Customer Appreciation Weekend was a huge hit with shoppers at Heinen’s Fine Foods in Barrington! They gave away roses, Barrington-themed tote bags and shared many delicious foods for guests to sample throughout the weekend. Speaking of Heinen’s customers, one of the store’s number one fans is the creator of Mama Jess Organic Pasta Sauces and Barrington mom, Jessica Grelle.
When I recently bumped into Jessica at Heinen’s, I noticed an interesting selection of foods in her shopping cart. And because Jessica is known for bringing “healthy” and “homemade” back to the dinner table with her organic pasta sauces, I asked if she’d clue me into some of her favorite healthy foods and kids’ snacks she buys at Heinen’s. Jessica’s shopping list is the inspiration for this week’s edition of Barrington EATS, our regular series about food, cooking and dining right here in Barrington. Thanks for sharing, Jessica…
Mama Jess’ Heinen’s Shopping List
by Jessa Grelle, Barrington Mom & Creator of Mama Jess Organic Pasta Sauces
Maché Rosettes – Epic Roots
I love maché. It’s great alone as salad greens or tossed with other greens. It lends itself to chopped ingredient salads. I used to drive around to find maché at gourmet grocers – so thank you Heinen’s for bringing it to 60010. Enjoy!
Celery, organic
Seems pretty simple but celery is staple in my family and we are particular on the freshness of celery. Kudos to Heinen’s for carrying the fresh stuff! I can tell when my celery is fresh if it has a clean taste, free of any bitter or dirty notes. Also, it’s such a disappointment to cut into a newly bought stalk and see dried out white insides.
Delicious Sprouted Salad – The Sproutman
Sprouts – this perfectly packaged little salad is just what you need to reap the benefit of weekly sprouts in your diet. Again – not found in our zip till Heinen’s came to town
GoodBelly – Mango Probiotic Juice Drink
If you follow our blog, you already know what a fan of Goodbelly & probiotics I am. This is my favorite flavor that Heinen’s carries. They also just started carrying GoodBelly shots -those are great as well.
Whole Grain Pizza Dough – Papa Sals
I took a chance this one hectic school night and it paid off. I usually make my own whole wheat pizza crust, but when I make deep dish veggie pizzas my kids now request Papa Sals (guess I need to work on my recipe or stick to thin crust!). You can’t go wrong for $1.29. Grab a jar of Bean Good, loads of fresh veggies and a sprinkle of cheese (I like Fontina) and you’ll have one of the best pizzas you’ve ever made. Of course, breaking apart the dough for individual pizzas is always a hit.
Good ‘n’ Raw ChiZee Kale Chips
Goodness Kale! Kale is a superfood and if you haven’t figured out how you like to prepare and eat it, these Kale Chips are a perfect way to incorporate kale in your diet. They are a treat!
Go Raw Pumpkin Seed Bar
Go Raw is one of my favorite brands in the natural food industry. These sprouted Pumpkin Seed bars are my all-time-favorite on-the-go snack bar. They are made of only whole foods, no sneaky protein powders.
Flackers – Dill – by Dr. in the Kitchen
Again – another favorite I often talk about. I am so happy to see Heinen’s carry the Dill flavor. It has been dropped at some other local stores, so I now stock up at Heinen’s. You must eat Omega 3’s every day – here is one delicious way I get mine.
Tinkyada Organic Brown Rice Penne Pasta
Mama Jess’ favorite pairing with our sauces. Brown rice pasta noodles, made from North American grown rice.
Raincoast Crisps – Fig & Olive or Cranberry Hazelnut
Wine, cheese & crackers anyone? Best party cracker ever! Don’t leave the box around, they will be inhaled!
Amish Popcorn – Baby White Kernel
Popcorn is a favorite after school snack in my house. I always look for non-GMO corn and this fits the bill. We love the smaller kernel size. We pop this up oil-free and have a tasty, inexpensive snack.
Heinen’s Citrus Cod
If you haven’t discovered the little cooler across from the seafood counter, you need to check it out! Heinen’s puts daily prepared fish filets there. We have tried a couple and have a favorite – this Citrus Cod. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes (till golden). It’s delicious! Cod is a pretty plain white fish but Heinen’s dresses it up so well.
Pierre’s Rootbeer Float Ice Cream
This isn’t exactly a health food but it is certainly a light treat. This ice cream is low in fat and has a refreshing combo of rootbeer sorbet with a vanilla light ice cream. This is such a big hit in my house, we can’t believe other ice cream companies haven’t thought of this quintessential flavor yet! Enjoy and stock up when they go on sale, you won’t be sorry!
Mama Jess Garden Good 5 Veggie Pasta Sauce
Mama Jess Bean Good Pasta Sauce, Mama Jess Bien Good Pasta & Enchilada Sauce $5.99
And last but not least – our own organic pasta sauces! We are so happy that Barrington shoppers can pick up our convenient, healthy meal in a jar! Perfect for pasta night or Meatless Mondays. Check out all our delicious recipes at mamajess.com.
We’ll let you know the next time Mama Jess will be back offering samples of our sauces in Heinen’s demo theater and we look forward to seeing you shopping the aisles of Heinen’s soon!
Heinen’s Fine Foods is located at the Shops at Flint Creek, 500 N. Hough Street, in Barrington, Illinois. They’re now open from 8:00 a.m. To 8:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Click HERE to follow them on Facebook or find them online at HeinensBarrington.com.
