Healthy Food | Littleton Food Coop

Cooking with Chad

February 25, 2020 By Becky Colpitts

Nutritious, healthy recipes from ACHS and the Co-op Kitchen – Be part of our brand new cooking show!

The Littleton Food Co-op and Ammonoosuc Community Health Services (ACHS) are excited to announce a new food education series, “Cooking with Chad”. Classes are free to attend and everyone is welcome. This new series will be filmed in front of a live audience each month and will be available for viewing online, featuring a a different theme and new recipes designed to combine the best of in-season foods and produce with good nutrition, ease and affordability. Taste testing is involved!

Chad Proulx, nutritionist from Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, will be presenting these fun, fast-paced, FREE sessions full of cooking, sampling, and of course, nutrition discussion. Each month Chad prepares a fresh batch of fun recipes, and takes us step by step through the process. Class is held right in the co-op using seasonal ingredients, making it convenient to try something new and pull together your grocery list!

These workshops are free and walk-ins are welcome, but advanced RSVP is appreciated so we can have a headcount for class.

How to RSVP:

1. In the box below, enter how many people will be attending in your group.

2. A form asking for your contact information will appear.

3. Click the “Confirm RSVP” button.

4. Done! You will receive a confirmation email. If it doesn’t arrive in 30 minutes, check your spam folder.

Our Sponsors:

Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank
Emma & Co. Consignment Boutique
Mascoma Bank
United Natural Foods, Inc.
Well Sense Health Plan
Littleton Food Co-op
Cabot Creamery
Pete & Gerry’s Organic Eggs

February:

Food for your Mood: Put a smile on your face and elevate you mood this month as Chad Proulx, Clinical Nutritionist at ACHS, discusses SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, anxiety, and depression which happens to the best of us this time of year. How does our food choices influence our mood? Chad has some food insight and, of course, delicious recipes he is creating during this episode that will help you feel better all the way around! Here’s to that good feeling in your body!

Recipes:

Chad’s Chia Pudding with Mood-Boosting Toppings
Beet, citrus and avocado salad (with kitchen tip on “how to section citrus” demonstrated by audience member, Jill Burger)
Tuna and White Bean Salad
Stuffed Orange Peppers

Cooking with Chad

January 28, 2020 By Becky Colpitts

Nutritious, healthy recipes from ACHS and the Co-op Kitchen – Be part of our brand new cooking show!

These workshops are free and walk-ins are welcome, but advanced RSVP is appreciated so we can have a headcount for class.

How to RSVP:

1. In the box below, enter how many people will be attending in your group.

2. A form asking for your contact information will appear.

3. Click the “Confirm RSVP” button.

4. Done! You will receive a confirmation email. If it doesn’t arrive in 30 minutes, check your spam folder.

Our Sponsors:

Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank
Emma & Co. Consignment Boutique
Mascoma Bank
United Natural Foods, Inc.
Well Sense Health Plan
Littleton Food Co-op
Cabot Creamery
Pete & Gerry’s Organic Eggs

Cooking with Chad

December 17, 2019 By Becky Colpitts

Nutritious, healthy recipes from ACHS and the Co-op Kitchen – Be part of our brand new cooking show!

If you miss a class be sure to go to https://phlumestream.vhx.tv/videos/cooking-with-chad-s1e1

These workshops are free and walk-ins are welcome, but advanced RSVP is appreciated so we can have a headcount for class.

“A December to Remember”

Preventing cognitive decline as we age should be a priority for us all. Our best weapon against an aging brain is diet and lifestyle. Join Chad as he leads a discussion and food demo designed to spark your interest on brain health, and offer some realistic menu ideas that can please the whole family’s taste buds while promoting cognitive support.

Spicy Lime Black Beans

Brain-healthy ingredients = garlic, legumes, olive oil

Muffin-tin Quinoa Salmon Cakes

Brain-healthy ingredients = cold water fish, whole grains

Warming Carrot, Ginger and Turmeric Soup

Brain-healthy ingredients = garlic, ginger, turmeric

Spiced Pears and Pomegranate

Brain-healthy ingredients = nutmeg, cinnamon, almonds, pomegranate seeds (it’s also national pear month!)

How to RSVP:

1. In the box below, enter how many people will be attending in your group.

2. A form asking for your contact information will appear.

3. Click the “Confirm RSVP” button.

4. Done! You will receive a confirmation email. If it doesn’t arrive in 30 minutes, check your spam folder.

Our Sponsors:

Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank
Emma & Co. Consignment Boutique
Mascoma Bank
United Natural Foods, Inc.
Well Sense Health Plan
Littleton Food Co-op
Cabot Creamery
Pete & Gerry’s Organic Eggs

Cooking with Chad

November 26, 2019 By Becky Colpitts

Nutritious, healthy recipes from ACHS and the Co-op Kitchen – Be part of our brand new cooking show!

These workshops are free and walk-ins are welcome, but advanced RSVP is appreciated so we can have a headcount for class.

How to RSVP:

1. In the box below, enter how many people will be attending in your group.

2. A form asking for your contact information will appear.

3. Click the “Confirm RSVP” button.

4. Done! You will receive a confirmation email. If it doesn’t arrive in 30 minutes, check your spam folder.

Our Sponsors:

Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank
Emma & Co. Consignment Boutique
Mascoma Bank
United Natural Foods, Inc.
Well Sense Health Plan
Littleton Food Co-op
Cabot Creamery
Pete & Gerry’s Organic Eggs

Cooking with Chad

October 22, 2019 By Becky Colpitts

Nutritious, healthy recipes from ACHS and the Co-op Kitchen.

It’s time to get your Autumn on! Chad Proulx, nutritionist from Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, Inc. will present another fast-paced, fun hour of cooking, sampling, and of course, nutrition discussion. Get some new ideas for your fall food shopping list as Chad prepares and talks around some recipes that are sure to find their way into your seasonal rotation. This month Chad will work to impress you with Creamy Homestyle Turnip, Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad, Pink Curried Lentils, and Vegan Pumpkin Pudding. Even the pickiest of eaters will applaud these dishes!

This class is FREE to attend, but RSVP is requested so that we can plan for class.

How to RSVP:

1. In the box below, enter how many people will be attending in your group.

2. A form asking for your contact information will appear.

3. Click the “Confirm RSVP” button.

4. Done! You will receive a confirmation email. If it doesn’t arrive in 30 minutes, check your spam folder.

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!

Healthy Meals That Won’t Break The Bank

March 20, 2019 By Littleton Food Co-op

Nutritious, delicious, easy & cheap! In this FREE workshop you will discover how you can eat healthy without breaking the bank. Would like to change up your kitchen routine, feel healthier, and learn how to cook some new recipes? In this workshop taught by Chad Proulx, Health Education Specialist from Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, we will sample 3 delicious, easy meals that cost under $10 each to make! Even better, there is a FREE surprise gift for all participants.

Please RSVP below. You may also call Becky Colpitts at 603-444-1430, or email bcolpitts@littletoncoop.org for more information.

Workshop: How to Add More Veggies to Your Diet

January 26, 2019 By Littleton Food Co-op

In this FREE workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from two passionate experts in health and nutrition. Improve your well being, learn to incorporate healthy food into your diet, and get your kids to eat more veggies, too!

Lori Wescott from Deeper Roots will be here demonstrating how to make healthy foods with more fresh ingredients, including smoothies and wraps. Learn about The More Veggie Challenge, and pick up some kid-friendly cooking tips.

Jen Anson from Restore Functional Health will also be speaking about supporting thyroid health through nutrition. She is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach who specializes in supporting women with thyroid issues through good nutrition and lifestyle choices.

Class size is limited to 20 participants, and pre-registration is required. You may RSVP below, or email bcolpitts@littletoncoop.org , or call 603-444-2800 ext 241.

New Year, New You (for real this time)

January 7, 2019 By Anastasia Maher

Around now is the time when the phrase “new year, new me” becomes omnipresent, each person vowing that this year will be different than the year before and they will stick to their resolutions. Yet, here we are again, with a pile of past resolutions that have been gathering dust since Jan. 15th, 2017. That is where the Littleton Food Co-op comes in. Our vast store has a number of possibility for achievable resolutions. Plus, we’re open seven days a week with a friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you stay on track with the goals you set. Incase you’re still in your post-holiday food coma, here are a few resolutions you can consider for 2019:

1. Support the Local Economy

The best resolutions are the ones that don’t require you to change your habits. By shopping at the Littleton Food Co-op you are ensuring that your dollars stay in the local economy. It is easy to see how your money creates numerous jobs for community members. Behind the scenes, your money travels slightly outside the four walls of the store and into the pockets of local growers and producers. The buying power of the Co-op keeps some local businesses in operation and only serves to amplify the growth of others. In 2017 the Co-op purchased $1.8 million worth of products from local producers. Keeping our money local creates a cycle of positive development that uplifts all aspects of our community.

2. Go Green!

It is easy to go through your daily routine without thinking of how much plastic you are using. Only thinking about how much plastic you are using everyday can be overwhelming. There are a couple minor changes to your shopping habits at the Co-op that will reduce your plastic footprint. The first change is to use a reusable shopping bag to bring home your purchases. If your bags from home don’t find their way into the store, we have a wonderful selection of reusable bags available for sale. A second change is to shop in our Bulk department. You can bring your own reusable containers to the Bulk department to fill with whatever your heart desires. This reduces single use plastic from food packaging. Third, you can find a variety of products in store designed to help you on your journey to being plastic-free, such as bee’s wrap, bamboo utensils, and glass water bottles.

3. Learn to Juggle

The new year is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby, and there is no better hobby than juggling. Lucky for you, we’ve removed the obvious biggest barrier to juggling–cost. Our citrus sale is the perfect time to stock up on all your necessary materials. They come in multiple flavors like lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange, and miscellaneous citrus. And after you succeed, your materials are delicious to eat too.

4. Become More Involved in your Community

Your community should feel like more than just the place you picked your plot of land. An easy method to become a greater part of the community is through the Co-op. The simplest option is to become a member of the Co-op. Co-op membership gives you a democratic voice and a network of over 6,000 other community members in exchange for the few seconds it takes to fill out the application. As a member, you can attend Co-op Board Meetings and learn more about the governance of your co-op. Everyone likes to feel like a part of something greater than themselves, and the Co-op is a great way to do that.

5. Eat Healthier

We know, it’s a cliche one. But, we all know someone (maybe ourselves) who made this resolution last year but dropped it by the time the Valentine’s Day candy went on sale. One problem with this typical resolution is that it’s too vague. A modification to this resolution is to try a new eating lifestyle for a week or a month. You can be a vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, heck even a pasta-tarian. Some people find that having a specific set of recommendations helps them make more conscientious choices. The Co-op offers healthy and delicious options to fit multiple types of eating lifestyles. For example, the Bulk department has a delicious organic and paleo granola for those following the Paleo diet (eating food similar to what was consumed back in the Paleolithic era).

6. Practice Self-Care

You live a stressful life; work, school, family, trying to finish your favorite show before your free trial expires. Every person deserves to indulge themselves in something that makes them feel good. It can be as simple as taking a nap, eating a treat, or trying a new relaxation technique. While we do not recommend using our store for a nap (the floors aren’t that comfortable), there are plenty of other forms of self care that can be initiated through the products in our store. For example, stop by the store after work to grab a pint of local ice cream and bottle of wine to unwind after work. Or grab some essential oils to create a peaceful environment. Just don’t mix the ice cream and the oils.

7. Get Out of the House More

This can be a very difficult resolution to keep, especially when it’s zero degrees outside and more than zero degrees in your bed. However, if you can get from your house to your car, and then your car to the Co-op, you will find a number of exciting events taking place in the cafe. The cafe hosts beverage samplings, educational events, food demonstrations, and local non-profit events (just to name a few). You can find your reason to get out of the house today on our Calendar of Events.

8. Get Out of Your Comfort (Food) Zone

Ever wondered what sweet pea smoothies tasted like? Or how spicy cayenne honey peanut butter feels in your mouth? Or what the heck is umeboshi paste? Look no further than your favorite local co-op! With over 9,000 items in store, there is no shortage of new adventures to take in 2019. Pair with tonight’s dinner or stick it with tomorrow’s lunch. If you need food inspiration, check out our weekly newsletter for a recipe of the week.

9. Be More Charitable

I bet that your house is currently littered with pamphlets from different nonprofits asking for donations in your household. We know you’re not actively against charitable giving when those letters end up in the recycling bin; it is an act that easily slips between the cracks in our minds. Luckily, donating to your favorite local nonprofits is no different than buying your food at the Co-op. Every person has the opportunity to round up their change after a purchase to send it to our nonprofit Partner of the Month. Then, on Friday nights you turn off your oven for charity and purchase a Co-op pizza for Partners and Pizza night. You may feel skeptical of this idea, thinking “It’s only a couple of pennies.” However, every customer’s “couple of pennies” contributed to a total of over $36,000 in 2018 to a dozen good causes. You can use your resolution to help us reach our goal of contributing even more in 2019.

10. Learn More About Your Local Co-op

We print more than just your receipt. Signing up for our weekly newsletter will keep you in the know about Co-op sales and events. Our blog recommends our favorite drinks, foods, and recipes. Our biannual Radish Newsletter gives you a glimpse of larger Co-op happenings and a look at where we’re going.

Did you set any similar resolutions already for 2019? Did you break any similar resolutions already for 2019? Whatever your goals may be, we hope they bring you a happy and healthy 2019. This year is your year!

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Cooking with Chad

Cooking with Chad

Cooking with Chad

Cooking with Chad

Cooking with Chad