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For past issues of the Market Report,
visit our Market Report Archive!


May 2004 Market Report

A PDF version is now available!


 

May is Spanish Month at DLM!
A Sampling of Spanish Cheeses—Sabroso!

Do you get happy eating cheese? If so, Spain will have you grinning ear to ear. Talk about a world of flavor: Spain boasts a range of flavorful cheeses from mild creamy ones to intense dry cheeses to funky blues. In Spain, as is the case in Italy and France, you will find cheeses made from cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk. Yes, sheep’s milk. I grew up on a farm in Waynesville where we had a small herd of about 40 sheep. We sheared them, sent some to market every year, but we never thought of milking them! Indeed, strange as it may seem to us, Euro-peans have been making great cheese for centuries from the milk of sheep, as well as cows and goats. Thanks to strict name-origin (D.O.) controls in the past few decades in Spain, and working with some very good importers, we now have consistent availability of high quality authentic product. Following are a few we think will give you a small idea of the range of Spanish cheese. All will be discounted this month. For fun one weekend, buy a chunk of each, get a bottle of wine, get some Spanish almonds and Serrano ham, and have a little tasting party with friends.

Manchego
This is perhaps Spain’s best known cheese. It is made from sheep’s milk, is semi-firm, and has a creamy, salty flavor. It’s easy to love the flavor of Manchego. Just ask my dad; I think he eats it nearly every day! At least it’s on the table every time I eat dinner at his house. Manchego is great for nibbling after dinner with a glass of sherry or port. It does just as well as a snack with cold fresh grapes, or for grating over vegetables, beans, and soups.

Tetilla
This pleasingly mild cheese is made of cow’s milk and comes from Galicia in the north of Spain. Describing its shape, cheese author Steve Jenkins calls it, “…a gigantic white Hershey’s Kiss.” Enjoy its mild flavor along with short, thick slices of Serrano ham and fresh fruits.

Garrotxa
From the town of the same name in Catalonia, hence the Catalan name. Catalan is the native language of an ethnic group 10 million in Spain, with Barcelona being the principal city. This is a relatively new, but nonetheless excellent semi-soft goat’s milk cheese. In a short time it has become a very popular cheese for us at DLM. Its consistency is kind of meaty with a nice earthy, goat’s milk flavor. Give it a try with DLM Artisan crusty bread and a glass of Spanish Tempranillo wine.

Roncal
Another sheep’s milk cheese from a valley near the Pyrenees. If you learned to enjoy Manchego and are ready for a little more flavor, step on up to Roncal. It’s a bit more intense, rustic, and nutty in flavor. Enjoy it with fruits, raw veggies, and crusty bread. Or grate it over pasta and soups. I think it’s nice too with a little drizzle of honey.

Mahon
I just tasted some with Les (Specialty Cheese Manager at DLM Washington Square) and wow, what a great cheese! This cow’s milk cheese is available at various stages of curing from fresh to semi-cured to aged. We just had some at a semi-cured stage with incredible character and flavor. This cheese hails from the food-rich island of Minorca where, according to food historians, mayonnaise was developed at the time of French occupation in the mid-1700s. Try Mahon along with roasted Spanish almonds (available in our Specialty Cheese Department) and a cold brew. It is also traditionally served as an appetizer, drizzled with olive oil, black pepper, and served with a sprig of fresh tarragon or rosemary.


Department Features

Every month, we feature select items in our stores and provide you with detailed descriptions. Many are new items and/or on sale!

 

 

MEAT & SEAFOOD

 

 

May is the Month to Get Your “Maine” Squeeze

Grab your pots because Saturday, May 29 at 9 a.m. will begin the 2004 Maine Lobstermania Celebration at DLM. Maine lobster, truly the world’s ultimate white meat, comes from the cold waters of the North Atlantic to Dorothy Lane Market for this event. Get in line early, ‘cause when they’re gone—they are gone!

 

 

BEER & WINE

 

Spanish Wines

Finca Sandoval 2001 Tierra Manchuela
Wow! What a Spanish wine! Huge expressive fruit, this is Spain’s answer to the Rhone Valley’s Croze Hermitage! Meaty and full-bodied, the vines come from Chateau Beaucastel’s nursery in Chateauneuf du Pape. $32.99

Vina Alarba 2002 Old Vines Grenache
With wine prices seemingly rocketing out of control, it is always a pleasure to try a truly good everyday wine that is intense, and well layered with some guts and a long finish. This Grenache from the Catalonia region of Spain fits the bill…on all levels. Enjoy with everything from your favorite grilled steak, to pasta, to roasted chicken…very food friendly! $7.99 or $86.28 the case

Borsao 2002 Campo de Borja
This Spanish beauty is a blend of Grenache, Tempranillo, and Merlot giving it a great velvety mouthfeel with tons of black cherry, plum, and spice notes. $7.99 or $86.28 the case

Tres Picos (Borsao) Grenache
A wonderful value in a Spanish red. Well balanced with flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and chocolate. $13.99

Emilio Moro 2000
A chocolatey, medium-full-bodied wine from Ribera del Duero region of Spain.
A super wine if you are a Cabernet Sau-vignon fan! $27.99

Closa Batllet 2001
A huge wine from Priorat, this wine is oozing tons of black and blue fruit, tinderbox, coffee, earth, cedar, and a long polished finish. $35.99

Veleta 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
This Spanish beauty is from the Spanish vineyards of Dayton’s own Dr. Juan Palomar! Full bodied and extremely rich, the wine comes from the valley of Ugijar on the south slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range (not the one in California!) and indeed the name Veleta comes from the name of the tallest peak. $19.99 save $3.00

Veleta Tempranillo 2001
This Spanish wine is awesome! Rich and deeply layered with black cherry, plum, cassis fruit with nuances of leather, cedar, licorice, tinderbox, and sweet vanilla/oak. $11.99 save $3.00

Altos La Hoya 2001
100% old vine Mourvedre from Jumilla, this wine is really pretty with hints of white pepper, ripe fruit, and a long finish. $9.99

Cuevas de Castilla 2002
An extremely crisp and clean Spanish wine from the region of Rueda. Perfect on its own, or paired with seafood paella, mussels, or chicken. $8.99 or $97.08 the case

Nora Albarino 2002
Quite pretty, very ripe fruit, crisp, and dry with a pleasant spicy tone. Perfect with tilapia or roasted chicken. $14.99

Vega Sindoa Viura/Chardonnay 2002
This white blend comes from the Valley of Valdizarbe, the northernmost wine growing district of Navarra, Spain. The Viura adds a super crisp quality with hints of green apple and floral tones while the Chardonnay lends weight. Really great value! $6.99 or $75.48 the case

Finca Luzon 2002 Merlot
A really super value from the up-and-coming region of Jumilla, Spain. Ripe and juicy black fruit; dry with just a kiss of oak. $9.99

Remondo Vendemia 2002 Rioja
This Tempranillo/Grenache blend from Rioja is much like a good Beaujolais. Bright, vivid, fragrant and plush fruit. $11.99

 

 

GROCERY

 

Ortiz Ventresca Tuna

It’s hard to believe something so good can come from a can. The ultimate in canned tuna comes from the ventral loin of the Bonito tuna from Spain’s northern coast. When I have 30 seconds to make lunch here’s what I do: toast a slice of DLM Farmhouse Bread, spread a little mayo, dump the entire contents of this tuna, and add a thin slice of tomato on top, then a little sprinkle of sea salt. It’s dee-lish! Look for the red box. 110g $8.99 save $1.00

New! Sweet Biscuits from Spain by Ines Rosales

One of the great things Spaniards do gastronomically is incorporate flavorful olive oil into dishes of every kind…including baked goods! These tortas de aceite, that is, “cakes of oil” are traditional biscuits from Seville. They are handmade with extra-virgin olive oil along with other natural ingredients. Enjoy them with afternoon tea or coffee or as a light simple dessert. They are fantastic when crumbled over a little vanilla ice cream as well. 200g $4.99 save 60¢

 

Veleta Olives—A Fun Way to Get a Taste of Spain

You and I have been eating a certain food from Spain our whole life, whether or not we know it. What is that? Manzanilla olives, or more often simply called “Spanish olives.” Manzanillas are small, green, sweet…and inexpensive. That’s why you find them everywhere from tapas bars in Spain to pizza topping in America. Veleta olives have been selling like crazy here at DLM ever since we introduced them. Juan sources his Manzanillas from Seville, Andalusia, where the red, rich clay soil and copious sunshine makes it a great place for the cultivation of olives.

To enjoy Veleta olives, try them drained, then drizzled with Veleta olive oil and fresh lemon juice, and serve alongside thick slices of Serrano ham. They are excellent in pasta and rice (such as paella) dishes, over pizza, and of course, great right out of the jar. I love their slight saltiness, but if you want to reduce sodium, simply rinse them with water before serving. Choose from three varieties: Pimento-Stuffed Manzanilla Olives, Pitted Green Olives, or Plain Green Olives.

  • 5-oz jars Plain $1.59 save 40¢
  • Pitted and Stuffed $1.79 save 50¢

 

Spanish Olive Oil—Abundant Health and Flavor

Spain is the world’s most prolific producer of olive oil. Olive trees thrive in the hot, dry sunny summers and rocky soil of Spain. With dozens of varieties of olives cultivated under varied conditions in different parts of the country, the range of flavors is wonderful. We have tried dozens of great olive oils here at DLM, and I would say that some of my all time favorites come from Spain. Pick up the three oils below and see if you agree that Spain produces exceptional olive oils. We’ve lowered the price considerably because we really want you to try them. Here they are:

Veleta
Dayton’s Dr. Juan Palomar, a native of Spain, produces this oil on his land near Almería, in the south of Spain at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, not too far from the ancient storied city of Granada. He cultivates the lechin olive, which at pressing, can be quite bitter. However, after a few months of mellowing, the oil settles in with a smooth, almond flavor. We think this oil is the best “medicine” the good doctor has ever produced! And right now, it’s tasting wonderful. Not only is the flavor fantastic, so are the health benefits. Estate-produced extra-virgin olive oil, such as Veleta, is loaded with life giving polyphenols and monounsaturated fats.

I had the pleasure of visiting Juan and his wife Nola there in Spain a couple years back to see the olive groves as well as their vineyards of Cabernet and Tempranillo. I ate like a king every meal, including breakfast. One morning at his home, Juan gently fried up some eggs in his oil, and served them with crusty bread drizzled with more oil, and some warmed slices of Spanish ham. What a breakfast! I still remember it and duplicate it often. You will also love Veleta drizzled over steamed veggies, fresh greens, and over warmed crusty bread. 500ml $9.99 save up to $5.00

Nuñez de Prado Flower of the Oil
The Nuñez de Prado family has been producing great olive oil from their family-owned groves since 1795! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Paco Nuñez de Prado, the current patriarch, an unassuming man who loves his land and his oil. He beams with pride, even in his broken English, when talking about his flor del aceite, “flower of the oil.” It is so called due to the low-yield process that gently coaxes oil from the crushed olives. The family bottles this special oil in its unfiltered state to keep all the taste and richness of the oil intact. Nuñez de Prado is cloudy in appearance because it is unfiltered. When you open the bottle, you will be amazed by the aromas of fruit and vine-ripened tomatoes. Try it drizzled over all kinds of veggies, especially fresh ripe tomatoes. 500ml $15.99 save $8.00

Antara
This oil was introduced to us by our friend Kitty Keller, a dynamic importer and food lover from San Francisco. Antara has a pleasing aroma and tastes of roasted almonds. It is produced by a small cooperative of Catalan olive growers. This oil does beautifully when used to make traditional Pa amb Tomàquet, “bread with tomato.” It’s very easy to prepare. Just rub a thick toasted slice of our DLM Farmhouse Bread with the open end of a freshly cut ripe tomato, then drizzle with Antara, and sprinkle a bit of sea salt. For an extra kick, add anchovies. 750ml $12.99 save $3.00

 

 

DELI

 

Redondo Iglesias Jamón Serrano,
One of Spain’s Great Flavor Experiences

In Spain, they are hanging up like trophies in nearly every street corner tavern and deli, and in private homes one is on display on its jamonera on the kitchen counter. Within a few minutes of visiting friends at their house, your host will likely offer you a freshly cut slice accompanied by a small glass of red wine. What are we talking about? Spain’s beloved salt-cured hams. One bite and you’ll see why Spaniards enjoy it daily and why connoisseurs consider Spain’s salt-cured hams something very special. Its complexity of flavor is entirely nature at work; the only ingredient ever added to Serrano ham is sea salt during the months-long curing process.

What is it like to eat? When you pick up a slice of Serrano, you will notice its shiny marbled appearance. Leave this interior fat intact. Why? That’s where much of the flavor and mouthfeel is. For me, short thick slices are the way to go, especially with other Spanish finger food or tapas. Serrano is
fun to eat along with olives, cheese, slices of crusty bread, and a glass of wine. As for thin slices, you can wrap them around chunks of melon or asparagus, over pizza, or in omelettes. One other important thing…at least fifteen minutes before serving, remove the ham from the refrigerator so it can begin to “sweat.” This allows the flavor and aroma to bloom, much more so than when it’s chilled. Never tasted Serrano before? We can help! Just stop by the Deli and ask for a taste. Then buy some and share this authentic taste of Spain with your family and friends. Redondo Iglesias Jamón Serrano $22.99 lb save up to $2.00 lb

 

 

HEALTHY LIVING

 

Natural Skin Care: Why Try to Beat the Best?

Am I the only one who thought spring would never get here? It seemed like the cool temps and rain puddles were here to stay. I must confess though, I got a taste of early spring several weeks ago when I attended the trade show for the natural products industry in Anaheim, California. Actually, it was more like summer.

As soon as I arrived, I realized I forgot sunscreen. After all, I had just left a cold, rainy day not really expecting to arrive in hot, sunny weather with clear blue skies. And because I’m pretty picky about what I put on my skin, I went to the local health food store to buy a natural sunscreen and found one that’s also a self-tanner (okay, so I cheated). But I liked the idea of having both products in one bottle, and that was the only one I’d seen. I decided I’d look for similar products when I visited the show.

This particular show is probably the largest in the industry. It was a sea of people and products. I made my way through the maze of red carpet, collecting samples and filling up on organic treats, and finally found the natural body care section. After visiting what seemed like dozens of vendors, I came to an interesting realization. Here in our Healthy Living Department, we carry the best face and body care products the industry has to offer. Oh, there were “new” anti-aging ingredients, but we’ve got ‘em. There were wrinkle smoothing products, but we’ve got those too. I saw a tub full of bath salts and foaming bubble baths, but they’re already stocked on our shelves. I slathered on layers of moisturizing lotions, but none better than what we already have.

If you’ve browsed through the aisles of our Healthy Living Department, you’ve seen brands like Derma E, Zia, Borlind, Eco Bella, Chamocare, Kiss My Face, V’Tae, and Burt’s Bees. You’ll find creams, lotions, gels, and serums for just about every skin type and condition. These products are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that nourish and lubricate the skin, while promoting clarity, firmness, and elasticity. Believe me, it doesn’t get any better than this. And why should we use natural products on our skin? Keep in mind that everything applied to the skin absorbs directly into the bloodstream. “Transdermal” absorption bypasses the liver, so there’s no way to filter out chemical additives. Since most of us use the same products day after day, and typically a variety of products, we may be unwittingly exposing ourselves to a number of toxins. Think of your skin care products as food, and remember that you’re feeding the largest organ in your body. Healthier food means healthier skin. So if you typically buy the department store brands of skin care products, you owe it to yourself (and your skin) to try a natural alternative. You’ll most likely save money and will undoubtedly notice positive changes in your skin.

And, of course, skin must also be nourished from the inside out. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, fiber, essential fats, and lots of water provides the foundation for healthy skin. White flours and sugars leave the skin vulnerable to free radicals, causing a breakdown in the skin’s connective tissue, and accelerating the signs of aging. Getting enough restful sleep helps eliminate bags and dark circles around the eyes, while promoting skin repair.

After hours of smelling, sampling, and reading ingredient labels, I decided not to buy any new products, but to add to our top quality existing lines. Why try to beat the best? Except for the sunscreen, that is. (What a cool concept, coupling the sunscreen with the self-tanner.) So, drop by our Healthy Living Department this month and take advantage of our skin care specials. And don’t forget the sunscreen!

 

 

SCHOOL OF COOKING

May Classes

All New Couples Cooking Together
Instructor: Chef Carrie Walters
May 2 or 16 • 1 – 4 p.m.
$125.00 per couple

All Chocolate Desserts
Instructor: Nick Malgieri
May 3 • 6 – 9 p.m. • $65.00

Pies & Tarts for Spring and Summer
Instructor: Nick Malgieri
May 4 • 6 – 9 p.m. • $65.00

A Hat for Mother’s Day
(ages 9 to 12)
Instructor: Zebbie Borland
May 6 • 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. • $35.00

Springtime Appetizers – Savory & Sweet
Instructor: Dottie Overman
May 11 • 6 – 9 p.m. • $60.00

Backyard Grilling with Betty –
A Fabulous Summer Grill Supper
Instructor: Betty Rosbottom
May 13 • 6 – 9 p.m. • $65.00

Intro to Wok Cookery
Instructor: Jack Zindorf
May 18 or 20 • 6 – 9 p.m. • $55.00

Grilling Across the States
Instructor: Chef Tim McGrath
May 19 • 6 – 9 p.m. • $65.00

Asian Wraps 5
Instructor: Chef Carrie Walters
May 25 or 26 • 6 – 9 p.m. • $55.00

For a complete listing of all classes, visit our School of Cooking page.

Club DLM card is required for all sale prices. Prices herein are valid through May 31, 2004. In the event of a typographical error, in-store prices will prevail. All sale items are limit five with Club DLM card.


 

Recipes

For a printable version of the recipes listed below, click here.

 

 

Fish in Almond Sauce (Pescado en picada)
Adapted from Taverna; The Best of Casual Mediterranean Cooking. This simple dish features the classic Catalan nut sauce known as picada. You may substitute cod, sea bass, flounder, or other firm white fish.

  • 1/2 cup Marcona Almonds (in our Specialty Cheese Dept.)
  • 2 Tbsp Veleta Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Spanish paprika
  • 1 Tbsp finely minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • Pinch of saffron threads, crushed
  • 8 ozs vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Six 6-oz halibut fillets
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 450º F. Place almonds in a food processor fitted with the metal blade and finely grind the almonds, being careful not to over-grind to a paste. Set aside 2 tablespoons of nuts for garnish. Reserve remainder of nuts for sauce.

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until tender but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add the paprika, garlic, reserved almonds, breadcrumbs, and saffron and sauté 3 minutes longer. Add the tomatoes and wine and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 5-6 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

Sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper and place in a single layer in a baking dish. Spoon the sauce over the fish and bake in the oven until fish is opaque throughout, 10-12 minutes. Garnish with the reserved 2 tablespoons of almonds and the parsley. Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings

Per serving: 371 calories (39% calories from fat); 16g total fat; 2g saturated fat; 54mg cholesterol; 152mg sodium; 10g total carbohydrates; 40g protein

 

 

Spinach with Raisins and Pine Nuts
(Espinacas con pasas y piñones)
Adapted from Taverna; The Best of Casual Mediterranean Cooking. The combination of nuts and dried fruit in this Spanish recipe suggests its Arabic origins.

  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 24 ozs baby spinach, washed and drained
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 Tbsp Veleta Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 lb Manchego cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 small onion, chopped

Place raisins in a bowl, add hot water to cover and let stand until plump, about 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350º F. Spread pine nuts in a small pan and place in the oven until toasted and fragrant, 8-10 minutes. Set aside.

Warm olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Add spinach to the pan in handfuls, stirring constantly, until all spinach is in the pan and wilted, about 6 minutes.

Drain raisins and add them to the pan along with the pine nuts. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stir well and serve hot. Pass cheese for topping individual servings. Makes 6 servings

Per serving: 224 calories (64% calories from fat); 17g total fat; 6g saturated fat; 19mg cholesterol; 198mg sodium; 12g total carbohydrates; 9g protein

 

 

DLM School of Cooking Favorite!
Grilled Pork Tenderloin in Tomato Creole Cream Sauce
Packed full of flavor, this recipe from Hugh Carpenter is a sure-fire winner to kick off the grilling season! It’s equally good prepared with DLM’s air-chilled, free-range chicken.

  • 1½ lbs du Breton Natural Pork Tenderloin, trimmed
  • 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
  • 3 Tbsp plum sauce
  • 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tsp Asian chile sauce
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbsp Vera Jane’s Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup dry vermouth
  • 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Louisiana hot sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 Tbsp chopped oregano
  • 1 Tbsp chopped thyme
  • 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese

Combine hoisin sauce, plum sauce, oyster sauce, and chile sauce. Rub on pork and marinate up to 4 hours, refrigerated. Combine the butter and oil, and set aside. Set aside the garlic. Cut the tomatoes in half, grill, and chop. In a bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cream, vermouth, oyster sauce, hot sauce, sugar, and herbs (can be completed 8 hours in advance of cooking, refrigerated).

Prepare a gas or charcoal grill. Grill the pork until the internal temperature reaches 145° F. Remove from heat, tent, and let rest.

Place a large, heavy sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add oil and butter. Add garlic and sauté for 5 seconds and then add the tomato-cream sauce. Bring the sauce to a high boil, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 or 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Slice the pork and transfer to dinner plates. Spoon the sauce over the pork and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese. Serve at once. Makes 4 servings

Remember to visit our online Recipe Archive for a wide variety of recipes sorted into many categories.


 
Monthly Prizes

Throughout the month of May, each time you use your Club DLM card you will be given a chance to win...

  • 4 Subscriptions for the 2004-2005 Bank One
    Young at Heart Family Series Season
    (at the Victoria Theatre • value $300)
  • Dinner for 4 Montgomery Inn
    (value $90.00)
  • 2 Orchestra Seats for the
    The Letterman September 10 performance at the Fraze Pavilion

One set of prizes will be awarded at each store location unless otherwise specified. No purchase necessary to enter.

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