While our store has a bevy of activities and delicious foods all year round, our favorite time of year is definitely coming upon us: The Holidays. Spirits are high and aromas of Autumn and Winter - rosemary, garlic, roasted chicken, pies and breads - waft from the kitchen, where our Professional Foodies are busy making food for the Chef's Case, Bakery and Catering Orders. Our shelves fill up with special holiday food items - new ones and old favorites - and jazzy music takes over the store.
Throughout the season, we'll be listing some of our favorite items - foods that make the holidays easier, special and fun.
Onion Blossom Horseradish Potato Soup from Robert Rothschild Farm
A perfect soup for those cold winter evenings! Potatoes collide with zesty horseradish, onions and dill weed for a soup that will put a smile on everyone's face. Delicious and satisfying, this soup partners with great sandwiches and salads.
Buckeye Buffalo Wing Sauce
The makers of Sweet & Spicy Buckeye Mustard have a new product: Buckeye Buffalo Wing Sauce, made right here in Columbus. Bold and Sassy, Buckeye Buffalo Wing Sauce is crafted for chicken, wings and ribs. We're always pleased to carry local products, and can stand, with confidence, behind this one. Pick some up today for your football parties.
Kitchen Basics Chicken Stock
Kitchen Basics (Ohio-made) Authentic Cooking Stocks are a must-have for every holiday pantry. For years, commercial broths have been a good choice and time saver for recipes that call for homemade stock, broth and bouillon. Now, there is a better choice. Ready to Use, Kitchen Basics Real Cooking Stocks are slowly simmered from meat, bones, vegetables and herbs, and just like their homemade counterparts, these stocks are all natural, without added MSG, chemicals, fillers or excess salts.
Kaltbach Cave Aged Gruyere
This cheese is a holiday favorite at The Hills Market. Perfect for gift baskets or serving with wine (after a long day of running around), Kaltbach Gruyere is aged for an extended period of time in a cave. We receive it in wheels and hand-cut it into half pound pieces for your convenience.
Mamma Disalvo's Pasta Sauce
Anyone familiar with the Dayton area knows Mamma DiSalvo's restaurant in Kettering. This authentic Italian restaurant has been a culinary destination for close to thirty years. We're pleased to be able to carry their famous pasta sauce made with a recipe that came from Mama DiSalvo, herself. Pick up a jar or two for your pantry and take delight in yet another wonderful Ohio product.
Velvet Buckeye Classic Ice Cream
We've always been great fans of Velvet Ice Cream from Utica, Ohio. Every holiday season, they release a series of unique flavors with accompanying recipes. Our "Ice Cream Team" - the folks in the kitchen - try out these recipes and share them with us. A time-honored classic is the Hang On Sloopy Pie, made with Velvet's Buckeye Classic Ice Cream. The recipe is below.
Hang On Sloopy Pie
8 individual graham cracker piecrust shells
1 container Velvet Buckeye Classic Ice Cream
1/4 cup chopped pecans
8 Buckeye candies
Soften the Velvet Buckeye Classic Ice Cream for 5 minutes. Scoop ice cream into pie shells and spread evenly into the pie shell. Divide chopped pecans and sprinkle over the ice cream. Top with a Buckeye candy and freeze. To transport to the game, place each pie in a quart-size freezer plastic bag. Place pies in a thermal cooler, packed with ice. Serve at the tailgate party. Makes 8 servings.
Swiss Raclette
Swiss Raclette is one of the most typical speciality cheeses from
Switzerland. The cheese melted under a hot grill is smooth and creamy
and tastes superb in combination with cooked potatoes
or a hunk of crusty bread. This simple but unique meal is ideal for
relaxed get-togethers with friends. Emmi's Swiss Raclette cheese is perfect for melting. The cheese is made exclusively from pure
Swiss milk and is a winter-time favorite at The Hills Market.
Velvet Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
What a treat, what a treat! Velvet's Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream is a savory combination of pure ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and bits of graham cracker crust in creamy pumpkin pie ice cream. This seasonal ice cream is only available for a short time. Serve it on Thanksgiving, and keep some in your freezer for the weeks following the holiday, so you can savor the tastes of the decadent day of eating for weeks.
Steven's Bakery Pies
Our bakery staff found a winner with Steven's Bakery and Orchard. These pies from Springfield, Ohio are made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Although they're available year-round and in grab-and-go form throughout the holidays, we recommend placing a pre-order for these delicious pies. All of their pies are excellent, but we especially love their Pecan and Apple Pies. Give us a call and we'll have your pie ready for you when you come in the store. (Order your Bowman & Landes turkey and a pint of Hills Own Gravy, as well. We'll have the entire package ready for you when you come into the store, delivered with a smile.) 614.846.3220.
Dick's Home-Made Horseradish
Spike your cranberry sauce with a bit of Dick's Horseradish this holiday season. Made in Ohio without any fancy ingredients, this condiment is a must-have to give a kick to your seasonal cooking. You'll find it in our dairy case. Sometimes, simple is best.
Robert Rothschild Farm Bumbleberry Spread with Agave
Ohio has so many wonderful products, and we can't boast about our state's repertoire of amazing wares without mentioning Robert Rothschild Farm. We have yet another seasonal staple from our friends in Urbana: Robert Rothschild Farm Bumbleberry Spread with Agave. This sweet combination of apples, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries is a must-have. Try it over a brick of cream cheese or over warmed Brie. Delightful on crackers, breads and desserts, and a perfect gift basket addition, it's safe to say that we have a crush.
Hills Own Breads
Early mornings are busy at The Hills Market. Before the sun rises, we're receiving the day's fresh meat and produce. And we're baking the breads that eventually end up on your dinner table, with your sandwiches, served alongside your wines and cheeses. Our wide selection of breads includes one of our favorites: Pane Italiano. Serve it with soups. Use it to make bread pudding. Combine it with fresh sage and celery to create a delicious stuffing alongside your turkey. Warm and crusty, there are countless uses for Hills Own Breads.
Belgioioso Crumbly Gorgonzola
Do you mind if we recommend yet another cheese? We have so many favorites. You can add
a full, earthy flavor to any dish with Belgioioso Crumbly Gorgonzola. Both firm and crumbly, this ivory-colored
cheese with blue-gray veins complements salads and dips and is lovely served with pears, apples and walnuts
as atop a salad or as a simple seasonal dessert.
Vermont Butter & Cheese Crème Fraîche
How much do we love Vermont Butter & Cheese Crème Fraîche? Let us count the ways. Vermont Crème Fraîche is exquisitely rich, with the cultured, nutty flavor and creamy texture that characterizes the best crème fraîche, a staple of French cuisine and many of the world's finest culinary traditions. Made with rBGH-free Vermont cream, it will not separate when used in your holiday creations. Add it to sauces, stews and soups. Whip it with honey to serve atop fruit desserts. Use it in baking to create moist muffins, scones and cakes. Enjoy.
Smith's Dairy Traditional Egg Nog
Smith Dairy Traditional Egg Nog from Orrville, Ohio is one of our favorite holiday treats. Served in containers with holiday décor, this old-fashioned-styled egg nog has a hint of nutmeg and is excellent on its own, or combined with spirits from our Liquor Agency. We carry Smith’s Dairy’s entire line of products for many reasons; quality and taste are just two.
Oakvale Farmstead Gouda
Did you know that we have some cheese-making neighbors right outside of Columbus? Did you know that their Artisanal Gouda is among the best we've ever encountered in our fifteen years of cheese tasting? Oakvale Farmstead, which has been in operation since 1853, is a family farm just twenty miles west of Columbus. We've visited their operation and have a full-on love affair with their Farmstead Gouda. Eat it on its own, tuck it in a gift basket, or use it in cooking. Not only are you supporting a local operation, but you'll be rewarding your taste buds with amazing flavor and genuinely high-quality cheese at the same time.
Winter's Spiral Sliced Ham
Winter's Spiral Sliced Ham is one of the most popular products at The Hills Market during the holidays. This old-fashioned ham, smoked to the bone with real hickory chips is made with real old world recipes. With no MSG, no gluten, no fillers and no artificial coloring, this ham is as authentic as you can get. You'll love the gorgeous caramelized crust that envelops Winter's fire-glazed ham.
Sweet Louise Pampering Chocolate Peanut Butter Sauce
We've found the best way to pamper yourself - and your loved ones - when the days are dark and you require just a little inspiration at the end of a long day. Sweet Louise Pampering Chocolate Peanut Butter Sauce from Holland, Ohio, is great on ice cream, fruit and pretzels. This silky, sensuous, and multi-layered sauce starts out as a rich, fudgy chocolate with just the right amount of sweet. It then progresses through your palate to a slightly salty finish with a little nip of peanut butter at the end. Make this a gift basket staple. And, you know, keep a jar or two for yourself.
Burrata
Silky on the outside and creamy on the inside, Burrata boasts a richly sweet, milky flavor that is sure to please the palate. You can try Burrata served on endive leaves for a fresh and simple appetizer. It's also great with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper. This versatile cheese, which pairs well with basil, grilled vegetables, roasted peppers, cured meats, fruit and light wine, is essential for entertaining.
CrimsonCup Coffee
Leisurely mornings aren't complete without a few things. One of those things is coffee. Our CrimsonCup Coffee is roasted here in Columbus, ensuring high quality freshness. We've used CrimsonCup as our main provider for over a decade. They use class-1 specialty-grade beans for a variety of fair trade, organic, flavored, and other roasts. CrimsonCup Coffee is the star of many a custom-made gift basket during Decembers at The Hills Market.
Boar's Head Sweet Slice Ham
Boar's Head products are the backbone of our entire deli. Truly, truly, we couldn't recommend a better lines of meats and cheeses. If you haven't tried Boar's Head Sweet Slice Ham, pick some up today. Use it for sandwiches. Serve it alongside fruit. Make it the centerpiece of your holiday table. You'll love it.
Columbus Salame
All-natural meets authentic with Columbus Salame's line of specialty meats. Delicious and beautifully-packaged, nearly every cheese basket we produce comes with one or two varieties of Columbus Salame tucked inside. We love the variety of flavors, from Spicy Italian to Herbed to Pepper. Reliable and delectable, you really can't go wrong with anything that carries the Columbus Salame brand.
Belgioioso Mild Italian Provolone
When people ask us what we recommend for hostess gifts, we generally point them toward Belgioioso Mild Provolone. This all-natural Italian-style cheese is available during the holiday season in two-and-a-quarter-pound balls. Dipped in wax and tied with rope, Belgioioso is ready for holiday gift giving. Long-lasting, savory and perfectly packaged, this award-winning cheese features a strong rind and a grand versatility.
Velvet Peppermint Stick Ice Cream
Certain flavors just taste better in December. We wholeheartedly believe that peppermint is one of those flavors. Available for a limited time each year, Velvet Peppermint Stick Ice Cream features a blast of cool peppermint mixed with creamy and delicious Velvet Ice Cream. Our "Ice Cream Team" suggests this amazing holiday recipe, found on Velvet's website.
Candy Cane Peppermint Torte
1 10.5-ounce bag Brownie bites
1 container Velvet Peppermint Stick Ice Cream, softened
1 8-ounce container non-dairy whipped topping, defrosted
Hot fudge sauce
6 small candy canes
In a large bowl, gently stir together the brownie pieces and
the softened ice cream. Spoon the mixture into a 9-inch springform
pan or two 6-inch springform pans. Freeze for 3-4 hours. Remove
the outside ring from the pan. Spread the whipped topping
over the entire large torte or two smaller ones. Refreeze
for about one hour. Lace the hot fudge sauce over the top
of the torte and decorate with candy canes.
Makes 8-10 servings
Smith's Dairy Sour Cream
We've all had that moment where we need to go back to the store for just one forgotten ingredient. So many holiday recipes require - even crave - sour cream, that we see one or two of these in every card. Smith's Dairy, an Ohio company, makes the best we can find.
Emmi Fondue Cheese Blend
Today's casual entertaining is best when there is no fuss. Emmi's Cheese Fondue Blend is smooth and creamy and makes your party fun and easy. We recommend that you add wine and keep a loaf or two of fresh cut bread cubes around for delicious and simple dipping. Melt and serve atop potatoes, cauliflower or broccoli for a warm winter treat.
Boar's Head Oven Gold Roast Breast of Turkey
This sliced turkey is as good for you as it is good. When you want to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving just a little bit longer, we suggest serving this turkey with cranberry sauce on whole wheat bread. The flavors will linger, we promise. Boar's Head sliced meats and cheeses are high quality and delicious all year round.
Dietsch Brothers Chocolate Covered Pretzels
When you walk into The Hills Market, one of the first things you see is a rack of Dietsch Brothers Chocolate Covered pretzels from Findlay Ohio. They are our favorite for a reason. Taste one, and you'll see why. Available in dark, white and milk chocolate, Dietsch Brothers pretzels are sold year-round at The Hills Market and are perfect for gift baskets and hostess gifts.
Robert Rothschild Farm Anna Mae's Chocolate Cupcakes
Every year, Robert Rothschild Farm presents a new holiday item or two that we just love. These new cupcakes are the hit of 2008! Sweet and delightful, these peppermint chocolate cupcakes feature a lovely pink peppermint-infused frosting that adorns moist chocolate cakes. Try some today.
Mamma DiSalvo's Pasta Sauce
Anyone familiar with the Dayton area knows Mamma DiSalvo's restaurant in Kettering. This authentic Italian
restaurant has been a culinary destination for close to thirty years. We're pleased to be able to carry their famous pasta sauce made with a recipe that came from Mama DiSalvo, herself. Pick up a jar or two for your pantry and take delight in yet another wonderful Ohio product.
