I believe in New Year’s Resolutions. In fact, 2012 marked our 20th year of writing a list of what we planned to accomplish in the coming year. Once the list is completed, we sign it, seal it in an envelope and store it until  the ‘grand opening’ on New Year’s [...]]]> Off to a healthy start in 2012!

I believe in New Year’s Resolutions. In fact, 2012 marked our 20th year of writing a list of what we planned to accomplish in the coming year. Once the list is completed, we sign it, seal it in an envelope and store it until  the ‘grand opening’ on New Year’s Day of the following year. We’re always surprised by how many of our resolutions reach the 100% accomplished status… and how many bog down at 10%.

That’s why, when  Lisa, a new customer/fan from Seattle, sent Cream of the West this  ‘Resolution’ email, it grabbed my attention:

“Like most embarking on a New Year’s resolution to lose weight through clean-eating, I know I’m supposed to eat oatmeal but don’t because it tastes like glue when prepared healthfully. So I hit the cereal aisle in search of something tastier – that’s when your nostalgic cowboy artwork caught my eye. Everything on your box sold me: the cowboy with a cup of coffee and the beautiful sunrise background. This is hot cereal? Really? Sweet! Oh, wait, is this actually healthy? I opted for the Roasted 7-Grain after being impressed with the ingredients list. I excitedly made my first batch (on the stove top with water, no salt). I knew instantly that it would be great by that toasted caramel color. And it was! Only added a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra antioxidants; but, the taste doesn’t need to be improved any!” Lisa added: “I enjoyed it so much that I placed an online order, can’t wait to try your other products and add your beautiful artwork tins … to my kitchen décor. Also ‘Liked’ you on Facebook and added your product information to the iPhone apps: MyNetDiary and Fooducate.”

Thanks Lisa for a great start to our new year! Cream of the West is ready and willing to partner with you in fulfilling  your ‘clean-eating’ resolution.

P.S.  If you give Roasted Ranch Oats a try, I think you’ll discover that healthy oatmeal can be delicious!

I’ve has been experimenting with whole wheat bread [...]]]> The difference IS describable! This just in from Jim, one of our organic flour customers: “Baked my first loaf with the Unbleached Wheat on Wednesday and got raves from all taste testers to date.  They noted the “difference” and it was positive; best described as a smooth and hearty taste.”

I’ve has been experimenting with whole wheat bread recipes to replicate the homemade bread my grandmother (Anna) used to bake. I used a combination of white and whole wheat flours, local sweet clover honey, and our Roasted Wheat cereal for even more whole wheat flavor, and I think I just may have nailed it! Read on for the recipe.

Whole Wheat Bread

1 7/8 cups water
2 tsp. yeast
2 Tbsp. honey
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups GBO Unbleached Wheat Flour
1/2 cup COTW Roasted Wheat Cereal
1 Tbsp. kosher salt (or 1 1/2 tsp. table salt)

Grease 2 loaf pans with spray oil. Mix and knead dough in bread machine, heavy-duty mixer, or by hand. Cover and let rest for 1 hour or so. Dump dough onto an oiled surface and cut in half. Working with one piece at a time, gently shape into somewhat of a square or rectangle and then pull both long ends in toward center, sealing and tucking ends in. Roll over so the seam side is down and gently work into the shape of your loaf pan; place dough in pan. If you haven’t deflated the dough too much, this process should take only a few seconds. Repeat with second piece, cover pans and let rise for 1 1/2 hours. Remove cover and bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Immediately turn bread out from pans and let cool on wire rack. Yield: 2 loaves.

And we’re borrowing Jim’s holiday sentiment to pass along to each of you:

Wishing You All The Best This Holiday Season. You’ve made for a Grand One here!

~Alicia and Susan

Today’s came in the form of a handwritten letter from Oregon, which read, “Thank you for continuing the supply of Cream of the West!” Arnold, who is 96—just  two [...]]]> Some days I really question why we work so hard (usually it’s right when I’m coming down with a cold). Then we get a “friendly reminder” that makes it all worthwhile.

Today’s came in the form of a handwritten letter from Oregon, which read, “Thank you for continuing the supply of Cream of the West!” Arnold, who is 96—just  two years younger than Cream of the West—went on to describe how he and his sister would walk past the Cream of the West plant on their way to the Kate Fratt Memorial School in Billings in the 1920’s. Memories like that… and the people who take the time to share them… make me proud that we’re still a thriving Montana business. Thanks for the kudos and the memories, Arnold. You made my day!

One of the newest members of our production crew, Sarah juggles her part-time work at CW with being a student, driving her 3 children over 30 miles to/from school and being a full-time ranch wife and mother.

Duty called at noon [...]]]> Although Rosie the Riveter doesn’t work at Cream of the West, Sarah the Forklift Driver does!

One of the newest members of our production crew, Sarah juggles her part-time work at CW with being a student, driving her 3 children over 30 miles to/from school and being a full-time ranch wife and mother.

Duty called at noon last week in the form of a Sysco driver who needed us to off-load a pallet of goods from his semi. We three woman–the only ones there at the time–had never driven a forklift. Declaring “it can’t be too different than driving a tractor,” Sarah climbed aboard the forklift, turned it on and headed into the bowels of the semi trailer. She picked up the pallet, backed out, whirled around and unloaded the pallet like she’d been driving a forklift all of her life.

Never underestimate the many skills of a Ranch Woman!

Think Tin-Tin Celebration (the duo is a GREAT buy) for hostess gifts…or dorm gifts…or office party gifts! Think Outdoorsman’s Breakfast for your favorite camper. Think Come And Get It for [...]]]> We’re unveiling our new Facebook ad today – featuring Cream of the West’s beautiful gift items. Order soon to guarantee Christmas delivery for everyone on your list!

Think Tin-Tin Celebration (the duo is a GREAT buy) for hostess gifts…or dorm gifts…or office party gifts! Think Outdoorsman’s Breakfast for your favorite camper. Think Come And Get It for busy moms, providing her with full-sized packages of our Montana Crunch, 7-Grain Buttermilk Flapjack Mix, and Cowboy Seasoned Breading Mix – complete with dinner bell! Think Christmas Crate for those hard-to-buy-for inlaws, featuring a sampling of our favorite products and locally made honey and syrup! And think Chuckwagon, a whopper of a gift that says, “I love you Mom & Dad!” or “I’d really love that promotion!” or “Missing you and our chats across the fence!”

We’ll enclose a beautifully designed Cowboy Christmas Card highlighting your personal sentiment and drop ship anywhere.

There! You’ve just completed ALL your holiday shopping…and we did all the thinking for you!

Enjoy a blessed December and we look forward to hearing from you! (And let us know if you come across our Facebook ad )

Take 20% off any 3 or more gift items during our “GIVE the GIFT of HEALTH” 12-hour event. From 8:00am to 8:00pm MST, Friday November 25th, visit us online and take care of all your healthy Holiday shopping in one [...]]]>

FRIDAY ONLY!!

Take 20% off any 3 or more gift items during our “GIVE the GIFT of HEALTH” 12-hour event. From 8:00am to 8:00pm MST, Friday November 25th, visit us online and take care of all your healthy Holiday shopping in one fell swoop!

Check out our spring “FLOUR” POWER sale! We’ve slashed prices on 5-pound bags of select whole grain flours.

hard red whole wheat, unbleached     $3.85 whole wheat four, unbleached     $4.10 corn flour     $3.85 buckwheat flour     $5.50 spelt flour     $6.30 medium rye flour     $3.60 whole wheat pastry flour   [...]]]>

Check out our spring “FLOUR” POWER sale! We’ve slashed prices on 5-pound bags of select whole grain flours.

hard red whole wheat, unbleached     $3.85
whole wheat four, unbleached     $4.10
corn flour     $3.85
buckwheat flour     $5.50
spelt flour     $6.30
medium rye flour     $3.60
whole wheat pastry flour     3.90