Whole Foods Thanksgiving & Christmas Options

By Samantha Dockser

The holidays certainly came early this year. As a student at the University of Miami, I frequent the Whole Foods Market in Coral Gables on a monthly, if not weekly, basis. But as I walked in tonight, the smell of freshly roasted turkey, sweet cinnamon, and chocolate wafted through the entire store. I couldn’t help but feel like I was already home up north for Thanksgiving Break. Whole Foods Thanksgiving holiday tasting gave me a warm, fuzzy, very full feeling that only the seasonal treats of Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas and Hanukah, can provide.

As I entered Whole Foods’ Lifestyle Center, I was met with cheerful and knowledgeable staff. I was first directed towards the cheese and wine tasting. Now, I am not usually a cheese girl, so I was reticent to taste too much. But after tasting the Melkbus 149 Truffle Gouda, I’m a believer. This farmstead raw-milk Gouda cheese with shavings of black Italian truffles practically melted in my mouth. I was in heaven. Following that, I tasted a very sweet Cabot Catamount Hills Cheddar, the second of Whole Foods’ “Certified Cheese Professional Holiday Picks.” Both cheeses left my mouth watering for more.

I was next escorted towards the Whole Foods Thanksgiving sommelier, who immediately handed me a glass of sparkling Madame Liberte Brut Domaine Richel. He stated that this would be his drink of choice New Year’s morning. And after tasting it, I think it might be mine as well. So sweet, making the perfect drink with which to celebrate. Next I tasted a White Vin de Savio Apremont, which paired beautifully with a Pear Herbes de Provence and Pear Stuffed Brie. The Brie nicely balanced the light sweetness from the pear in the wine, and the undertones of oregano further created a depth of flavor. Lastly, I tasted a Red Joel Gott Crenache Wine, which paired with Whole Foods’ Grass Fed Double Crème Brie with fig preserves, dried cranberries, and walnuts. It was much sweeter Brie than the pear, further enhanced by the earthy flavor of walnut.

It took every ounce of self-control to tear myself away from the cheese, but once I spotted the buffet of prepared foods, I was at peace again. The first of the stand out of the Whole Foods Thanksgiving warm dishes was the Harvest Roasted Root Vegetables. The autumnal medley of squash, potatoes, carrots, and onions were a feast not only for the mouth, but for the eyes as well.

My absolute favorite dish of the evening would have to be the Noodle Kugel. The moment I saw it I became excited; I had been craving my mother’s kugel all fall. Made with noodles, cream cheese, cinnamon and raisins, this sweet delicacy practically melted in my mouth. Without a doubt, the best kugel I’ve ever had (sorry Mom.)

Just when I thought I couldn’t eat another bite, I found my way over to the array of seasonal desserts. I was immediately taken by the Holiday Stollen: a German fruit bread covered with powdered sugar and filled with almond paste. It was sweet, and the bread much lighter than I imagined it would be. The powdered sugar and the almond paste were a dessert match made in heaven. Another favorite dessert of the night was the Pumpkin Cheesecake. Light and fluffy, this holiday hybrid deserves a seat at the Thanksgiving table.

I finished the night by downing a cup of Allegro Celebration Caffe Coffee and cup of Holiday Drinking Chocolate. You could have rolled me right down US1 after the feast I consumed. I left in an all too familiar food coma that can only come after devouring warm, fresh, delicious holiday treats. The Whole Foods Thanksgiving & Christmas tasting left me feeling I was already home for the holiday. I can only hope the spread waiting for me up north in a week is half as good as the one tonight. I’m sure it will be. Mom and Dad, no pressure.