grilling | Littleton Food Coop

You Have Your Lobster, Now What?

July 6, 2019 By Anastasia Maher

For many of us, lobster is a summer delicacy whose dark exterior can’t be resisted during a sale like Lobsterpalooza. It’s Saturday evening and you have returned triumphant from the Co-op–and maybe taken a nap (or two) to recover from the early morning and the excitement you exuded at the store prior. But…now what? Here are ten lobster-based recipes with ingredients worthy of your bargain crustacean:

Even if you’ve never cooked a lobster, there are recipes floating around that you’ve probably at least heard of. Like the more-classic-than-classic Maine Lobster Roll. If you want to dine like our neighbors to the east, try this Maine Lobster Roll recipe. A heartier classic is Lobster Mac and Cheese, which combines multiple rich cheese flavors with the decadent taste of the lobster, like in this recipe. Another recipe commonly found on the seafood restaurant docket is Lobster Bisque. Now that you have the tools to make it at home you can add as much lobster as you want to each serving.

While the classics are great, if you’re going out of your cooking comfort zone by purchasing lobster in the first place, why not try something completely new? This first recipe wins the award for “most seasonal.” Fresh lobster is already a tried and true sign of summer. It’s like adding three exclamation points to the end of the word any time you use it in a sentence-even if it’s in the middle. But this Lobster Salad with Sweet Corn and Tomatoes is like sky-writing the word “summer” in all capital letters across the beach on a hot July day.

A way to bring lobster into the day time that’s not in roll-form is in this colorful Lobster Cobb Salad. If you want the pasta without the cheese this Lobster Pasta with Herbed Cream Sauce is a delicious alternative. Plus we won’t tell anyone if you throw some fresh parmesan on top. The most popular way to cook lobster is boiling or steaming it, but you can also grill it to get that summertime smoky aroma. On the other hand, you can heat up the oven for some savory Baked Stuffed Lobster Tails. Either way, you get to enjoy a delicious meal with the natural seafood flavors you love.

Now even though whole lobsters are the focal point of Lobsterpalooza, lobster in a recognizable form does not have to be the focal point of your dish. Take these Loaded Lobster Burgers, for example. They disguise themselves as regular patties, but one bite reveals their rich flavor that pairs so well with the homemade aioli and salsa (and more) that sit upon it. Last but not least, you can never go wrong with pizza. This Brown Butter Lobster and Spinach Pizza is a great way to introduce skeptical crowds to the power of lobster.

How will you be preparing your Lobsterpalooza lobster? Share with us on social media!

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What Does Your Favorite Hot Dog Topping Say About You?

July 3, 2019 By Anastasia Maher

Rather than relying on silly metrics like star sign or career, we only make inferences about people using hard, undeniable facts–like their hot dog condiment preferences. There is no better time to analyze someone than the Fourth of July, a time when Americans are estimated to eat 150 million hot dogs. Take a second to think of your go-to topping for your dog and get ready to learn something about yourself today.

No topping

You appreciate the simple things in life, like a walk in the woods, or humming your favorite melody. You’re not a materialistic person either, and friends love being able to see the “real you” all the time. This stems from your innate belief that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” which applies to most things in your life, including your hot dogs.

Ketchup

Overall, you’re a pretty simple person. But that isn’t a bad thing! You have a number of different interests, meaning you’re always down to go with the flow. Your coworkers would label you as “dependable” in a heartbeat, and friends turn to you when they need a comforting shoulder to lean on.

Mustard

You are slightly unpredictable–and we mean that in the best way possible. You have an unstoppable adventurous spirit; it’s a surprise that you’re in one spot long enough to even eat a hot dog. Everyone around you is always kept on their toes. Your boldness can sometimes get you into trouble, but those who know you best know you make up for it with the sweetness underneath.

Relish

There is no doubt that you are prepared for anything. The struggle people have when getting you involved is getting you to make a decision. You have a set of somewhat unconventional interests, but you’ve found a close group of friends that share the same passions. Together, you all can take on anything sweet or sour that comes your way.

Sauerkraut

Friends might call you a traditionalist, but you wouldn’t put that label on yourself. Sure you have an obsession with family history, and only vintage fashion, but everything you pull from the past is updated with a modern twist. You crave the city life, or at the very least the adrenaline and new people that come with it. Your friends love that you don’t take “no” for an answer.

Chili and Cheese

A heavily frequented word in your vocabulary is “YOLO.” Your life mantra is all about acting first and thinking later. If this scares people off, they are easily won over by your unwavering optimism. Since you are all about making your own decisions, you are not afraid to assert your authority when necessary.

Onions

People don’t know much about you, actually. Even if you’re not an introvert, you still appreciate your alone time. When you do make a public appearance, your flair for the dramatic tends to push you to the center of a crowd.

Hot peppers

At one point, your dream career was “daredevil.” The remnants of that dream can still be seen in the way you’re always looking for another thrill. Life gave you the entire seat but you prefer to sit on the edge. You can handle the heat that life throws at you and function well in high pressure environments.

Did we miss a topping? Let us know your favorite way to dress your dog! Happy Fourth, Cooperators!

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

June 27, 2019 By Anastasia Maher

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!

Father’s Day Gift Guide

June 13, 2019 By Anastasia Maher

‘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 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 Active Dad

This Dad is also never in the house, but he tends to step a little further away from the backyard. Whether it’s biking, hiking, kayaking, or bungee jumping, the Active Dad is always on the move. If you can get him to sit still long enough to give him a present, he will definitely appreciate a bag of trail mix, nuts, or protein bars from our bulk department – fuel his next adventure and then some!

For the Beer Dad

We’re well-known for our huge craft beer selection, including many local and hard-to-find brands including North Country brewers Rek-Lis and Schilling, plus local favorites like Moat Mountain Brewing Company, Woodstock Inn Brewing, Hobbs Tavern Brewing, Concord Craft Brewing, Henniker Brewing, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, and The Alchemist.

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?

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You Have Your Lobster, Now What?