Littleton Food Co-op

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Beverages of the Week: Two From Foundation

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New to the Co-op this week – we’re featuring two new beers from Foundation Brewing Company of Portland Maine!

One of their offerings is Dreamboat, which is a New England IPA featuring Columbus and Eureka! hops and their first IPA brewed with an American Ale yeast. Dreamboat pours a golden yellow with a pronounced haze. The soft mouthfeel is like floating on clouds, with no bitterness and flavors of pineapple and resin, with a dank backbone.

We’re also carrying Zuurzing, which is a farmhouse ale soured with Lactobacillus, and provides a delightfully tart, tangy and crisp, citrusy flavor. Foundation uses a proprietary Belgian yeast to ferment this beer, and uses a blend of American hops to enhance the citrus notes.

Look for these new 4 packs in our warm section at the Co-op!

How to Never Turn Off Your Grill This 4th of July: A Comprehensive List of Recipes

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Grilling has practically become synonymous with the Fourth of July in American culture. In fact, about 75% of American homes have a grill. If you don’t have your own fond grilling memories, it doesn’t take much screen time, whether it’s on social media or television, to find someone else’s. However, it becomes difficult to distinguish one person’s meal from another (is that picture from a box-store tv commercial or my neighbor Rob?). It’s all various meats in various shapes, maybe a couple veggie skewers, and an ear of corn if you’re lucky. This gave us an ambitious idea: is it possible to grill every part of a Fourth of July barbecue? After sleepless nights of research, we reached the verdict:

Yes.

It is possible to grill every part of a Fourth of July meal.

And we mean every part. 

Read on for ways to serve a full course meal that no one will expect but everyone will love. We think that these recipes turn out the best when used with as many local ingredients as possible! Our selection of local products is constantly evolving, so stop by the Co-op before trying out one of these.

Appetizer 

Appetizers for the Fourth of July have a serious job to do. Bite-sized morsels throughout the day are the equivalent of crowd control at a rowdy concert. If you want to keep it simple and classic, opt for some chips and Grilled Corn Salsa. This option will take just 15 minutes of work to satisfy guests for hours. If you’re looking for something heartier, Barbecue Meatballs take a bit more time, but produce a strong flavor that put frozen meatballs to shame. However, we know that this meal is a marathon, not a sprint. These Grilled Zucchini Wraps are a great low-cal way to silence those first cravings. Plus, they are gluten free!

Soup

We thought this course might require a slight modification to the laws of physics. How else would soup (a liquid) stay atop a grill (a solid)? Turns out, the trick is to break out the grill before the broth. This Grilled-Vegetable Gazpacho proves that soup does not have to hide in the warm months. The link also includes recipes for other soups, but we chose the cold soup to complement the (hopefully) warm weather on Independence Day. 

Salad

As far as grilled salads go, a romaine grilled salad is pretty traditional. This Grilled Caesar Salad  not only delivers on the traditional flavor, but it is also gluten free and vegan, as the dressing uses hemp seeds. The incredible flavors of this Grilled Kale Avocado Salad make us want to keep the grill out all year. It will definitely be hard to leave room in your stomach for other courses after you taste the delicious flavor (not to mention the key nutrients). 

Feel free to stop reading if you think salads only have lettuce and you don’t like flavor. Okay, we didn’t mean to be harsh, but we felt like this unique Grilled Eggplant Caprese needed its own warning. Plus, who wants to wait until the very end of the barbecue to eat the watermelon? This Grilled Watermelon Salad brings the summertime favorite into the mix earlier and with unexpected flavor. 

Main Course

Even among all the other amazing options you serve, your guests are truly anticipating the main course. Your best bet here is to go down the traditional path. But, this doesn’t mean you’re lacking options. 

Hot Dog

On Independence Day each year Americans consume 150 million hot dogs, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. There’s no fun in having them plain, so try one Chicago Style or dressed as a Cowboy Hot Dog.  

Chicken

The Fourth of July is this basic weeknight meat’s chance to show you what it can do. It can be part of a nostalgic classic, such as Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings. It can be between two buns, like in this Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Caesar-ish Dressing. It can even be on a stick, like on these Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken and Bacon Skewers

Beef

A beef patty is another American classic perfect for Independence Day. You can go the extra-classic route with a Bacon Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions. This recipe has extra cheese, making it delightfully irresistible. The Inside-Out Blue Cheese Burger also revolves around the cheese –literally. The cheese is hidden inside the burger for an unexpected tang. 

Shrimp

Shrimp is another great thing served on a stick. In this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewer recipe the flavor practically screams “summer.” For a more intense flavor, try this recipe for Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp which grills the shrimp in the shell. 

Pork

Pork is not everyone’s festive go-to, but friends will forget any hesitation once they see these Bourbon BBQ Glazed Pork Chops. Or try it in a slider format, such a these Tennessee Pulled Pork Sandwiches. They require more of your time, but they will fly off the plate faster than you can name the recipe. 

Steak

The best way to compliment steak on the grill? Grill its counterparts! In Dry-Rubbed Flank Steak with Grilled Corn Salsa, these two distinct flavors connect for a powerhouse dish. If you want to focus on grilling the meat, this Sweet Onion-Marinated Skirt Steak will satisfy your grilling wishes and savory desires. 

For Vegetarians

Just because one of your guests avoids meat, doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the grilling fun. They don’t even have to miss out on burgers with this Portobello Peach Burger. An alternate option is these delicious looking Beer-Brushed Tofu Skewers. In any case, we recommend cooking all vegetarian options first on the grill to guarantee there is no contact with the meat option. 

Sides

No rightful summer party is complete without side dishes. Everyone’s favorite starch can be dressed up as Grilled Ranch Potatoes, or its sassy sister the sweet potato can be diced up for Grilled Sweet Potatoes. Another classic grill accessory is grilled corn. The easiest way to add it to your meal is to pair it with this Lemon-Pepper Butter. If you want to incorporate more vegetables in the mix, try this recipe for Grilled Green Beans. 

Drink

This was the one component of the meal we were most skeptical about. Could it be done? Not only can it be done, it can be done well. For an option the entire family can enjoy, grill up this special Lemonade (never a sentence we thought we’d be saying). If you want to wow your adult guests, a Grilled Strawberry Cocktail is the way to do it. Grilling the strawberries deepens the flavor and makes them sweeter than we thought possible. 

Dessert

Perhaps nothing is more American than apple pie. But this Grilled Apple Pie a la Mode? It’s as if a bald eagle in a flag-print top was jumping over the statue of liberty while holding a sparkler. A great alternative is Skillet Brownies, who’s warm, gooey texture will make you wish they were the all-American dessert. On the other hand, Grilled Watermelon with Yogurt is a more refreshing dish with a slight tang. It’s perfect for when you really can’t eat anymore, but you really want dessert. 

If you feel at all overwhelmed by so much grilling, there’s no need to fret! These recipes are great for any summer day. Happy Fourth, Cooperators!

June is National Dairy Month

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Start the summer off right by enjoying some calcium-rich foods in celebration of National Dairy Month this June. This honor was bestowed upon June back in 1937, and has been a running tradition ever since. If you’re fortunate enough to not be lactose intolerant, dairy products contain important dietary intakes including calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. These key nutrients offer a plethora of health benefits, including helping to prevent heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and having healthier bones, skin, and teeth. Even if you are unable to enjoy dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, we can all appreciate the fact that the dairy industry is becoming more environmentally sustainable. Dairy farmers are now using 90% less land and 65% less water to give us the same high quality products. In addition, the dairy industry is responsible for nearly one million jobs in the U.S, including a number in our community. Check out the dairy coolers at the Co-op to find products from producers like Robie Farm, Hatchland Farm, and Brookford Farm to support your local dairy industry.

Father’s Day Gift Guide

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‘Tis the season for Dads and grads! This Sunday (June 16th) is Father’s Day, and the only thing worse than Dad jokes is not having anything to show the father figure in your life just how much he means to you. To make your life easier, we curated a list of perfect gifts for Dad with help from our employees at the Co-op. Each Dad different, but our list has something for everyone. The best part is that they’re all in one convenient place: the Littleton Food Co-op! Even better: Some of our recommendations are on special this week! Look no further for gift inspiration:

For the Grill Dad


You can never find the Grill Dad in the house but you can always smell the savory aroma of his next grilled creation. He never feels better than when his men’s sandals are strapped on and he has a firm hand on his grill tools. This weekend, help him do great work by picking up some marinades, grilling gear, or locally-raised meats. They’ll please Dad AND the rest of the family!

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the 9-5 Dad

The 9-5 Dad looks like every cartoon father figure ever: tie around his neck, stressed look on his face, coffee cup in hand. Make his life a little easier by filling that cup on his special day. We recommend any of the Equal Exchange Coffee blends from the bulk department. This is a win-win gift because Dad gets his caffeine fix, and Equal Exchange can continue its mission to support small-scale farmers around the world through partnerships that are “economically just and environmentally sound.”

 

 

 

 

For the “Always Put Together” Dad

This Dad thinks a relaxing day at home still calls for a well-pressed shirt and jeans. More than that, he doesn’t know the definition of “second day shave.” Elevate his morning grooming routine this Father’s Day with the Burt’s Bees Grooming Essentials for Men kit. No more scratchy hugs, either! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Beer Dad

We’re well-known for our huge craft beer selection, including many local and hard-to-find brands. There’s bound to be dad’s favorite (or new favorite) among our selection of Schilling, Rek-lis, Wildbloom, Iron Furnace, Kettlehead, Lawson’s Liquid, Big Day, Co-os, and more. Our Beer Manager Kevin is always down to give recommendations and point you in the right direction if beer isn’t your thing. And if you’re getting something for dad, it’s only fair to pick up a 4-pack for yourself, right?

 

 

 

 

 

For the Dog Dad

Our four-legged friends can hold a special place in our hearts, so don’t leave them out of the celebrating! Fido would love to gift dad with some high quality, locally made dog treats (wink wink). And Fido gets absolutely nothing back in return for this gift (again, wink wink).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Sentimental Dad

The Sentimental Dad has never thrown away any of your elementary school artwork (or done so with great regret). His favorite way to spend the day is with family, and his favorite hobby is reminiscing. That’s why he will appreciate a S’mores kit with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate Bars that will remind him of your childhood. He will be overjoyed if you assemble the s’mores together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Picky Dad

The Picky Dad has evolved into many forms. He might be a picky eater like the name implies. He might be really hard to shop for because he “doesn’t care what you get him.” Or he just might like that one type of chocolate you simply can’t seem to remember the name of. Whatever the situation may be, the best gift for the Picky Dad is a Co-op gift card. For this type of Dad, a gift card doesn’t mean laziness on your behalf; it means “I love you enough to let you pick out your own gift.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

BONUS

 

For the Vegetable Dad

In some regions, the Vegetable Dad is few and far between. Lucky for us, we have our Produce Manager Brian to provide his input. When we asked him what he would like to receive for Father’s Day from the Co-op, his answer was simple: “Produce.” No big shocker there I guess. The Vegetable Dad will be thrilled with our selection of fresh and local variety of produce available all summer long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Father’s Day! How do you plan to make it a great day?

The Versatility of the Mozzarella Cheese

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Mozzarella (Motzerella? Mozzerella? Motzer-ell-a? Motorola? Mozzerela? Mozzarella.) is the most popular (official stat) and most misspelled (unofficial stat) around the globe. That being said, there’s a high probability you enjoy it, too. But are you using mozzarella to its full potential? It can be consumed at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and compliment any food group. Read on for inspiration for National Cheese Day (June 4th).

Mozzarella

 

Sandwiches

Cheese is a superstar of flavor, and is more than willing to carry the weight of a recipe if you let it. A perfect example is America’s collective childhood comfort food– grilled cheese. The idea itself has a minimum of two ingredients (cheese, bread) but the range of complexity chefs have developed make it more than the sidekick of tomato soup. Check out this recipe that compliments the mozzarella with a fresh basil pesto.

Salad

What’s red, green, and white and not a holiday? Caprese salad! This is another dish in which mozzarella shines against a relatively short list of ingredients. The key to making this is to make sure you use the freshest ingredients. While most recipes will look the same, this one has the option to substitute arugula for the traditional basil.

Dip

The words “cheese” and “dip” do not just have to mean fondue. The new trend with cheese dip is deconstructing cheesy foods into dip format. Here’s an example: Pizza Dip.  This is a delicious way to enjoy the contents of a whole pizza without the judgement from family and friends.

Sticks

Do you want to eat an entire pound of mozzarella cheese? What if we cut it up, fried it, and served it with marinara sauce? Mozzarella sticks are a classic restaurant appetizer, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be brought home. The beauty of making them at home is that you can make as many as you want (because we know that the amount the restaurant provides is never enough). Enjoy this recipe.

Garnish

Another part of the versatility of mozzarella is that it can be a star or an extra, aka a main ingredient or just a garnish. Since cheese objectively makes everything better, try adding a sprinkle of mozzarella atop your next soup, salad, sandwich, pasta, pizza, etc.

 

How do you use mozzarella? Share with us your best ideas on Facebook or Instagram! Need more inspiration? National Cheese Day is every day at the specialty cheese department at the Co-op!

An Update on Rodney

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Lots of you have been asking for updates on Rodney and we’re happy to report he is doing well and improving every day. We just got an update from his niece Savannah and we thought we’d share it here.
“Rodney is still working hard at therapy every day! He’s been known to say, “I want more!” on several occasions, which is not surprising to us! He’s continuing to work on getting his right side moving as much as it will allow him. He’s getting better and better each day walking with a cane. We’re hopeful he will no longer need the cane before long! At this time, the family is still not sure where Rodney will be going once he’s discharged from the rehabilitation center in a couple of weeks, but we continue to root him on and visit as often as we can! He LOVES to get encouraging cards in the mail and it makes his day! Any cards can be sent to the following address:

 

Savannah Mitton
66 South Main St.
Lisbon, NH 03585

 

Please keep the prayers and positive vibes coming as they have all been working over the past 4 months of Rodney’s recovery! The entire Mitton family is grateful for being part of such a great community!”

Get the Grill Started!

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Get set for great grilling with these grilling tips.

Start your grill about 30 minutes before you begin cooking. It’s a good idea to have a hot side for grilling meat and a cooler side for grilling fish, seafood and vegetables.

If you don’t have a gas grill, consider using chunk charwood, which is preferred by chefs because it burns clean and hot, sealing in the flavor and moisture of grilled foods. Since charwood is produced with nonlumber wood fired in kilns, it is also the best environmental choice.

Grilling tips

Aside from traditional grill items like beef, chicken and sausages you can add that char-grilled flavor to items such as:

Corn
Soak the corn in cold water for 30 minutes, peel back the husk, remove the silk, return the husk; then grill for 15–20 minutes, turning frequently.

Mushrooms
Wash fresh mushrooms quickly under running water; then pat dry. Skewer or place in a grill basket. Brush with oil and grill for 5–7 minutes. Whole portabello mushrooms take 10–20 minutes, depending on their size.

Onions
Slice thickly and brush with oil. Cook onions directly on the grid at mediumhigh heat until they start to turn brown. You can also roast an onion by cutting it in half, wrapping it in foil with a little butter, and cooking it for about 30–45 minutes at medium heat.

Peppers
Grill whole peppers at high heat until skin is charred black, about 15–20 minutes. Cool in a paper bag for 15 minutes to loosen blackened skin. Peel and remove seeds.

Potatoes
Wrap baking potatoes in foil. Cook at medium heat for 25–30 minutes or until tender.

Shellfish
You can cook shellfish on the grill. If they are large, such as prawns or crab you can grill them directly on the grid. Smaller shellfish, such as mussels, clams, oysters, scallops or shrimp can be skewered or cooked in a basket. Shrimp take about 8–12 minutes depending on their size.

Steak
Choose steaks that are no thicker than 1 1/2 inches, and which have some visible fat marbling for tenderness. To keep the juices intact, use tongs rather than a fork to turn your meat. At the hottest setting, sear for 1–2 minutes per side. Then move to a medium heat and cook for about 4 minutes per side for rare (it will feel fleshy to touch), 6 minutes per side for well-done steak (it will feel firm).

Spare ribs
Spare ribs are the most popular type of grilling pork ribs. Avoid using a direct heat source. Indirect cooking at a low temperature for several hours will produce very tender ribs. Season with a dry rub before you grill and add barbecue sauce at the end of grilling. Use a drip pan with water or other liquids, such as broth or juice, to keep ribs moist.

Fish
Firm fish, such as tuna, salmon or halibut can be cooked directly on the grill if handled carefully. A hinged wire grill basket is best for cooking whole fish or tender fillets. Grill fillets at medium to medium-low heat. Fish can cook quickly so turn only once to keep from crumbling.

This post originally appeared on Co+op, Stronger Together: www.strongertogether.coop/food-lifestyle/cooking/get-the-grill-started

Plastic Bags at the Co-op

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On June 1 we’re quitting the use of plastic bags at checkout! Why? Lots of reasons.

For starters, it’s ecologically responsible, the timing is right, and it fits our mission.

Sustainability is important to us here at the Co-op – as we said, it’s part of our Mission to promote healthy choices for people and planet. Because of this, we have an employee “Green Team” that researches and makes recommendations on ways we can improve the ecological impact of our store. We actively recycle, we are always looking for better eco-friendly packaging, and we continuously work to reduce our carbon footprint. Now, we’re working on reducing our plastic use in the store. We’ve spent a lot of time researching this and considering the alternatives, and we decided to the best thing to do is start with the plastic bags at the front registers.

We also feel it’s important to get a jump on the nationwide “Ban the Bag” trend, especially here in the North Country. As you may have heard the New Hampshire legislature is currently debating just such a measure for 2020. Whether or not it passes we feel we’d be remiss not to address the issue ourselves first, whether or not we’re legally required to.

We understand that there are divergent views on this topic. Many of our customers wanted us to do this years ago, while others are perfectly happy the way things are. Change is always a challenge, but we feel as an organization that the time for this change is now.  We’re learning as we go, and as always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.

FAQ

Why Not Paper Bags?

  • Paper bags actually produce more waste and require more chemical processing than plastic.
  • Paper bags also cost significantly more than plastic bags.

Why Not Plant-Based & Compostable Bags?

  • We can’t dispose of them properly – there are no local industrial composting centers in our area (we really looked!)
  • Alternative plastics can contaminate plastic recycling and they are difficult to identify and separate.
  • We haven’t found any that are sufficiently durable (we’re picky like that).

What can I put my groceries in?

  • Buy a recycled paper bag at the register for 10¢ each.
  • We’ll also have assorted re-usable bags available for sale, at wholesale cost.
  • Re-use a grocery box from our awesome box stash
  • Bring your own container, box, bag, or basket, and we’ll pack your purchase in that.

What about the rest of the store?

We’re getting there. We realize there are areas of opportunity in other parts of the co-op, and we are experimenting with different options in our bulk, deli, meat and produce departments. It’s important to also be mindful of food safety, so we are keeping plastic available in some areas for the time being until we find an alternative. In the meantime we decided to dedicate our efforts to one area (the registers) first, so we could sort out any issues before moving on to other parts of the store.

 

 

Cooperatives Grow Communities: Riojana Olive Oil

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In the town of Arauco in the La Rioja province of Argentina stands the oldest olive tree in the country, planted in the 1600s. Although not native to Argentina, the Arauco olive is highly prized for its buttery smoothness and meaty texture, and for the robust floral and fruity flavor notes it contributes to olive oil.

There, in the Antinaco-Los Colorados Valley, the cooperative producers of Riojana extra virgin, fair trade organic olive oil are cultivating much more than their 350 olive trees. Through cooperation, they are growing a healthy, vibrant and sustainable community.

Reinvesting profits for health and education
La Riojana’s founders came from Italy to Argentina in the 1940s and began cultivating grapes for the production of wine, and planting olive trees as a natural companion plant. Certified fair trade by Fairtrade International in 2006, the members of the cooperative have invested more than $11 million Argentinian pesos (~ $730,000 US), primarily from the sale of their fair trade organic wines, in projects including a new drinking water supply for the village of Tilimuqui, where many of La Riojana’s workers and their families live. The fair trade premium has also been invested in production improvements, new community centers and medical equipment, but the most visible result of the cooperative’s reinvestment in its farmer members and their families can be seen in their commitment to education.

A new secondary school specializing in agriculture opened in Tilimuqui in 2010. Offering free education to children age 13-18, the school has had a profound impact on its community, providing a catalyst for local development, increasing employment by the creation of more than 50 new jobs at the school, and providing training in technical agronomy to help slow the migration of young people to larger cities. Since 2010, enrollment in the school has grown from 33 pupils to more than 300. With plans to build new classrooms, the cooperative hopes to expand the school’s capacity to 600 students in the next few years. The cooperative also provides kits of school supplies to children of its members, as well as free computer courses to adult community members.

Focusing on environment to ensure a bright future
Besides supporting health and education, the cooperative is invested in green initiatives and sustainability, so transitioning more of its growers to become equivalency USDA Certified Organic is another important goal. With a focus on becoming carbon neutral, La Riojana Cooperative is introducing improved water management techniques, the use of solar and bio energy and a reforestation project.

When you purchase Riojana olive oil you are not just purchasing a delicious ingredient to enjoy, you are casting a vote in favor of cooperative, fair trade businesses—and helping more than 422 cooperative members continue to invest in a brighter future.

This article originally appeared on www.strongertogether.coop









Upcoming Events

Free Sampling with Lapis Luna Wine

Free Sampling with Lapis Luna Wine

June 7, 2025, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
BayState will be in store on Saturday, June 7th to sample a selection of Lapis Luna, exceptional wines from California …
Co-op Kitchen Demo w/ Chef Allison

Co-op Kitchen Demo w/ Chef Allison

June 7, 2025, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Up close and delicious with a member of the Co-op team! June 7th Deli Manager Allison is whipping up spring …
Member Appreciation Day

Member Appreciation Day

June 14, 2025, 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
Shop and save! Littleton Co-op member-owners save 10% all day on all eligible purchases. Not a member? Not a problem! …

View more events here!

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