SHOPPING GUIDE 005
Written by Marcus McKissic
I was honored to have the opportunity to author the Capital City Market’s ‘12 Days of Local’ blog. As a longtime Lansing local, being presented with the opportunity to try out Michigan based products that I could find right here at the grocer that I shop the most, was too awesome to pass up. What I learned is that there is not only high quality, unique local products but that they are crafted and cared for and it is apparent with each product that I tried. It made me proud to be a Michigander. Capital City Market has a wide range of women owned, black owned, Lansing owned and Michigan owned products that I never knew about. And to be able to highlight items from a Mid-Michigan dairy farm or a Detroit based candle maker definitely made me feel the holiday spirit even more.
Day 1
Country Style Pork Ribs from Sandhill Meat
Ideal For: Crockpot masters and beginners alike
These flavorful and tender ribs are perfect for anyone that loves to come home to a house filled with the aroma of a dinner that is already finished. Any one who is used to being on the go during the holiday season will love Sandhill Meats Country Style pork ribs as they navigate schedules and great food. While most holiday gatherings may feature a nice roast, you can put a twist on supper with country style ribs that can be paired with a wide array of side dishes. Getting the best meat you can find from a Mid Michigan dairy farm is also bound to win you holiday kudos!
Day 2
LanoSkin by Chickapea Farms
Ideal For: Wintery Dry skin
Picked up this small jar of lanolin to help with the perpetual case of wintery dry skin that comes inherent in any Michigan winter. I was not only pleasantly surprised to find that the lanolin balm that had a hint of lavender in it felt amazing on my skin an lips. When I dove deeper to learn more about the product I was floored by “Tay’s Story” that I found on the Chickapea Farms website. What I thought just to be a skin salve to get me through the season, quickly has become something that I will make a point of visiting the Capital City Market to get from here on out.
Day 3
Soul Amazing: Mini Sweet Potato Pie
Ideal For: Small Gatherings & Thoughtful Gifters
These bite sized little corners of heaven should be a gift for any person who, like me, can't cook an actual sweet potato pie. Soul Amazing produced a dessert that would immediately invoke thoughts of “so when are we going to eat these?” Candied pecans are a welcomed addition to this holiday staple adding taste and texture. The sweet potato filling is pronounced and smooth. Served in little silver and gold foil cups the presentation will pronounce you as the talk of the next Friendsgiving.
Day 4
Stuck On Michigan Stickers
Ideal For: Proud Michiganders
Ironically, these fresh original Stuck on Michigan designs can be found on the Michigan Ave side of the Capital City Market. An array of stickers is a great gift for people that love to adorn their cars, or like me their computers with stickers. Stuck on Michigan has expertly captured the different elements of our great state and eye grabbing compositions from the Blue Moon Ice Cream motif to the Night Sky sticker. Simple gifts are often the best.
Day 5
Lift Up Local Gift Cards
Ideal For: Literally Everyone
It’s the holidays and you are heading to an office party or having dinner at a friend's house and you want to bring something special. You want to bring something unique and memorable. Check out the “Lift Up Local” gift rack located by the liquor counter and choose gift certificates from a dozen different local businesses ranging from Jalapenos to the Nuthouse. Gifts certificates from Grace Boutique and Impressions 5 are rare gems that will make your gift both thoughtful and exclusive.
Day 6
Rove Soapsheets
Ideal For: Anyone on the Go / Eco Conscience
This is a great stocking stuffer for anyone that loves to travel or go camping or simply wants to leave a smaller footprint when they leave, than when they came. These bio degradable small sheets of soap smell natural and fresh which is great while in the bathroom of a stadium and there happens to be no soap left. The container is small and able to fit in a pocket or purse and can easily save the day. Especially for parents while traveling. Rove was born of necessity and responsibility. From the emerging need to have the ability to wash your hands wherever you are, while also being eco-responsible never compromising either.
Day 7
Chateau Grand Traverse Mich Mash Riesling 2019
Ideal For: The Guest
When invited to a holiday function, many wouldn't dream of showing up empty handed and wine is almost always an excellent gift. The beautiful part about the Mich Mash line from Chateau Grand Traverse is the flavor that the wine holds is nothing short of memorable.The Riesling is soft and light pairing well with almost any dinner or dessert party you may show up to. The taste makes you want to try all the different wines in their Mich Mash line and the artwork on the bottle is also an eye grabber so you can't miss it. Honestly, you may need to grab 2 bottles, one to bring and one for you!
Day 8
Bake Treats Cinnamon Roll
Ideal For: The Sweet Tooth
There are few things that scream holidays more than the aroma of desserts. If you’re lucky enough to find these gems in the bakery section of Capital City Market you will not be disappointed. Bake Treats has outdone themselves with these cinnamon rolls. Such a simple twist on a sweet staple that makes all of the difference in the world. The glaze is smooth and tasty enough that you’ll want to bring these rolls to ANY holiday gathering whether it's after dinner, during parties or simply with a weekend breakfast.
Day 9
Classique Gifts & Bakes Dark Chocolate Almond Scone
Ideal For: The Morning Person
We all know a person that has a morning routine that generally consists of coffee and something fast and easy to eat on the go. These Classique dark chocolate almond scones are perfect for that person that has to be everywhere before the sun comes up. It touts a perfect buttery scone with the sweet crunch of almond and dark chocolate that everyone loves. The Canton, MI company prides itself on baking from scratch and that love and care shines in their products. This is a perfect gift for yourself or anyone that has a busier holiday schedule than usual and wants something to grab and go.
Day 10
Browndog Creamery Choc & Rye Faygo Ice Cream
Ideal For: EVERYONE
Browndog has potentially created a monster out of me with their Choc & Rye Faygo Ice Cream. Could there be anything more Michigan than this wonderful creation the Farmington based creamery created? A smooth blend of the oh so familiar taste of Rock & Rye pop with chocolate chunks that combine into pure bliss. Browndog has a roster of these flavors that beg to be tried. What better time to get some for yourself and if you are feeling festive, maybe someone else. But honestly, that might just be an afterthought.
Day 11
Brazilian Oven Cheese Bread Rolls
Ideal For: The Dinner Party Host
If you happen to enjoy hosting, making different dishes during the holiday season or simply eating, these mild jalapeno cheese bread rolls are an excellent appetizer. Brazilian Oven out of Portage, MI brings the traditional Brazilian staple to your table and most likely will become a staple of your house as well. Plus, they’re gluten free! Easy to make and even easier to eat, if you have a large family or gathering, grab a few bags because these become so easy to indulge in, you’ll run out fast!
Day 12
Blossom Bright’s Midnight Mahogany Candle
Ideal For: Candle Lovers and Gift Givers
The way a candle can transform a room, a house and even holidays into beautiful memories is second to none. Holiday memories are often triggered by smells of all sorts and this is a perfect way to capture the season. Blossom Bright is born from a pair of black women who crafted beauty… into aromatic candles. The way the fragrance lasts and the ease at which it transforms the mood in your space, is perfect for that special person you know that loves candles. Actually it’s perfect for you AND that person you were looking for a gift for. This is a holiday winner.
