Kestin’s Corner
Hempler’s isn’t just a Brand, it’s a family…
…and not just any family, it’s my family.
There are living, breathing people who interact daily to make the ham, bacon, and sausages that many have grown up with over the past nearly 80 years. Times have changed, it’s no longer my Grandfather, Father and me hand twisting the sausages- true! However my father and I are involved each and every day. And I am more passionate about our humble family (company) than perhaps ever before.
Food in general is a passion of mine. Combine food with family — or any person, for that matter — and I have all I need! I love to connect with people over food, reminisce about favorite memories with them (which, let’s face it, usually involve food), and dream about the future (again, food is always in there). C’mon, you have to admit you have already thought about a favorite meal you can’t wait to make or order sometime this week and have made plans with family or friends, right? That’s what I’m talking about! In this time, when a million different options are available to us for any one thing we could possibly need, don’t you go with the familiar option? The one you know and trust? I do!
That said, I’m so glad you’re here! Let’s connect! About food. About family. About life. I want to share with you what the Hempler family is all about. I want to share my story, my memories, and my hopes for the future with you. And I’d love to hear from you too!
Ham Hotline: Answering all your Hempler’s Ham questions
Welcome to the Ham Hotline. You’re either thinking about it or you’ve got your hands on a Hempler’s Ham…. now what? Check out some of our most frequently asked questions & answers below. 1. How do I reheat my ham? Our premium hams are all fully cooked, so all you...
Christmas Sides to Serve with Your Hempler’s Ham
Hempler's offers a full line of hams for your holiday meal, but we also love starring in your side dishes. Here are five that are sure to impress! Bacon Stuffing: Everyone loves this savory and satisfying side. They'll love it even more with bacon! Roasted Brussels...
1 Holiday Hempler’s Ham, 3 Ways
The holidays are all about family, friends, celebrations and of course, great food. Ham has always been a traditional part of holiday meals for families. If you are making ham for the first time this holiday season, or carrying on a family-long tradition, we have...
Pumpkin + Bacon Recipe Round-Up
Pumpkin pie is cool and all but how about these pumpkins & bacon recipes for the whole family? So how do we elevate everyone's favorite seasonal flavor? With bacon, of course! Here are some recipes to try this fall: Bacon Tart with Pumpkin and Maple: This sounds...
Recipes for the In-Between Season
Pumpkin Spice season has been in full swing for a month and a half now, but technically fall has only just begun. Still, we all know that the weather doesn’t care about the calendar or your favorite seasonal flavor combo. This time of year the temperature swings...
Introducing Hempler’s Seahawks Dogs in the Safeway Deli!
It's a new season for the Seattle Seahawks, and the deli departments at Safeway and Albertsons are ready with some brand-new offerings featuring some of Hempler's most flavorful sausages. First up is the Seahawk Dog made with Hempler's Andouille Jalapeno & Cheddar...
International Bacon Day is September 3rd. Here’s How to Celebrate!
It's not Christmas, but it feels like it to us here at Hempler's. International Bacon Day is just around the corner on September 3rd, and we've rounded up some fun ways to celebrate the day. Because what's life if you're not having a little bit of fun? Incorporate...
Hempler’s Supports Senior Day in the Park
After two years the Whatcom Council on Aging and programs, Meals on Wheels & More and the Bellingham Senior Activity Center are excited to announce the return of the Annual Whatcom Senior Day in the Park, a picnic with a purpose. This event is dedicated to...
Make Your Summer Barbecue Memorable with Hempler’s!
Sun's out, school's out, and the calendar has finally turned to July. And you know what that means - it's GRILLING SEASON! Hempler's wants to be there for allllllllllll your summer cookouts with our delicious selection of franks, smoked sausages, and chicken skewers....
Protein-Packed Snacks to Fuel Your Summer Adventures
Summer is a time for adventure. Hiking. Camping. Boating. Picnics. Beach days. No matter what your adventure is, you need to stay fueled up - and Hempler's got the perfect protein options. Our pepperoni sticks, landjaeger, and beef jerky are shelf-stable so they're...
Get Ready for Grilling Season with Hempler’s Chicken Breast Skewers
Whether you're a year-round outdoor chef or a fair-weather griller, the official "grilling season" is just around the corner - and Hempler's is ready to make it great! Delicious barbecues have NEVER been easier than with our perfectly seasoned chicken breast skewers....
Purchase a Miracle Tags are Up!
Volunteers have been busy putting tags on participating "Purchase a Miracle" items across the region. By simply purchasing items with tags between May 1 - June 15, you're supporting cancer research through Seattle Children's Hospital. Volunteers participate in hanging...
Put on Your Poker Face! Charity Poker Tournament Benefitting Skookum Kids is May 13th.
Want to have some fun, compete for prizes, and help out a local organization? Then sign up for the Charity Poker Tournament held on May 13th at the Bellingham Yacht Club! No poker skills? No problem! They've even got beginner-level tickets to let you be part of the...
Purchase A Miracle May 1 – June 15
From May 1 - June 15 you can "purchase a miracle" simply by buying some of Hempler's most popular products. During that period you'll see special hanging tags (pictured above) at grocers throughout the region; when you choose products with the "Purchase a Miracle"...
Don’t Forget Your Hempler’s Ham for Easter!
Getting ready for Easter? The ham is the star of the show, and Hempler's has options for every gathering. From whole hams to half hams, boneless to bone-in, honey-cured to uncured, spiral-sliced to unsliced, and even chicken roasts as an alternative to the traditional...
Helping Veterans Through the Bellingham Opportunity Council
In our ongoing efforts to invest in our community and be good neighbors to those in need, we've partnered with the Bellingham Opportunity Council to support low-income veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness....
A Little Bit of Hempler’s History
Hempler's has grown over the years, but when we look back at our roots, not much has changed. We're still the same small-town relationship-focused company we've always been. Because relationships are how Hempler's started, grew, and continues to flourish. Here's a...
Winning Pizza Combinations
Pizza has a reputation for being simple fare, but the right topping combinations can elevate this rustic dish to new heights. Here are some winning combinations to try on your next pizza night. Caramelized onions, bacon, and figs: The saltiness of the bacon pairs well...
WCEL Fundraising Gala
Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) is a local nonprofit partnering with families to provide comprehensive therapy and support services to children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities. Serving over 200 children and families per month in their Early...
Hearts for Housing Virtual Auction on March 25, 2022
Here's a startling statistic: The rate of family homelessness has doubled since March 2020. The lack of affordable housing options, childcare, and mental health support in our community adversely impacts our most vulnerable neighbors, including children. To make...
The Hempler’s Quick Guide to Cooking & Storing Your Favorite Products
We frequently get questions about how to properly cook and store our products. Complete cooking instructions can be found on our "How to Cook" page, but here's a quick run-down of safe storage and preparation of your Hempler's favorites. Smoked Sausages and Franks:...
Kindness Unites Us
At Hempler's, we do more than make great food products. We are also dedicated to giving back and making a difference by providing our neighbors access and opportunities to build healthy futures for themselves and their communities. We believe our communities thrive...
2021 Hempler’s Doubles – Final Total!
For several years we've donated $50 to Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington for each double hit by the Seattle Mariners throughout the course of a season. This year the final results are in - and the "Hempler's Double's" campaign raised $9,000! We're so thankful for...
Hempler’s Feeds Fans at the 2021 Seahawks Home Opener
We got to hang with the best fans in the NFL along with our PNW cousin Bavarian Meats at the 2021 Seahawks home opener. We cooked up Hempler's Double Smoked Sausage and the brand-new Bavarian Meats Seattle Dog and fed 4000 hungry Seahawks fans. Both are available...