Twinkling lights hung on trees and garlands, warm candles glowing in windows through gently falling snow, laughter and gift exchanges and tables full of food. The winter holiday season is upon us again, and we here at Harmony are looking forward to celebrating with you. We carry a selection of local, unique, and flavorful products to delight, inspire and nourish the body and the soul.
Harmony proudly sells from a number of local vendors; we make every effort to source and promote items made or grown in the Bemidji/northern Minnesota area. If you’re traveling out of town for the holidays this year – or receiving guests from elsewhere – sharing the northwoods bounty through locally grown maple syrup, honey, or honeyberry jam is a delicious and thoughtful treat. We have artisanal pickles, flavored culinary vinegars, gourmet soup mixes and a large selection of books from local authors. Red Lake Nation Foods' wild rice flour and pancake mix (and mouth-watering fruit syrups and jams) are hand-harvested and represent the cultural heritage of the Red Lake Nation. No matter what, buying from local artisans doesn't just help them directly but the community at large, as the money then recirculates to their employees and suppliers as well.
For a truly unique gift, consider making your own! From essential oil sugar scrubs to lip balm and beyond, there’s no end to the creative, heartfelt, and one-of-a-kind DIY gifts possible. Our bulk spice and herb section is a great place to stock up on ingredients, and we have a variety of jars, bottles, and containers perfect for filling with presents. Harmony carries the Aura Cacia brand of essential oils and carrier oils. And for those who truly have everything, a Harmony Co-op gift card is always welcome - it's the perfect stocking stuffer. We’ve listed a few of our favorite ideas here: https://www.harmonyfoods.coop/holiday-staff-picks
No matter what, how, and where you're celebrating, the most important thing on your mind should be eating delicious food – not stressing out about meal planning or cleanup. From appetizer to dessert and even the plates you eat off, Harmony wants to help you every step of the way.
How about a plate of charcuterie or Cheddar curated by royalty? That’s right, we have Bemidji’s own Cheese Queen in the house! You may have heard shoppers refer to our perishables manager Mackenzie as the "Cheese Queen" before or heard one of her expert interviews on KAXE on your drive to work one morning. It always makes her blush...No matter what you call her, she would LOVE to talk about all things cheese with any one at any time! Is there something you are looking for that you can't find? Please ask! She can't wait to talk about cheese with you! It’s not just dairy cheese, either – Harmony carries a wide selection of vegan and dairy-free cheese products.
Trying to snack a little healthier this holiday? Our Harmony deli veggie tray is the perfect finger food for just about everybody with its bright, fresh variety of freshly-cut crudites. Grab some house-made hummus or an artisanal mustard for dipping and you won't have to worry about anything other than when it's your turn to eat. Our produce section has an even greater variety (though you'll have to cut up your own); we even have local carrots, squash, microgreens and more for unbeatable freshness. Don't sweat cleanup, either - we carry fully compostable plates, bowls, cups, and utensils to take the work and the guilt out of doing the dishes.
Sweet treats are an important part of the holiday season for many of us, whether it be baking or just eating something delicious. The Good Food Deli carries all kinds of tasty treats, including vegan and gluten-free options! For those of you inspired to make your own, there are options for all skill levels, taste preferences, and dietary needs – from gluten-free cake mixes to flours, sweeteners, and sprinkles for the from-scratch bakers. You'll definitely want something warm to wash it down with, so a new kind of tea, piping hot mulled cider, an organic fair trade coffee or the traditional hot cocoa will never go amiss (make sure to grab some vegan marshmallows for on top, of course). Sparkling juice or water is an all-ages fancy favorite- think about setting up a "mocktail" bar with tonic water, vinegar shrubs, and a variety of juices.
It's no coincidence that so many cultures and traditions worldwide have a celebration this time of year- the darkest, chilliest time of year is the perfect occasion to throw up some lights and eat some warm, tasty food while showing your friends and loved ones that you care about them and want them to be happy. Whether you express that over a video call or by mailing presents, baking cookies, or sipping cocoa after a day of skiing or sledding - if you're celebrating, Harmony is celebrating right along with you. We're so lucky to be a part of the Bemidji community, and we're looking forward to many more years of celebrations!