Spokane

Mar 12

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Angus Brands’ commitment to food safety

By Andrea Moretsky | Angus Meats, Announcements, Buy local, Food Service, Retail, Safety | No Comments

There are an abundance of questions and understandable concerns regarding the outbreak of the Coronavirus, especially in Washington State. Food Safety is one of them.

At Angus Brands, we want to assure our customers that we continue to go above and beyond USDA Food Safety mandates, incorporating our other four in-house Safety & Sanitary Policies, including basic Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s). Rest assured that the virus spread has no impact on food, food preparation, or food consumption. Additional information that supports this fact is available via this article from Meat & Poultry. At this time, we’ve also not had any interruption in our supply chain from our current vendors.

Additionally, we have guided our employees so they can know and understand the difference between a common cold, the flu, or if they have symptoms of this virus. We are all in at Angus Brands to get through this temporary crisis. Should any of you have need of further help, information, would like copies of the article I’ve referred to, and/or would like further information from the United States Department of Agriculture to post in your establishments, please let us know. We feel this virus crisis will be a passing setback, especially for our business, but we’re also #SpokaneStrong!

https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus

Tom Stachecki
President/ CEO
Angus Meats, Inc.

Jan 09

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10 years supporting Union Gospel Mission

By Andrea Moretsky | Angus Meats, Buy local, Community, Events, Food Service, News, Spokane news | No Comments

Ten years ago Union Gospel Mission found local sponsors to host their holiday meals. Their chef reached out to Angus Brands to help them secure prime ribs and hams for this yearly event.

We are proud to say this is our 10th year working with the Union Gospel Mission. We look for the best quality beef at the best price, we age it, and we hold it in our inventory until they are ready to cook.

The chefs at Union Gospel Mission have also started in-house training for those looking to get accreditation working outside the mission. Soups from scratch are part of this program. Angus Brands has donated thousands of pounds of bones to make soup stock from scratch.

We look forward to many more years supporting Union Gospel Mission.

Jan 03

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2018 Year In Review: What’s Ahead?

By Andrea Moretsky | Angus Meats, Buy local, Community, Dog bones, Food Service, Ground beef, News | No Comments

Recently I was asked how 2018 went for us and our company, and what do I expect for 2019. A mind full of answers came quickly. Each and everyone here at Angus Brands works very hard for our customers, and this past year was exceptionally challenging and progressive with new programs and products. Goals were accomplished and new ones set raising the bar yet again. So what new opportunity surfaced in 2018?

It began with a lot of questions from a retail grocery owner last May – “I have this need for my retail meat case. Is this possible? And, can you even do it?”

“Well,” I said, “Let’s find out!”

For me, in order to make good decisions you need and require reliable information. What was the question again? Oh … “Can Angus Brands create a Restaurant Quality Case-Ready Meat Program for Retail Stores that the average shopper will gravitate too?” The main line of items was initially supposed to be 6, but ended up to be 14 items. With lots of testing, label adjusting, and working out the minor details they received their first orders in November. I’m happy to report the grocer and their customers are very pleased and we are receiving very positive feedback.

How long does it take to measure success with a brand new program? Usually 2-3 years. Seems like a long time, but success does not happen overnight. Mostly it takes word-of-mouth; one pleased customer passing on the good news of a new exciting product to another at the store, at church, over coffee, or at the gym. So then, why did I invest so much time and effort into this new project? Because the market is changing yet again. Not only are consumers looking to buy products for their needs from a local reliable source, they are also changing where they shop and how they choose to shop. If you could choose between a Big Box Store and your own local neighborhood store, which would you prefer to support?

So, the last question: Am I looking forward to 2019? Without a doubt — Absolutely! Our Dog Beef Bone Program is flying off the retail shelf, and this new Restaurant Quality Case-Ready Meat Program is growing in awareness with grocery shoppers as word spreads, especially those who really want to support local.

One of my favorite things is to see another positive outcome for retail and restaurant customers that meets and satisfies the need for high quality easy to prepare products. I love what I do. As a local meat company, we are different. We thrive on new ideas and projects that are a good fit within our capabilities. So yes, I am very excited about what 2019 will be.

A very happy & prosperous New Year,

Tom Stachecki, Owner

Nov 27

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Treat your guests to mouthwatering appetizers for the holidays

By Andrea Moretsky | Angus Meats, Buy local, Food Service, Holidays, News, Recipes, Retail, Savory Choices | No Comments

For Tom and I, we pretty much have down time in December (whew!). The airports are crazy as is the unpredictable weather, so we don’t travel to Charlotte or California to see family, and wouldn’t think about driving to the west side. But most of you are now in the serious crazy thick of it; shopping, parties, family, decorating, wrapping, shipping, in the car all the time. What can I offer that would help make things easier for the hostess of the house?

You’ve probably outlined the main dinner, and are on top of the baking, snacks, etc.. I’d like to suggest a couple of easy prep and serve dishes that will be a nice surprise for your guests.

For this special time of year Angus Meats offers several combinations of wonderful mouth-watering appetizers that will quickly disappear off the plate. Take the edge off with Coconut Chicken Skewers, Teriyaki Beef & Chicken Skewers, Schwann Skewers, or plain Beef and Pork Skewers. Dip in your own sauces, or we have suggestions from Chef Jeff who can help with sides (just ask!). They’re so simple and easy to bake in the oven with a quick 15 to 20 minutes at 400°.

For breakfast, how about a fabulous meat treat to go along with the omelets and cinnamon rolls? Lean bacon is great of course, and the store brand sausage is sometimes a hit or miss proposition. For something really different and amazing, you must try our handmade Angus Meats Apple-Cranberry or Blueberry Peach Sausage Links (known as ‘Little Chubbies’). They are unbelievable with that “snap” casing and taste-bud pleasing wake-up flavor. Yum!

If you’re interested in either one of these specialty items you won’t find anywhere else, just give us a call at 509-482-7033. We’re always ready for you and in your neighborhood just south of Gonzaga Prep. Shop local!

Hope your holidays are delightful, celebrating family and good health!

Written by Leslie Stachecki

Nov 02

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Corned Beef for the holidays? Yes, please!

By Andrea Moretsky | Angus Meats, Buy local, Family, Food Service, Holidays, News, Retail | No Comments

Outside is shut down, right? You did your due diligence and got your screens, furnace filters and smoke/carbon monoxide alarms changed. Getting a breather yet? Nope.

Thanksgiving weekend is looming. School and college breaks with hungry mind-stressed kids added with visiting ‘special dietary concerns’ family is headed your way. More laundry, your kitchen is crowded and possessed, the TV is constantly on, plus there’s no hot water in the shower. Everyone is swarming you with questions and antidotes. I’d suggest a spa vacation at Northern Quest Casino, but that’s probably not gonna happen. Bummer.

I know the traditional Thanksgiving dinner is a given (everybody loves their favorites), but what do you serve the rest of the time? Nachos? It’s the classic for sure. Mac-n-cheese? It’s the staple of the south with every meal. Little ones dive right in.

How about something really different? How about a Hot Reuben or a Hot Corned Beef Special? Get some freshly made hoagie buns and let them pile on our Angus Meats (of course!) Corned Beef with all the fixings’ you already know about. Our Angus Meats Corned Beef is amazing and hand-turned for 21-days. So tender, easy to cook, and slice. My son-in-law loves it for breakfast with eggs, but, he’s from the south.

Whatever savory delight your family enjoys this holiday season, our Angus Brands’ family wishes you a warm and Happy Thanksgiving!

– Leslie Stachecki

Image credit: Photo credit: jeffreyw on Visualhunt.com / CC BY

Oct 11

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Fall foliage calls for stuffed green peppers

By Andrea Moretsky | Angus Meats, Buy local, Food Service, Ground beef, How to, Recipes, Retail | No Comments

The autumn colors are beautiful. That’s why we got married in October. We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary in Boston last year and it was a trip to remember, especially the lobster! Lobster cooked in so many ways I can’t recall them all.

That’s the upside of October here in Spokane; the amazing colors. Downside… I hate raking. Shuffling up to 15 bags of dead wet leaves and endless pine needles works up the appetite. Ultimately, it calls for the ‘big gun’ from my recipe box:

Stuffed Green Peppers

I take the biggest peppers I can buy and stuff them with our Angus Meats hand-made Italian Sweet Sausage (to die for!), browned with our Angus Meats 80/20 Ground Beef, Walla Walla Sweet Onions, of course mushrooms, and a mix of brown and white minute rice. Next, throw in some tomato bits, stir it all up, stuff the big green guys, and cover again with a garlic/onion tomato sauce. Bake at 350° covered for an hour. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese as it cools. It’s a tasty reward after raking leaves all day 🙂

This dish warms the tummy and the toes. Enjoy and happy fall!

Written by Leslie Stachecki

Sep 12

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Now featuring: Angus Meats Beef Bones with Marrow

By Andrea Moretsky | Angus Meats, Buy local, Dog bones, Food Service, News, Retail | No Comments

Selling like crazy, our 100% All-Beef Femur and Humorous Bones are vacuum packaged in small, medium, and large sizes delivered flash-frozen to a grocery store near you. You’ll find them in the frozen section in the Meat Departments of Yokes, Rosauers, Super 1, Harvest Foods, and Family Foods/Center Place Markets. If you don’t see them, ask for them!

Why are they so popular?

For culinary enthusiasts, these beef bones make for excellent over-the-top broths, soups, and stews. Roasting the marrow out of the bones with loads of garlic makes for a nice pâté on toast. Yum.
The best doggie treats around! Our bones help your dog’s gums and removes plaque off their teeth. This makes cleaning your dog’s teeth much less of a chore. Satisfying their natural urge to chew, bones keep a bored dog happy, busy, and more content. They love it!

*Safety Guidelines for Your Dog*

All-beef bones only! Vets agree that chicken and pork bones cause problems with splintering and bacteria which accumulate like concrete in a dog’s stomach. Some vets say the marrow needs to be completely cooked out because the marrow is mostly fat and the dogs don’t need those extra pounds.

To cook: Bake in a 350° oven sprinkled with garlic salt until most of the marrow is cooked away. Dogs love garlic and it’s better for them than smoked bones. Some vets say you can give your dog the bones right from the freezer because they love that cool sensation.

Be sure to select the right size of bone for your dog. Supervise your dog for possible choking, bleeding gums, or chipped teeth, and throw out the bone when it begins to fragment, or becomes small enough to swallow whole. Be easy on the treats too. To keep your dog healthy and weight managed, either less food and more treats, or less treats and more food.

*We encourage you to consult with your vet before introducing any new food items to their diet.*

Beef marrow

Jun 28

1

Harvest Foods and Angus Brands in front of meat counter

Angus Brands welcomes Walla Walla Harvest Foods!

By Andrea Moretsky | Angus Meats, Announcements, Bold Burger, Buy local, Community, Food Service, Grilling, Ground beef, News, Retail | No Comments

We are thrilled to welcome our newest customer, Harvest Foods, located in Walla Walla wine country. Nolan and Kathleen Lockwood have been running Harvest Foods in Walla Walla for many years and have over 50 employees. Walla Walla Harvest Foods features locally grown produce, bakers who bake from scratch, and a Deli Department that is happy to prepare special orders upon request.

Nolan has a plethora of experience in the retail food service arena and wanted to upgrade his Meat Department, making it easier to get quality cuts and additional products he knew his customers would love. A couple of weeks ago the Lockwoods traveled to Spokane to tour the Angus Brands plant in order to gain a better understanding of what we produce. Determining it was a good fit, Nolan immediately ordered our patties and beef bones. Last week, Tom and Leslie traveled to Walla Walla to view their store. Before the day was out, Walla Walla Harvest Foods and Angus Brands were officially partners!

Like Angus Brands, Harvest Foods is committed to supporting the local community by offering fresh, quality foods and personalized service. We are excited about the possibilities the future holds in this great relationship.

Apr 23

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Try our Apple Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin

By Andrea Moretsky | Angus Meats, Buy local, Food Service, Holidays, News | No Comments

Our Apple Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin is a great option for your Mother’s Day or Father’s Day menu.

Our chef carefully selects a premium pork loin and methodically butterflies it out. He generously overlays the inside of the pork loin with our own handcrafted apple, maple, and cranberry stuffing then rolls and ties it together, making the final product oven ready. So easy! Once roasted to perfection, remove the strings and carve on! To order, contact us at 509.482.7033.

Apr 23

0

Grilltastic spring ideas

By Andrea Moretsky | Angus Meats, Bold Burger, Buy local, Family, Grilling, Ground beef, How to, News | No Comments

Alrighty grill lovers. May is National BBQ Month! Now there’s a holiday I can really put my tongs around. Let’s celebrate this sucker with some Curry-style.

Here it goes.

First of all, this celebratory meal (or meals, right?) is going to be cooked entirely on the grill. I know what you’re thinking: “Hold on there Curry and don’t be in such a hurry!” Well, “Don’t-worry-Curry” has a plan. We are going to start with the main course. Beef, chicken, pork, even lamb all are in abundance during the spring. Question is, what sounds good to you and your family?

Next, we are going to cook all our complimentary vegetables on the grill. Yes, this can be done. You can use a special grilling pan made for vegetables that goes directly on the grills’ rack. If you don’t have one, cut your vegetables into portions, wrap them in foil, season them, and splash with a little olive oil. Place the packet on the grill and cook till al dente.

Can’t get enough corn-on-the-cob? Corn-on-the-cob cooked on the grill is one of the best preparation methods. The question is, are you supposed to shuck the corn? I cook my ears of corn leaving the husk on. Just soak them in a bucket of water for a few hours and then toss them on the grill. Shucking the corn is also an option, especially if your kids are looking for a chore (yeah, right!). Once shucked, place on the grill and fire away. Finish both methods of grilling by brushing on melted butter and sea salt.

How about grilled artichokes? Split smaller artichokes in half, toss in olive oil, season with your favorite blend, and grill until al dente. Other no-brainer options: Asparagus, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, all delectable grilled veggies! Just olive oil, season, and grill away.

On to the starches. One of the best ways I have found to cook starch is cooking in foil pouches. Cut the potatoes (Yukons, Reds, Russets) into slices or small chunks. Season with olive oil or butter, sprinkle with cheese and season with fresh or dried herbs. For yams and sweet potatoes: butter, brown sugar and cinnamon makes for a tasty treat.

Speaking of treats – pound cake grills great. No kidding. Spread both sides of a piece of cake with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar. Place on your grill and caramelize both sides. Serve with a scoop of ice cream and berry sauce, top with whip cream garnish with a mint sprig. Not a cake person? Take a peach or nectarine, split in half and grill away. You can also grill some pineapple and drizzle with a honey-cinnamon glaze. I guarantee your guests will be impressed!

Happy Grilling!

Written by Angus Brands’ Jeff Curry

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