This holiday season, create family favorites or culinary masterpieces from another culture or buy ready-
made meals from Sacramento’s varied ethnic food shops and grocery stores.
(credit: Linda J. Bottjer)
Morant’s Old Fashioned Sausages
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This place is meat heaven, especially for lovers of hand-crafted German-type meats. Savory smoked sausages include all-beef RIndswurst, bratwurst and Knackwurst. Chicken sausages, some filled with apples and herbs provide a lighter taste. Holiday party sandwich platters will be more delectable when made from a variety of liverwursts, teewurst and cooked salami. Perhaps your holiday plans include grilling? Morant’s savory selection includes meats from around the world, including Jalapeño cheese brats and Hungarian sausage. Andouille, Louisiana hot links and Tasso are also perfect for Cajun cooking, while Irish Bacon will start the day deliciously. Smoked hams and turkeys can be pre-ordered. Morant’s also offers German side dishes and cookies and chocolates during the holiday season.
(credit: Linda J. Bottjer)
Hours: Open daily 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
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Located in the middle of South Sacramento’s thriving Asian neighborhood, the Wing Wa offers an interesting mix of food and culinary items. Head to the back of the store for the freshest of meats and fish – literally the fish are still swimming in tanks. Although English is not widely spoken the signs are written in it. Their pork buns, Vietnamese shrimp rolls and gelatin desserts make delicious fare at holiday buffets. Tired of turkey? The roast duck, complete with dipping sauce, provides a sweet and savory substitution. Wing Wa also offers cans of vegan mock meat, won ton wrappers made without eggs and a wide variety of vinegars and Sriracha chili sauces. Also available are cooking baskets, implements and dishes in addition to holiday money enclosures and incense.
(credit: Linda J. Bottjer)
Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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Cross the Causeway on I-80 westbound and the bright blue and yellow sign of the Yolo Fruit Stand serves as a beacon to the freshest of fruits and nuts. If you thought fruitcake could be boring, make it with any of Yolo’s dried fruits and think again. Dried cherries, strawberries and pineapple are just a few in addition to locally harvested walnuts and almonds.
For those looking for healthy and unique offerings at holiday parties try wasabi covered pistachios or chili lemon mango. Middle Eastern cuisine devotees will appreciate the babaganoush and hummus, made from both chickpeas and pine nuts in the refrigerated cases and several types of basmati rice and grains like cracked wheat to make couscous and tabbouleh. Dried lentils and beans such as garbanzo, red kidney and lima when mixed with spices like ground lemon Omani can be transformed into hearty soups for casual holiday open houses. Freshly made lavash and baklavas will be welcome alternative at any office Christmas party heavy with store bought cookies.
(credit: Linda J. Bottjer)
Hours: Open daily 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
This supermarket offers everything, including piñatas, to make one’s holiday fiesta a happy one. Head to the meat department for the group of friendly young butchers will assist in both English and Spanish. Pig’s feet (patitas de puerco) can be turned into the savory stew “pozole” with hominy and dried cod (bacalao) is available for Christmas Eve recipes. The store’s bakery (panaderia) is also the place to pick up bolillos (French rolls) or pan dulce (sweet bread), among other baked goods to complete a festive meal.
(credit: Linda J. Bottjer)
Hours: Open Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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This small shop is a certified seller of Halal meat. Their lamb comes, in part, from Amador County.
For those short on time and long on ambition Red Sea offers marinated meats in addition to a good
selection of olives and spices to create a series of dishes from Africa and the Middle East.
Linda J. Bottjer is a full-time writer working in Sacramento. Follow her at www.words4sail.com.
