Quoting Ruth Haffly to Jim Weller <=-
Starbucks ...
I see more opening than closing
That's true; they are still expanding in some places and also
entering new markets.
they recently backed out of the deal I put
together for a KFC, a Taco Bell and a Starbucks to operate jointly
out of one large lot that I had sold for a local developer to a
Toronto investor. He is now looking for a third business to fill the
now vacant third spot. (We are already over-served by a number of excellent independents who have very loyal followers.)
Sounds like Starbucks felt they couldn't compete with the
independents.
You are correct there. A bunch of their HQ people were in
Yellowknife this summer and we went around for a drink at each one
and to check out their places while we talked about demographics,
average household income and so on. They were surprised at how high
their labour costs were going to be. Our legal minimum wage is
$12.50 but the fast food industry has to pay $17 and benefits to
attract and retain staff.
MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.06
Title: Stuffed Mini-Pumpkins
Categories: American, Holiday, Vegetables, Stuffing
Yield: 8 Servings
8 Mini-pumpkins
3 lb Garnet yams
1/2 c Pumpkin seeds; hulled
(pepitas)
1/2 c Seedless raisins
FOR MOROCCAN SPICE MIX:
1 ts Ground allspice
2 ts Ground nutmeg
1 1/2 ts Ground black pepper
20 Threads saffron; crushed
1 1/2 ts Ground mace
2 ts Ground cardamom
2 ts Ground ginger
2 ts Salt
1 ts Ground cinnamon
TO FINISH:
1 c Chicken broth
3 tb Butter
1/4 c Olive oil
3 Onions; thinly sliced
2 tb Brown sugar
1 ds Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash and dry mini-pumpkins and yams,
place on foil-lined baking sheet and bake about 25 minutes, or
until pumpkins are easily pierced with a sharp knife. Remove
pumpkins and let cool. Return yam s to oven for about 50 minutes
more, or until soft to touch. Time will vary with size and shape
of yams. Toast pumpkin seeds 5-10 minutes on a separate baking
sheet while yams are roasting, keeping watch so they don't burn.
They'll start popping when they're done. Salt lightly and set
aside.
Plump raisins by pouring boiling water over them to cover in a
small bowl and let stand 10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
To prepare spice mix: Place all ingredients in a small jar with
lid, seal and shake to mix. Store in a cool, dark place or freeze.
When pumpkins are cool enough to handle, cut out top as if you
were carving a jack-o'-lantern, cutting down into pumpkin rather
than slicing across. Scrape out seeds with a spoon, removing all
stringy material from core, and set aside.
When yams are done, cool slightly. Slip off skin, place flesh in a
large bowl and mash with a hand-held potato masher until smooth.
Stir in broth, butter if you desire, and 4 teaspoons of spice mix.
Salt and pepper to taste. Spoon puree into pumpkins.
Recipe can be made ahead to this point, covered and refrigerated
up to a da y until you're ready to put it all together.
On serving day, heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium high
and add onions. Saute, stirring occasionally, until softened;
about 5 minutes. Reduce heat, stir in sugar and cook on low until
onions begin to turn golden brown, 20-30 minutes. Stir in raisins
and set aside.
If pumpkins have been refrigerated, remove and bring to room
temperature. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon onion and raisin
mixture atop puree-filled pumpkins and bake about 20 minutes, or
until warmed through. Top with a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds and
serve.
Recipe By: in SJ Merc.
MMMMM
Cheers
Jim
... Hey Starbucks, I refuse to use your made up words. Just gimme a coffee
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