcrafted from scratch and par-baked in wood-fired ovens.

Truly nutritious, light, crisp, and flavorful — convenience without compromise – American Flatbread pizzas are honestly delicious, the best premium frozen pizza bar none, for people who care about pizza and the planet.

 

Co-op Connection Business of the Month – Green Peppers!

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Have a hankering for a mouth-watering slice of pizza? Or how about a calzone, some pasta or a fresh, beautiful salad? Check out Green Peppers Restaurant! They’re our Co-op Connection Business of the Month, so we’re reminding member-owners that you can enjoy 10% off your meal at Green Peppers! Green Peppers, owned by Mark and Donna Perrin, has been serving up delicious food in Middlebury since 1982.

In addition to being a great chef, family-man, and successful small business owner, Mark is also very involved in serving his community. He participates in Hunger Free Vermont’s local chapter of the Addison County Hunger Council, which aims to alleviate food insecurity for members of our community. He has also been actively involved in the community by serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board, Workforce Investment Board, and Middlebury Business Association Board. Governor Shumlin appointed Perrin to the State Board of Education on April 12, 2013, to serve a six-year term (2013-2019) with a focus on policy concerning the education of Vermont students and assuring equal access for all Vermont students to a quality education.

Perrin also knows what it means to be a good neighbor. Two years ago, a water main rupture on Washington Street left us with a mountain of dirty dishes and no running water. Mark and the rest of the crew at Green Peppers welcomed us into their kitchen without hesitation! We were so grateful!

We’re proud to know Mark and proud to have such a wonderful local restaurant as our neighbor. Green Peppers is open daily at 10:30 am and offers dine-in or take out service. Choose from a mouth-watering list of soups, calzones, salads, pasta, pizzas, subs, and more! Gluten-free? They’ve got you covered! Just don’t forget to mention that you’re a Co-op member!