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Game Day Snacks

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Sriracha Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Total Time: 40 minutes; 15 minutes active
Servings: 6 (makes 24 meatballs)
Spice up your next gathering with these amazing meatballs. Try them as an appetizer, made into sliders or atop rice.

Ingredients

Meatballs
1 pound ground turkey
3 green onions, minced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Sriracha
1 teaspoon tamari
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Glaze
1/3 cup apricot preserves
1 to 2 tablespoons Sriracha
1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon tamari
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In large bowl, gently combine all meatball ingredients until everything is evenly distributed. Form mixture into small balls, using 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of meat per ball. Place the meatballs onto a rimmed baking tray and into the oven. Bake for 10 minutes and turn the meatballs. Bake for another 10 minutes until cooked through.
While the meatballs bake, combine all glaze ingredients in a small pot. Whisk and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened. To serve, toss or brush meatballs with warm glaze.

Serving Suggestion
Served whole and garnished with sliced green onion or toasted sesame seeds on an appetizer platter or made into sliders, these meatballs really bring the heat if you double the amount of ginger and Sriracha in the mix. Make it a meal by serving the meatballs on a bed of steaming hot jasmine rice.

Nutritional Information
275 calories, 12 g. fat, 105 mg. cholesterol, 482 mg. sodium, 18 g. carbohydrate, 1 g. fiber, 24 g. protein

Big Game Guacamole

Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
This fabulous guacamole is simple to make and is sure to be a crowd pleaser served as a dip or on burgers, burritos or tacos.

Ingredients
3 Haas avocados, ripe
1/4 cup diced fresh tomato (seeded)
2 tablespoons diced red onion
1 teaspoon chopped garlic (one clove)
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice (half a lime)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, minced (optional)

Preparation
Slice the avocadoes lengthwise, remove the pits and scoop the green flesh (discard any brown flesh) into a bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocado pulp to a chunky texture. Add the lime juice, garlic, onion, and spices and mix well. Add the tomatoes and cilantro, mix and serve.

Serving Suggestions
Guacamole is a popular snack with crisp tortilla chips and a common ingredient in burritos, tacos and burgers. Try it on top of chili or inside a grilled cheese with some fresh pico de gallo.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 190, Fat: 15 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 5 mg, Carbohydrate: 14 g, Dietary Fiber: 9 g, Protein: 4 g

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nachos

Ingredients- Pulled Pork
2 1/2 to 3 pounds boneless pork loin roast (or use a traditional pork shoulder or butt)
1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
2 cups barbecue sauce (purchased or homemade)
1 cup salsa
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt

Ingredients – Nachos
12 ounces tortilla chips
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup pico de gallo, homemade or store-bought
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
1/2 cup guacamole
1/4 cup jalapenos
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons sour cream

Pork Preparation
Remove excess fat from pork. Place pork in 3 1/2- 6-quart slow cooker; arrange onion on top. Mix barbecue sauce, salsa, herbs, and spices; pour over pork. Cover and cook on low heat 8 to 10 hours or until pork is very tender. Remove pork; place on large plate. Use 2 forks to pull pork into shreds.

Nacho Preparation
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet.
Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Top with shredded pork, beans, pico de gallo and cheese.
Place into oven and bake until cheese has melted, about 10-12 minutes. Top with fixings, including guacamole, jalapenos, cilantro and sour cream.

Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers

Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Juicy grated apples are the secret to these moist, flavorful burgers.

Ingredients
1 small and 1 medium apple
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon ground sage
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, divided
3/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
1 pound lean ground turkey
4 whole wheat buns, toasted
1 tablespoon honey
4 ounces cheddar cheese, thinly sliced

Preparation
Grate or shred the smaller apple into a large bowl. Add onion, sage, Dijon mustard, salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Mix the ingredients well, then add the turkey, and gently mix with your hands. Divide the mixture into four even portions and form patties.
Thinly slice the medium-sized apple crosswise and remove the seeds. Toast the buns. Stir the Dijon and honey together in a small bowl.
To cook the burgers, place a large skillet with a lid over medium heat and heat for about a minute. Spray or brush the pan with canola oil and add the patties. Let cook for about 5 minutes per side, uncovered, then insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the patty. When it reads 160°F, the burgers are done. (See Tips & Notes below for a grilled version.) Top each patty with a slice of cheddar, cover the skillet, and remove from the heat to allow the cheese to melt a bit. Place each patty on a bun; top with apple slices and honey-mustard spread. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestion
Serve these cheeseburgers and with thick-cut potato chips and coleslaw or—to carry the apple theme even further—a Waldorf salad.

Tips & Notes
For a grilled version, grill the burgers for 4-6 minutes per side until cooked (an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the patty should read 160°F).

Nutritional Information
480 calories, 20 g. fat, 110 mg. cholesterol, 1010 mg. sodium, 46 g. carbohydrate, 7 g. fiber, 36 g. protein

Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges with Jalapeño Sour Cream

Total Time: 50 minutes; 10 minutes active
Servings: 6
These tasty wedges pair perfectly with roast turkey sandwiches, breakfast hash, or a big bowl of chili.

Ingredients
2 pounds sweet potatoes, washed and cut lengthwise into large wedges
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Jalapeño Sour Cream
1/2 cup light sour cream
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Pinch of salt

Preparation
Preheat the oven to 400° F.
In a large bowl, mix together the oil and spices. Add the sweet potato wedges and toss until well coated. Spread the seasoned wedges out on a large sheet pan. Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes, stir or flip the wedges, and bake an additional 20 minutes until browned and tender.
While potatoes are roasting, mix together the sour cream, jalapeño pepper, lime and salt in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Remove the wedges from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving with the jalapeño sour cream.

Serving Suggestion
These tasty wedges are the perfect accompaniment for roast turkey sandwiches, breakfast hash, or a big bowl of chili; or serve as a party snack.

Nutritional Information
247 calories, 7 g. fat, 10 mg. cholesterol, 136 mg. sodium, 45 g. carbohydrate, 7 g. fiber, 3 g. protein

Veggie Chili with Beer

Total Time: 30 minutes; 15 minutes active
Servings: 5
Veggie chili is a great dish to share with friends and family, it’s hearty and satisfying for everyone, and vegetarians will be grateful for the option. Adding beer elevates a simple chili to a rave-worthy one, great with a hunk of cornbread and, of course, a beer.

Ingredients
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 cup wheat beer, red ale or lager
1 14-1/2 ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes, puree
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation
In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Sauté the onion for five minutes over medium heat, until soft. Add the chili powder and chipotle and stir until fragrant, then add the peppers, carrot and beer. Raise heat to high and bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to medium-low for 5 minutes. Uncover and add the remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to combine the flavors and thicken the chili.

Serving Suggestion
Serve with a green salad, a hunk of cornbread and beer.

Nutritional Information
185 calories, 3 g. fat, 0 mg. cholesterol, 855 mg. sodium, 32 g. carbohydrate, 9 g. fiber, 7 g. protein

These recipes originally appeared on Co+op Welcome to the Table

Citrus Savvy: 5 New Tricks for Familiar Fruits

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Our Annual Citrus Sale is January 10-16 2020! Come in and stock up on fresh fruit by the case – here are some recipe ideas to make the most of your purchase.

By Mandy Makinen 

Maybe you’ve made limeade, put mandarin oranges in a salad, or whipped up lemon-pepper chicken. You might even have used grapefruit in a vinaigrette, if you were feeling fancy. Original in their own time, these ideas have been around awhile for good reason, they’re simple and tasty. In that spirit, here are some suggestions for fun, easy new ways to use citrus fruit:

Thai on a lime
Sometimes an appetizer is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Try this quick snack to ward off the after-work munchies. Place each ingredient into separate small bowls or custard cups: a couple handfuls of roasted, salted peanuts; a piece of candied ginger, chopped into smaller bits; and a few very thin slices of lime cut into small wedges—about 10-12 wedges per slice, peel and all (since you eat the peel, we recommend choosing organic limes). Grab several peanuts, a little candied ginger and a lime wedge and pop them into your mouth for a flavor sensation inspired by the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. Try it as an appetizer for a spicy Thai meal.

Orange you fancy?

You’re making dinner for your friends, you’re short on time and you realize you really should have one more dish. No problem! Peel a few oranges with a paring knife, cutting off the white layer of the orange peel, cut the orange in half across the wedges, then cut into 1/4-inch slices and spread on a platter. Scatter some very thinly sliced red onion rings on top along with a handful of whole or sliced kalamata olives. Top with a swirl or two of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes. This simple-to-prepare Mediterranean salad looks and tastes gourmet.

The grapest-fruit of all
Not your grandparent’s grapefruit, nor the bitter power breakfast fruit of choice in the 1980s. No, today’s grapefruit is the greatest grapefruit to date: broiled grapefruit! Slice your grapefruit in half (horizontally, not stem to end) and sprinkle the cut side with a teaspoon of dark brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon (if you like), then put under the broiler for 4 minutes until top is caramelized and warm, and serve! A dollop of crème fraiche makes it dessert worthy, whereas a dollop of plain Greek yogurt justifies breakfast status. It’s so good to be living in the now, isn’t it?

A zested development
Did you know that the secret behind such citrus-flavored favorites as lemon ricotta pancakes, key lime pie and lemon parmesan pasta all comes down to one word: zest? Learning to zest your citrus is an easy way to boost flavors naturally in a variety of foods. For instant tropical flair, combine tangerine zest and shredded coconut in a tasty quick bread or muffins. Invest in a simple, inexpensive zester to make the process safe and easy, then consider zesting all your citrus and freezing the zest for future use – it will keep in the freezer in an airtight plastic bag for months, ensuring the “zest” is yet to come!

Major mojo (or, it’s all coming up Cuba)
Have you noticed the success of the Cubano sandwich and the Mojito cocktail? Cuban food is where it’s at. In the spirit of this revelation, meet your new favorite condiment: mojo sauce. Blend equal parts orange and lime juice with olive oil, plenty of fresh garlic and a pinch each of cumin, salt and pepper. Serve with roasted potatoes, fried plantains, beans and rice, pork, beef, chicken, shrimp, veggies, shoe leather, houseplants, you get the idea!

This article originally appeared on Co+op Welcome to the Table

Zucchini-Based Recipes for our Favorite Holiday

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America’s favorite unknown holiday has fallen upon us. Did you know that more gifts are given today than any other major holiday? Okay, we made that up. But we didn’t make up today’s holiday (although we wish we could take credit for it). August 8th is National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day. This gloriously green holiday was born out of the simultaneous realization that zucchini grows bountiful right around this time and there is only so much zucchini one can eat. Farmers and gardeners alike came to understand that the best way to rid of their excess fruits of labor was to slip across property lines in the dead of night and leave the desired amount of zucchini on the recipient’s porch. 

The problem with this method is not the delivery, because that’s flawless. The issue is that everyone focuses on the ceremonial act itself and not what happens afterwards, specifically on the recipient’s side. What are you supposed to do now that you have collected the ceremonial zucchini from steps outside your front door? 

Here are 5 creative ways to use zucchini this summer:

1. Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

For many, this recipe won’t come as a surprise or seem creative. Different circular vegetable imposters have been trying to invade the chip market for years. The great thing about this specific variety is the second main ingredient– the cheese. We won’t say that the cheese makes up for the fact that you have to eat a vegetable, but it might make it a little easier to ingest (or convince hesitant family members). For those who want to dive into the world of vegetable chips this is a great place to start.

 

2. Shaved Zucchini Salad

This recipe is like someone extracted all of the tastes you associate with summer from your mouth and put them in a dish– a summer salad dish nonetheless. This Shaved Zucchini Salad has notes of citrus, that fresh vegetable taste, and just enough pumpkin seeds to add an extra crunch and remind you that summer is ever fleeting. The addition of the macadamia nuts makes it a heartier salad without taking away from the citrus. 

 

3. Zucchini-Herb Fritters

Zucchini-Herb Fritters are another way to introduce vegetables into more foods without making it feel like a chore. This recipe can be thought of as the best of both worlds; you can still enjoy your potatoes while getting a serving of vegetables. In addition, the sauce strays away from a greek yogurt sauce to a garlic yogurt sauce. The only indecisiveness around this dish is whether to serve it as an appetizer or side dish. 

 

4. Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Zoodles (zucchini noodles) is another food trend that has been trying to make itself mainstream over the past few years. What might turn people away from this idea is that it’s tempting to leave the zucchini alone. However, zoodles cannot carry themselves like regular pasta. In this recipe, the zoodles are enhanced with a creamy avocado pesto sauce. The added tomatoes at the end give volume to the dish. 

5. Chocolate Zucchini Bread

We’ve all had zucchini bread, but how many of us can say they’ve had a chocolate version of the classic baking treat? If you’re looking for a way to sneak vegetables into the mouths of unsuspecting diners, this is the way to do it. You don’t even have to tell them there are vegetables in it (as long as you can come up with an alternative source of the tiny green flecks in the bread). This recipe also exchanges traditional oils for applesauce to up the healthy ante. 

 

We hope this gives you some ideas to do with your newly gifted zucchini. Or maybe you’ve been inspired to have a smaller holiday so you can keep more of your harvest for yourself and try the recipes for yourself. Either way, we hope you have a great National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day! 

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!

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!



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