Ruth-Anne's Newshttp://www.ruthannes.com/news/en-US2010-07-31T00:24:49ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.5 (http://www.squarespace.com/)New Wine - Ombu Malbechttp://www.ruthannes.com/news/2010/7/16/new-wine-ombu-malbec.htmlFranklin2010-07-16T21:38:15ZWe just received a new wine in the store.  It's a Malbec from Argentina called Ombu made by Roca Wines.  And it's quite good. Roca fully understands how fortunate he is to be based in San Rafael, a high-desert oasis in the southern sector ofOmbu Malbec - Argentina Mendoza. There, low rainfall, intense sun and mild nights all contribute to slow maturing of the grapes, which consistently are well balanced and complex.

Roca works in the cellar to preserve the wonderful fruit flavors of the grapes, eschewing oak barrels for aging in “neutral” stainless steel tanks that impart no additional flavors to the finished wine.  The 2008 Ombu Malbec was crafted from grapes grown in a 45-year-old vineyard which is farmed, Roca explains, “to get a balanced yield for the best quality.” Experience told Roca that the wine would benefit from limited aging in oak barrels, and his instincts were spot on. The finished product is rich, ripe and brimming with fruit flavor — another in a long line of Roca family success stories.

Rich and ripe, this wine offers notes of blueberry, blackberry, chocolate and sweet vanilla. We'll be tasting it in a week or two.

 

 

]]>Chips and Cornhttp://www.ruthannes.com/news/2010/7/3/chips-and-corn.htmlFranklin2010-07-03T15:48:08ZWe have many new products at Ruth-Anne's this month, but two we'd like to highlight are our Miguel's Organic Tortilla Chips and Popcorn, Indiana's Smoked Cheddar Kettle Corn.  Besides being organic, the Miguel's chips are flavored with a combination of organic spices, seeds and vegetables including sesame seeds, flax seeds, beets, red and green bell peppers, spinach, sundried tomato, onions, garlic and basil.  These are mixed with fine ground organic corn masa to produce a wonderful flavor.  The chips are shaped for scooping up you favorite salsa, sauce, soft cheese or hummus.  They are gluten-free and have no artificial colors or preservatives. 
If you didn't know it, Popcorn, Indiana is a real place, about 20 miles southwest of Bloomington, Indiana. It's located in Lawrence County, and if you go there you can drive down such lanes as Popcorn Road and Popcorn Church Road (which leads, not surprisingly, to Popcorn Christian Church.)  Let me tell you, these folks know their popcorn! The Smoked Cheddar Kettlecorn is made from aged cheddar cheese, specially selected herbs and corn grown especially for popping.  This is a great snack to take along on a picnic, tailgating at the ball game, or just enjoying a good movie at home.  Pick some up and you won't be disappointed. 

 

]]>New Sign & Awning Coming Soonhttp://www.ruthannes.com/news/2010/7/2/new-sign-awning-coming-soon.htmlFranklin2010-07-02T23:44:53ZWe are excited that soon we will have a new look at Ruth-Anne's!  The city of West Bend has approved our application for a new sign and awning for the Main Street store front.  Finally it will be easy to recognize us as you are driving through downtown West Bend. Stay tuned here, we'll mention when they are both up.

]]>Yahara Bay Truffles and Jamhttp://www.ruthannes.com/news/2010/3/20/yahara-bay-truffles-and-jam.htmlFranklin2010-03-20T18:24:42ZYahara Bay is one of the new breed of micro-distilleries to come on the scene in recent years.  They are located in Madison and distill a selection of spirits including vodka, extra dry gin, rum, apple brandy, lemoncella and apple liqueur.   Their product offering includes more than just Yahara Bay spirits, but they are the key ingredient used in creating divine Chocolates and Jams made from the best products Wisconsin has to offer.  Yahara Bay Lemoncella/Cranberry Jam and Rum TrufflesAll of Yahara Bay's products are created using Wisconsin ingredients.  Ruth-Anne's is proud to introduce their Rum Truffles.  Made from thick, sweet molasses, Yahara Bay Premium White Rum is the star of this luxurious dark chocolate truffle. Mixed with velvety chocolate ganache, the rum imparts subtle flavors of fresh sugar cane and chewy molasses cookies that are sure to delight every taste bud! 9 pieces per box.  But just so you jam and preserve lovers aren't left out, we are also carrying Yahara Bay's Lemoncella Cranberry Jam. Imagine a mix of the tartness of fresh Wisconsin cranberries with the sweet lemon explosion of Yahara Bay Lemoncella for a fresh and flavorful jam that’s great for more than just toast. Whip with heavy cream to make a one-of-a-kind topping for cakes, tarts, or cupcakes.  Or use as the base of your next home made BBQ sauce for chicken or pork. It's available in a 9.5 oz. jar, and a 2.7 oz. jar is coming soon.  Both of these great Wisconsin products are available at Ruth-Anne's today!  And check out Yahara Bay's website.

]]>Cranberries Anyone?http://www.ruthannes.com/news/2010/2/24/cranberries-anyone.htmlFranklin2010-02-25T00:13:41ZNew Cranberry TreatsIf you like cranberries, then we have some new Wisconsin-made products for you.   For you salsa lovers, the cranberries of the North have joined the spicy flavors of the South. 12 oz. of garden fresh ingredients, including sweetened dried cranberries, combine for a Salsa that has medium heat and is mildly sweet. A decorative wide mouth jar is perfect for chip dipping. And look under the label for great serving suggestions.  Next up, our homemade and elegantly packaged gourmet Cranberry Jelly turns an ordinary piece of toast into something extraordinary. Excellent as an appetizer served over brie cheese with crackers.  And if you love pancakes, you've got to try our Cranberry Syrup.  It has a rich red color and thick smooth texture; a perfect balance between sweet and tart aspects of the cranberry.  Besides pancakes, it's perfect on french toast, waffles, ice cream, or in your fruit smoothie.  And there's no corn syrup in this product.  Moving along, do you need something very different the next time guests show up unannounced?  Add a little excitement to your snack bowl...fill it with Cranberry Pepper Crisps! Baked stone ground whole grains, cranberries, cracked pepper, sea salt crystals, and other natural flavors combine for a taste that will have everyone talking. (No trans fats or preservatives to be found in these guys)  Last but certainly not least, we have a premium blend of sweetened dried cranberries, peanuts, diced pineapple bits, and white chocolate morsels. Cranberry Trail Mix is an elegant gourmet snack for any occasion. Our Gourmet Trail Mix contains more fruit and less nuts then most of the others you've tried.  Once again, Ruth-Anne's is bringing you the best from Wisconsin.

]]>Personalized Wine for Christmashttp://www.ruthannes.com/news/2009/12/9/personalized-wine-for-christmas.htmlFranklin2009-12-09T23:38:45ZIt's not too late!  You can still give a great bottle of wine with a label of your own choosing, using your own wording if you wish.  If you check the Personalized Gifts section of our website you'll see one of our kraft labels with a wreath on it.  We also have other Christmas labels that you can also personalize.  Two of these are in the photo at the right.  One is a shiny white label with red trim and a gold foil french horn at the top.  Another has a green color holly border with plenty of room for your holiday message.  You can call the store to place your order, and pick it up the next day.  Our personal labeled wines start at $17, and the wines in this photo are $22.  We have eight varietal and two sparkling wines from which to choose, so you're sure to find one that will be appreciated. And while you're in the store, check out our extensive line of wine accessories. We have the perfect gift to accompany that personalized wine.

]]>Winter On Mainhttp://www.ruthannes.com/news/2009/11/19/winter-on-main.htmlFranklin2009-11-20T01:01:37Z

During the first Friday and Saturday in December (December 4-5 this year, 2009), Downtown West Bend, Wisconsin is abuzz with Winter On Main. This is truly an old fashioned holiday celebration, with Santa, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides and of course, shopping. Check out this video from last year to get a look at the carriage rides.  And for full details on all the events, click here.

]]>Chocolate from Door Countyhttp://www.ruthannes.com/news/2009/11/10/chocolate-from-door-county.htmlFranklin2009-11-10T18:42:03ZThe attractive red and white candy-striped packaging of Door County Confectionery is possibly one of the first products to successfully capitalize on the Peninsula’s popularity by taking a great product and incorporating the Door County name in its marketing.  Since the first Door County Confectionery opened in 1972, the well-known and easily recognizable trademark has graced the front of shops throughout various Door County locations and is once again back in Ruth-Anne's Gourmet Market.  We have four tasty products from which you can choose.

If you've ever had Reese's Peanut butter cups, you are in for a treat.  Door County Confectionery makes a Door County Confectionery Products super-sized version of this long time favorite. They have their own recipe for a scrumptious hand made peanut butter cup.  Packaged two per package, we have them available in Milk Chocolate.

What about chocolate-drizzled caramel corn you say?  Door County Confectionery's caramel corn is a favorite of every customer. Fresh, crunchy and delicious! Their fresh caramel corn drizzled with their home made, creamy chocolate. This is one-of-a-kind and absolutely scrumptious.  You have to try it.

 Take a pretzel rod, dip it in creamy caramel, roll it in pecans and drizzle their chocolate over it. What do you get? Daffy Rods!  They are simply delicious, and come two in a bag.

 Door County Confectionery is know for their chocolate, and they put their knowledge to good use in their Chocolate creams.  Seven of those heavenly creams come in a clear, round acetate package.  They contain assorted fillings with either a milk or dark chocolate shell.

These delightful morsels make great afternoon snacks, go great in gift baskets, or are nice to share with a friend.  Stop by and pick some up today.

 

]]>Cranberries anyone?http://www.ruthannes.com/news/2009/11/8/cranberries-anyone.htmlFranklin2009-11-08T21:20:03ZIt's fall, and cranberries are once again in season. So naturally, we've just received a trio of great products containing cranberries from Wisconsin Wilderness.  For those of you that haven't tried these, you're in for a treat. Cranberry Chutney, Mustard & SalsaAll three of these products are made by batch production methods, which insures they are of high quality.  First, we have Cranberry Chutney.  It's a versatile product, use it as a hors d'oeuvres with cream cheese, a topping for turkey sandwiches or a beautiful accompaniment to a poultry or game dish. Serve with a cheese tray - beautiful!  Next we have Cranberry Mustard, Wisconsin Wilderness' multiple award winner - sweet but tart and full of flavor! And it's easy AND versatile! Great with turkey, shrimp, ham, or pork roast. Make everything special! To complete the trio we have Cranberry Salsa, a little cranberry, a little jalapeno, lots of tomatoes and some secret spices - Wow!  You haven't had salsa like this before.  And best of all, it's made right here in Wisconsin.

Side note: did you know Wisconsin is the leading state in the production of cranberries?

 

]]>Midwest Wine Tasting Tripshttp://www.ruthannes.com/news/2009/10/24/midwest-wine-tasting-trips.htmlFranklin2009-10-24T15:55:49ZA few weeks back, my wife and I took a one-day trip to Door County and Green Bay for a whirlwind wine tasting tour.  I wrote about that in an earlier posting on this blog (Wisconsin Wine Tasting).  But Wisconsin is not the only nearby state with great wineries that are worth exploring.  Our neighbors to the south, Illinois and Missouri both have many wonderful wineries with locally-grown grapes that beg you to try them.  Missouri's wine region lies mainly to the west of St. Louis, and is about a 7 1/2 hour drive from Milwaukee.  A great article appeared in the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel this summer on this area, and I have a link to the online version here Missouri on the vine.

 Not to be outdone by it's neighbor Missouri, Southern Illinois offers many excellent wineries and their own wine tasting trails.  A seven hour drive from Milwaukee to Murphysboro, Illinois puts you near the start of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, boasting 12 wineries with many using their own locally-grown grapes.  A nice article describing this wonderful road trip was written by the Orlando  Florida Vacation Examiner's Rochelle Paul, and a link to the article is here (Southern Illinois wine).

 You don't have to go to California to experience great wines where they are grown, you can do it right here in the midwest, all within a day's drive of home!

 

]]>