- If you like an Oriental-style stir fry, use a heavy frying pan to brown the meat with some tender veggies of your choice (thinly sliced broccoli, zucchini, onions, carrots). Soy sauce and sesame oil make a nice flavor. If you have black bean sauce, even better (you can buy all three at our store). Add some mushrooms or chopped veggies of your choice, and serve this over rice. Deglaze the pan with a little water and thicken with a spoonful of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- If you prefer American style, use some savory spices/herbs (paprika, thyme, parsley or just salt and pepper), and serve over any style of potato--baked, mashed, or hash browns. You don't have to have any special gravy or sauce on hand so long as you have a little bit of flour or corn starch as a thickener. You could simply "deglaze" your frying pan with a little bit of water or broth to make a sauce. Beer works nicely too with beef! A nice flavoring to have on hand for beef would be a few drops of worcestershire sauce.
- You could also season the beef tips with salt and pepper (paprika is nice), then brown them quickly in some olive oil and serve over buttered noodles. If you like cream sauce, you could make your own (and avoid a lot of extra sodium) or simply open a can of cream-style soup. Sour cream is a nice addition to a sauce for beef and noodles. If you like onions, sauté them along with the beef. If you like peas, add cooked peas to the noodle mixture when ready to serve. Very pretty with peas....
- Here's a fun and quick way to use these tender beef tips in a burrito-style sandwich. Brown the beef in a pan. If you like onions or green peppers or hot peppers, chop some and add those to the pan first since the meat cooks quickly. Garlic is a nice seasoning. Simply warm some burrito-size flour tortillas and use the beef-veggie stir fry as your filling. Top with your favorite cheese and some chopped tomatoes or lettuce, if you like. Roll up the filled tortillas and enjoy! If you want it to taste like a Mexican-style burrito, be sure to have some taco or burrito seasoning on hand when you brown the beef (cumin, chili powder, paprika work well together with a little salt and oregano).
- One last idea. Get a 2 or 3 quart pot and place some sautéed onions, carrots, and celery in the pot and some diced potatoes. Cover with water seasoned with salt and pepper (or broth), and simmer until the potatoes and carrots are almost tender (about 15 minutes). Meanwhile, season and then brown the beef tips on med-high heat in a frying pan with a little olive oil. Add the browned beef to the soup pot when the veggies are almost tender. Get the flavorful bits from the frying pan by "deglazing" the pan with a cup of water, and add those pan juices to the soup pot. Simmer to blend the flavors for about 3-5 minutes, do not boil. If you like more of a tomato base to your soup, add a spoonful of tomato paste or ketchup when the soup is nearly ready. If you want a more hearty soup, add some kidney beans (or green beans if you are watching your carbs).
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
What's for Dinner?
It's the end of the month, and money might be tight. No need to forego a really tasty meal. Cooking at home is far less expensive than dining out, and you don't have to be a talented chef to stir fry some beef tips with chopped veggies. They cook very quickly and are very tender and flavorful. Here are some menu ideas for the USDA Choice-grade beef sirloin tips that you can pick up here at Homer Village Market in the refrigerated case.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Harvest Time
The frost is on the pumpkin patch, and the area farmers began last week to harvest their corn and soybean crops. Farming machinery roars by the store on its way to the fields, and trucks overflowing with grain pass by as they head to the local feed mill.
As the sun goes down, look in the direction of a distant hum, and you can see the thrashing dust on the horizon as the harvesters make their way through the rows of corn. The farmers spend long hours in the fields at harvest time, often well into the night's darkness.
Herds of deer are running for cover during the harvest. During the pre-dawn hours, they go back to the fields to forage for spilled grain and remnants of crops left behind by the equipment. Hunters, chilled to the bone, sitting in trees along the field boundaries, are waiting for sunrise to get a good shot with their bows and arrows. Those poor, unsuspecting deer!
Meanwhile, back at the store, we have hot coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, and of course many cold, refreshing beverages for the weary farmers and their helpers. Sandwiches, snacks, and a friendly smile await them at the Homer Village Market.
If you are back at the house, waiting for your hungry men to come home for dinner, feel free to stop by the store to see what we have to make a hearty and satisfying meal in a hurry. And remember to pick up some snacks for his tractor ride tomorrow!
As the sun goes down, look in the direction of a distant hum, and you can see the thrashing dust on the horizon as the harvesters make their way through the rows of corn. The farmers spend long hours in the fields at harvest time, often well into the night's darkness.
Herds of deer are running for cover during the harvest. During the pre-dawn hours, they go back to the fields to forage for spilled grain and remnants of crops left behind by the equipment. Hunters, chilled to the bone, sitting in trees along the field boundaries, are waiting for sunrise to get a good shot with their bows and arrows. Those poor, unsuspecting deer!
Meanwhile, back at the store, we have hot coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, and of course many cold, refreshing beverages for the weary farmers and their helpers. Sandwiches, snacks, and a friendly smile await them at the Homer Village Market.
If you are back at the house, waiting for your hungry men to come home for dinner, feel free to stop by the store to see what we have to make a hearty and satisfying meal in a hurry. And remember to pick up some snacks for his tractor ride tomorrow!
Friday, October 18, 2013
Beer and Wine for Carryout
Did that title get your attention?
Homer Village Market is located in a "dry" township, Burlington Township, in Licking County, Ohio. People living in this community have to travel at least 2 miles but usually 4 or more miles to find a place to buy a bottle of wine or a pack of beer.
Burlington Township is a sprawling, rural area covering about 25 square miles. Homer Village Market is located in the far northwestern edge of the Township, about twenty miles from the county seat, Newark, but only three miles south of the Knox County boundary. State Route 661, the highway that intersects with the store's Homer Road address, is a busy road with many commuters between Granville and Mount Vernon and those traveling further north to Interstate 71, Mansfield, Loudenville, or Bellville.
Even with all that traffic, the sparsely populated, unincorporated community of Homer and the surrounding rural neighborhoods do not provide enough business for Homer Village Market to make a profit selling groceries and cold pop. Over the years, many people have asked for beer and wine and wonder when it will be offered. Many people state that is the reason they do not shop at the store as much as they would otherwise, because they have to go into town "anyhow" for beer or wine.
Beer and wine is relatively expensive, so this is not something people normally stock in their pantries to last them all month. Most people who consume beer or wine will shop for it daily or weekly rather than stocking a month's supply. Homer Village Market is missing all of those taxable sales, and instead customers are taking their business elsewhere and picking up their groceries at the same time.
Maybe I'm hardheaded, but I didn't believe my suppliers when they told me it would not be possible to make a profit in a convenience store without alcohol sales. After more than seven years in business here, I have to finally admit they were right. That is why I am finally going to the voters to ask for permission to add beer and wine to the shelves and coolers at the Homer Village Market! I will be very grateful to the voters if the issues pass, so the store can continue operating and serving the people who have come to rely on its convenience!
If you are registered to vote in Burlington Township (Licking County, Ohio), please VOTE YES on the two local ballot questions regarding (1) beer and wine carryout and (2) beer carryout on Sundays. Thank you!
Homer Village Market is located in a "dry" township, Burlington Township, in Licking County, Ohio. People living in this community have to travel at least 2 miles but usually 4 or more miles to find a place to buy a bottle of wine or a pack of beer.
Burlington Township is a sprawling, rural area covering about 25 square miles. Homer Village Market is located in the far northwestern edge of the Township, about twenty miles from the county seat, Newark, but only three miles south of the Knox County boundary. State Route 661, the highway that intersects with the store's Homer Road address, is a busy road with many commuters between Granville and Mount Vernon and those traveling further north to Interstate 71, Mansfield, Loudenville, or Bellville.
Even with all that traffic, the sparsely populated, unincorporated community of Homer and the surrounding rural neighborhoods do not provide enough business for Homer Village Market to make a profit selling groceries and cold pop. Over the years, many people have asked for beer and wine and wonder when it will be offered. Many people state that is the reason they do not shop at the store as much as they would otherwise, because they have to go into town "anyhow" for beer or wine.
Beer and wine is relatively expensive, so this is not something people normally stock in their pantries to last them all month. Most people who consume beer or wine will shop for it daily or weekly rather than stocking a month's supply. Homer Village Market is missing all of those taxable sales, and instead customers are taking their business elsewhere and picking up their groceries at the same time.
Maybe I'm hardheaded, but I didn't believe my suppliers when they told me it would not be possible to make a profit in a convenience store without alcohol sales. After more than seven years in business here, I have to finally admit they were right. That is why I am finally going to the voters to ask for permission to add beer and wine to the shelves and coolers at the Homer Village Market! I will be very grateful to the voters if the issues pass, so the store can continue operating and serving the people who have come to rely on its convenience!
If you are registered to vote in Burlington Township (Licking County, Ohio), please VOTE YES on the two local ballot questions regarding (1) beer and wine carryout and (2) beer carryout on Sundays. Thank you!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
New Fall-Winter Hours
Each year, as the daylight hours grow shorter and the final months of the year are upon us, Homer Village Market makes a few changes to operating hours and days. It is that time again!!!
Keep in mind when you are out for a Sunday drive to enjoy the fall colors and festivities, you can stop by the store between Noon and 4 p.m. for groceries, cold beverages, and specialty products. Check out our selection of Ohio foods including jams and jellies, apple butter, pickles and salsa, mustards, hot pepper butter, maple syrup, chocolates, ice cream, pasta, and local lamb. We also have candles made in Ohio with all-USA ingredients featuring some seasonal scents you will love!
The new hours beginning the last weekend in September are as follows:
The store is usually closed on major holidays, so if in doubt, please call ahead. You can also visit our website at www.homervillagemarket-generalstore.com and our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HomerVillageMarket?ref=hl
We look forward to seeing you soon! Thanks for shopping at Homer Village Market!
Keep in mind when you are out for a Sunday drive to enjoy the fall colors and festivities, you can stop by the store between Noon and 4 p.m. for groceries, cold beverages, and specialty products. Check out our selection of Ohio foods including jams and jellies, apple butter, pickles and salsa, mustards, hot pepper butter, maple syrup, chocolates, ice cream, pasta, and local lamb. We also have candles made in Ohio with all-USA ingredients featuring some seasonal scents you will love!
The new hours beginning the last weekend in September are as follows:
- Open Sunday from 12:00 NOON until 4:00 p.m.
- Closed Mondays
- Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The store is usually closed on major holidays, so if in doubt, please call ahead. You can also visit our website at www.homervillagemarket-generalstore.com and our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HomerVillageMarket?ref=hl
We look forward to seeing you soon! Thanks for shopping at Homer Village Market!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Cheese Varieties in Stock
As summer comes to an end, almost muted by the hectic schedules brought about by the new school year, be sure to take some time to relax and enjoy a picnic. Don't forget the cheese! All you need is a small cooler of goodies, a blanket, a plate and knife, a friend or two (or not), and a destination. The local winery is a great destination, and so would be any of our State parks. How about your own back yard?
Cheese is an easy choice for an impromptu gathering or a quick snack. With or without crackers, a bite of cheese alone or paired with sliced apples, grapes, olives, wine, grape or apple juice, salami or summer sausage.....I could go on....but you probably know what I mean.
A wedge of cheese also makes a nice hostess gift when you are an invited guest to someone else's home or picnic!
Right now in the store we have a good selection of well-priced cheeses for snacking or cooking, including:
The end of summer is a great time to enjoy homemade lasagna with lots of cheese! With the colder evenings, heating up the kitchen might be welcome. Lasagna is a great way to use up some of those abundant veggies from the garden, especially tomatoes, zucchini, and greens. The leftovers freeze well and make a very appreciated easy lunch or dinner at a moment's notice.
There are many versions of lasagna recipes, and limitless variations. Each one calls for different ways of using the ricotta (or even substituting cottage cheese). I prefer adding nothing to the ricotta....or if I add anything it might be a dash of milk to make it creamier and some Italian herbs, though I have also added beaten egg and sour cream. I like to use a lot of other cheeses as well such as mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan among the layers of noodles, tomatoes, and vegetables, with or without a meaty sauce.
If you are watching your carbs, as many of us are, you do not even need to use lasagna noodles! Layers of sliced zucchini or eggplant work nicely with a top layer of sliced tomatoes. Or you could just use one layer of noodles on the bottom and the other layers veggies and cheese and sauce. Don't forget the garlic, mushrooms and a few drops of extra virgin olive oil, especially if you are going meatless.
You could also make a Latin-style lasagna (rather than traditional Italian), by using some cheddar or jack cheese and adding layers of veggies such as peppers, onions, tomatoes, and black beans or pinto beans and some different spices such as cumin and paprika and cayenne pepper. Cottage cheese mixed with sour cream might be a better choice than ricotta in this recipe. Just before serving, add some crumbled tortilla chips on top of your lasagna and some shredded cheese to melt quickly in the oven. Chopped green onions make a nice garnish too. If you want to add meat to the layers, any ground beef, pork, chorizo, or slices of chicken work well. Any salsa could be used as a sauce.
Now I'm getting hungry! How about you?
Cheese is an easy choice for an impromptu gathering or a quick snack. With or without crackers, a bite of cheese alone or paired with sliced apples, grapes, olives, wine, grape or apple juice, salami or summer sausage.....I could go on....but you probably know what I mean.
A wedge of cheese also makes a nice hostess gift when you are an invited guest to someone else's home or picnic!
Right now in the store we have a good selection of well-priced cheeses for snacking or cooking, including:
- Danish Havarti - 8 oz. - $3.99
- Ohio Lacey Baby Swiss - 12 oz. - $4.99
- Asiago (crafted in Wisconsin) - 8 oz. $3.99
- Parmesan (Wisconsin) - 8 oz. $3.99
- Gorgonzola (Wisconsin) - 8 oz. $4.99
- Applewood-smoked Gouda (Wisconsin) - 8 oz. $4.99
- Sharp Cheddar (Wisconsin) - 8 oz. $3.99
- Ricotta (Ohio) - 15 oz. $3.50
- String Cheese (Wisconsin) - 1 oz. servings 59 cents
- Cottage Cheese (Ohio) - 16 oz. $2.59
- Shredded cheddar and shredded mozzarella (Ohio)
- Sliced provolone, sliced swiss, sliced colby (Wisconsin)
The end of summer is a great time to enjoy homemade lasagna with lots of cheese! With the colder evenings, heating up the kitchen might be welcome. Lasagna is a great way to use up some of those abundant veggies from the garden, especially tomatoes, zucchini, and greens. The leftovers freeze well and make a very appreciated easy lunch or dinner at a moment's notice.
There are many versions of lasagna recipes, and limitless variations. Each one calls for different ways of using the ricotta (or even substituting cottage cheese). I prefer adding nothing to the ricotta....or if I add anything it might be a dash of milk to make it creamier and some Italian herbs, though I have also added beaten egg and sour cream. I like to use a lot of other cheeses as well such as mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan among the layers of noodles, tomatoes, and vegetables, with or without a meaty sauce.
If you are watching your carbs, as many of us are, you do not even need to use lasagna noodles! Layers of sliced zucchini or eggplant work nicely with a top layer of sliced tomatoes. Or you could just use one layer of noodles on the bottom and the other layers veggies and cheese and sauce. Don't forget the garlic, mushrooms and a few drops of extra virgin olive oil, especially if you are going meatless.
You could also make a Latin-style lasagna (rather than traditional Italian), by using some cheddar or jack cheese and adding layers of veggies such as peppers, onions, tomatoes, and black beans or pinto beans and some different spices such as cumin and paprika and cayenne pepper. Cottage cheese mixed with sour cream might be a better choice than ricotta in this recipe. Just before serving, add some crumbled tortilla chips on top of your lasagna and some shredded cheese to melt quickly in the oven. Chopped green onions make a nice garnish too. If you want to add meat to the layers, any ground beef, pork, chorizo, or slices of chicken work well. Any salsa could be used as a sauce.
Now I'm getting hungry! How about you?
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Fall Hours Coming Soon - Closing on Mondays....Opening on Sundays
Summer is winding to a close....hot days, chilly nights, and foggy mornings.....almost harvest time! This is my favorite time of year!
On Monday, September 23, Homer Village Market will begin closing on Mondays for the Fall season. Good news is we will be open on Sundays instead beginning Sunday, September 29. The store opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beautiful weather! Hope to see you in the store again soon!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Enjoy Your Labor Day Holiday!
We will be CLOSED on Monday, September 2, 2013, Labor Day.
Please stop by soon for your picnic and party foods!
Whatever your plans for Labor Day weekend, have FUN!
If you are gathering with friends and looking for something special, stop by to see what's new in the store this week. In the deli department:
- Yoder's Macaroni Salad
- Tribe's Roasted-Red Pepper Hummus
- Willey's Sweet and Mild Salsa
- Yoder's Home-Style Mashed Potatoes
- Havarti Cheese (Denmark)
- Barrel-Cured Sauerkraut
- French Onion-Sour Cream Dip
- Cheese Tortellini - Tri-Color
- Smoked Sausage (natural casing)
- Ricotta Cheese
- Walnut Creek Summer Sausage - Beef with Jalapeno and Cheese
- Yoder's Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Troyer's Trail Bologna (Ring style)
- 10 oz. New York Strip Steak (beef, top loin - USDA "choice") - $6.75 each
- 6 oz. Ball-Tip Sizzler (beef, bottom sirloin butt steak, USDA "choice") - $3.75 each
- 12 oz. Pork Chop "porterhouse cut" - $5.50 each
- 4 oz. Yellow-Fin Tuna Steaks - $2.85 each
- 8 oz. Salmon filet (boneless/skinless) - $5.50 each
- local lamb chops $13.95/pound (2 chops per pack)
- 12 - 5 oz. (3 pounds) Salmon Burgers - $22.50
- Finely ground, aged, lean, beef steak trimmings - $5.75 for 1.33 pound package
- Wild-caught Louisiana Alligator white meat filets - $15 per pound
- Frogs Legs - $32 for 5 pounds (4-6 pair per pound) or $1.00 each (6-8/pound)
- Ground Pork Sausage $2.50 pound; maple-sausage links $3.25 (12 oz. package)
Beverages include all Pepsi's Products, including Gatorade, energy drinks, as well as iced tea, grape juice, cranberry juice cocktail, tomato juice, sparkling grape juice cocktail, V-8 juice, and many varieties of bottled water. Need a lemon? We have that too!
Hope to see you soon! Have a safe and happy holiday!
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