Sundried Tomato Dip from Lakewinds Natural Foods in Minnetonka

Sundried Tomato Spread

This savory spread was available at the deli counter of Lakewinds Natural Foods in Minnetonka, Minnesota, in the late 1990s. It’s good on crackers or a sandwich, but the deli said they like to spread this on a slice of French bread and place it under the broiler until bread is crisp around the edges and the spread is bubbly.

Servings: 0 cups

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Ingredients

• ½ c. sundried tomatoes
• 8 oz. cream cheese softened
• 1 clove garlic minced

Instructions

• Place sundried tomatoes in a small saucepan, add enough water to cover, bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Remove from heat and steep for 5 minutes.
• Drain off water and purée in food processor or blender.
• Blend sundried tomatoes, minced garlic and cream cheese until combined.
• Store in an airtight container.

About Lakewoods Natural Foods

Lakewinds Co-op in Minnetonka, Minnesota, began in 1972 when three friends sought healthy, natural foods from local sources to feed their families. Initially, they ordered food in bulk, took what they needed, and offered the remaining items to neighbors at low prices, establishing themselves as the Minnetonka Buying Club. 

As word spread, they expanded their operation by taking bulk orders, purchasing from local farms, and distributing goods from their homes. Recognizing a growing market for locally sourced, natural food, the friends invited customers to purchase shares in a small co-op-style market to enhance their business. 

In 1975, with the support of their new members, they opened a small natural food store in a little red shack located on the grounds of St. Luke’s Church and incorporated as the St. Luke’s Community Co-op. 

Before shopping at the red shack, members washed their hands upon entering the store. They would shop from large cotton and burlap bags or waxed cardboard containers filled with various bulk items, including dried beans, flour, nuts, and peanut butter. Customers took the desired amount from the bulk offerings, put it into their own containers from home, weighed it, recorded the weight, and paid the cashier who was often another member taking their turn at the register. 

The business thrived, necessitating a move from the red shack to a larger storefront near the intersection of Highway 101 and Minnetonka Boulevard in 1983. By 1989, further expansion was required, but they remained in the same area. That same year, the co-op rebranded as Lakewinds Natural Foods. 

In 1995, they made their final move to a much larger store at the same convenient intersection. Instead of relocating again in 2005, Lakewinds opened a second location in Chanhassen. A third store opened in Richfield in 2014, along with rebranding as Lakewinds Co-op. 

Throughout its history, Lakewinds Co-op has leveraged its strong relationships with local farmers, growers, and producers to provide its members with the freshest, most natural food available in the state. Approximately 83% of the items in their stores are sourced locally, helping to keep money within the local economy. Lakewinds consistently prioritizes local growers and producers to ensure they offer the best products in the retail grocery market.

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