Central Market’s offerings include everything from Hispanic-owned wines and cheeses, to gourmet chorizos, salsas and more.

New and noteworthy this year (dozens more in store):

Photo courtesy of Central Market

Chorizo de San Manuel: Since 1975 the Flores family has produced its famous pork chorizo in the Rio Grande Valley. Still family owned and run by Luis Flores III in Edinburg, Texas. Find multiple varieties including pork chorizo, beef chorizo and chicken chorizo.

                        Spanish tenderized octopus: Sourced from Spain and tumble tenderized in the U.S. using purified salt water. This delicacy has been featured by world-renowned chefs, including the hit TV series “Chopped.” Chefs recommend boiling for 15 minutes, shut off heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Season with olive oil, sea salt, parsley and grill for five minutes on each side.

                        Real Conservera Española: Gourmet canned seafood sourced from the Galician estuaries near Spain these include sea urchin, squid and cockles.

                        The Casa Market: Guava paste sold with and without pecans. The guava paste is sourced from authentic guava from Aguascalientes through a careful process to give perfect balance between consistency, flavor and aroma. Great paired with cheese.

                        La Newyorkina: Woman-owned paleta and ice cream brand produced in New York City. She got her start selling her products at a local New York market. Everything is handmade from scratch in small batches using only the best ingredients like Mexican vanilla and Oaxacan chocolate. This is a Central Market exclusive.

                        John & The Fruits: Started in 2017 by the Tinajero brothers, these paletas sold in four packs are produced with 100% natural fruits with water, milk– or yogurt-based flavors, which are naturally sweetened. This is a Central Market exclusive.

                        Monte Xanic Sauvignon Blanc, Vina Kristel 2021: Produced by Mexico’s first boutique winery, this special wine from the old estate grapes is harvested by hand from the single vineyard named Kristel. These vines average 50 years in age and deliver the most flavorful grapes of the Valle de Guadalupe terrior. Expressive notes of zesty citrus fruits such as grapefruit, key lime and Meyer lemon, complemented by fresh tropical fruit notes such as guava, melon and passionfruit. Ideal for seafood, fresh salads, grilled chicken, seafood and oysters. Also, enjoy it on its own as an aperitif.

                        Monte Xanic Rosé, Edicion Limitada 2021: One of the top wines for this Boutique winery. A limited edition made with the intention of honoring the Provence style of rosé wines, focused on minerality, freshness and elegance. Produced from the best Grenache grapes grown in the higher elevation and colder temperatures of Ojos Negros Valley in Baja, California. Bright, refreshing acidity with notes of ripe strawberries, blood oranges and grapefruit with hints of fresh herbs. A long and inviting finish. Pairs well with spicy foods, tuna, salmon, Mexican dishes, Asian cuisine and sushi. Excellent with fried foods and creamy, soft cheeses. Very versatile.

                        Don Juan Manchego Artensano 4M0: Raw sheep’s milk cheese made under the strictest conditions in southern Spain. Aged in modern “caves” that replicate the natural cycles of weather – temperature, humidity and air quality. Oak barrel and greenhouse herbs like lavender and thyme infuse the aging atmosphere.

                        Charlito’s Cocina Chorizo Seco (dry cured): An old-time classic made with heritage breed, pasture-raised pork, seasoned with a beautiful sea salt, mild paprika and garlic. The chorizo is dry cured for up to three months and is not heated or smoked. It is subtle and earthy – just powerful enough without overpowering. Serve it with greens, a nice baguette or simply on its own.

Polvorones de Canela: Also known as Hojarascas (Mexican wedding cookies), these bakery items are very buttery, shortbread like cookies with with crushed toasted pecans and spiced with cinnamon and rolled in powdered sugar.

                      Pastel de Elote: A very buttery, rich sweet corn bread made with condensed milk and white corn. Eaten as a dessert and usually served with vanilla ice cream or Cajeta.

                     Telera: French bread-style product with a thin crust with two typical indentations made with a wooden dowel. The perfect bread to create and authentic Torta sandwich.

Photo courtesy of Central Market

Central Market is also celebrating the flavors of Hispanic Heritage Month in our Virtual Cooking School Series. Customers will learn how to make delicious meals while learning new techniques and hearing stories from our experts in Hispanic cuisine. Classes are offered with cooking kits for pickup or virtual-only tickets with a shopping list sent prior to class for those who choose to shop for themselves.

This year’s featured chefs include:

• Chef Adán Medrano, food writer, chef, cookbook author and award-winning filmmaker, specializing in indigenous foods of Texas and the Americas. The online class will be held Monday, Sept. 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Menu includes Agua de Jamaica, Albondigas (chile ancho meatballs), cilantro rice and boiled greens beans.
• Chef Evelyn Garcia, Houston native, CIA graduate and finalist in the 19^thseason of Bravo’s Top chef. The online class is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 6, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Menu includes chorizo and cheese papusas, herbed curtido (Salvadorian spicy slaw) and salsa de tomate.

Click here for class information and registration.

This celebration is a part of Central Market’s Be the Change initiative which pledges to advance equality and inclusion across Texas. Be the Change provides tools and support for Central Market Partners, suppliers and community allies. To amplify diverse voices, Central Market is proudly sharing these stories and highlighting their products as well as services.

Photo courtesy of Central Market

The post Really into Comida first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Photo courtesy of Central Market

1.)   Shop the store: Social distancing measures will be in place. Central Market recommends shopping early to avoid holiday crowds.

2.)   Curbside or delivery: For the first time, Central Market’s Curbside pickup and delivery services will be available during the holiday. For these services, log onto www.centralmarket.com/shop.

3.)   Holiday Meals Express: Central Market is offering four chef prepared meals this year, plus a curated assortment of mains, side dishes and desserts. To order, log onto www.centralmarket.com/holiday.

Deadline to order for Christmas Eve is December 22 at noon.

• All-natural Oven-roasted Turkey Dinner with savory cornbread dressing, green beans with toasted almonds, holiday whipped Russet potatoes, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce and Brioche rolls, $139.99, serves 6 to 8 people.

o   For a smaller crowd, $99.99, serves 4 to 6 people.

• Apricot Ginger Glazed Ham Dinner: Hickory-smoked, spiral-sliced bone-in ham with apricot ginger glaze, savory cornbread dressing, green beans with toasted almonds, holiday whipped sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and Brioche rolls, $149.99, serves 6 to 8 people.
• Herb-encrusted Beef Tenderloin Dinner with herb au jus, jalapeño pecan dressing, green beans with toasted almonds, holiday whipped Russet potatoes and Brioche rolls, $249.99, serves 6 to 8 people.

Photo courtesy of Central Market

In addition, proteins can be ordered à la carte along with these side dishes: apple, walnut and coastal cheddar salad; butternut squash bisque; savory cornbread dressing; jalapeño pecan dressing; Italian sausage bread stuffing; green beans with toasted almonds; oven-roasted vegetables; roasted brussels sprouts; macaroni and cheese; holiday whipped sweet potatoes; holiday whipped Russet potatoes; cranberry sauce with orange and ginger, turkey gravy and tamales (beef and pork; bean and cheese; and chicken and tomatillo).

And back by popular demand, seven varieties of holiday pies including: Four Seasons pie; Freestone Peach pie; traditional apple pie, traditional cherry pie; pecan pie; and pumpkin chiffon pie.

Central Market also offers a special catering menu to celebrate Hanukkah. To place orders, simply call catering or stop by the catering desk at your favorite Central Market store.

• Hanukkah Dinner: Apple, walnut and coastal cheese salad, braised brisket, green beans with toasted almonds, holiday whipped Russet potatoes and Brioche rolls, $129.99, serves 6 to 8 people.
• Hanukkah Brunch: Egg casserole with smoked salmon and potatoes, Challah loaf, fresh mixed berries, and cold-pressed orange juice, $39.99, serves 4 to 6 people.

À la carte options include egg casserole with smoked salmon and potatoes, braised brisket, Harissa chicken, apricot chicken, roasted salmon with fennel and onion, Central Market signature chicken soup, traditional chopped chicken liver, fresh applesauce, classic baked brie, apple, walnut and coastal cheddar salad, kale salad with apples and candied pecans, traditional potato latkes, sweet potato latkes with ginger, cheese blintzes, holiday whipped Russet potatoes, traditional noodle Kugel, green beans with toasted almonds, grilled asparagus and over-roasted dill carrots.

Photo courtesy of Central Market

Central Market will also offer expanded holiday store hours: Friday, Dec. 18 through Wednesday, Dec. 23, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) closed.

Curbside and delivery will be available until 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day and will be available again starting Saturday, Dec. 26 at 10 a.m.

Lastly, Central Market offers these 2020 shopping tips:

• Plan ahead: create a shopping list
• Shop early:  Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before Christmas
• Shop evenings: Typically, the hours of 6 to 10 p.m. are less crowded
• Shop small: Limit to 2 shoppers per trip to help with crowds

The post Making the Most Merry: Central Market’s Holiday Express Meals first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.