Littleton Food Co-op

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Meat: 7am - 7pm
Deli: 7am-6pm Sun-Thu / 7am-7pm Fri & Sat

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

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It’s no secret that all the mothers in our lives deserve something nice this Mother’s Day. But parents spend 18+ years providing for their children, meaning sometimes it’s hard to let go and let themselves be treated special for once. But that just means they deserve a gift to show your appreciation even more! Have you seen those restaurants out there that have named menu items based on cliches that kids say when you ask them what they want to eat? A hot dog and french fries might be called “I Don’t Know,” and an “I’m Not Hungry” consists of penne pasta and sauce. We’ve adapted that idea below for Mother’s Day. Use what the mothers in your life say they want for Mother’s Day to select from one of the options below. And remember, we’re going to look beyond the superficial words being said here. For instance:

“Oh, I don’t need anything special.”

This mom doesn’t want to be the center of attention or have a big fuss made that upsets a Sunday routine. And they likely don’t want more physical products to try to make space for in the house. Hot take: sometimes giving someone a “special Mother’s Day” vase, jewelry box, tchotchke, etc is actually more of a burden than a gift. You’re saying now I have another ~thing~ in my space that I didn’t get to pick out AND I can never throw away without a lifetime of guilt?? Instead of elaborate plans or unnecessary products, focus on enhancing the routine they already have. Consider:

Local Coffee. Start mom’s day with an extra special cup of joe. Local coffee tastes best because not only are our local producers focused on craft and quality over mass production, it’s a gift that directly supports your community. Moms have enough to worry about in life – take one worry away by gifting ethically-sourced, environmentally-responsible coffee beans. And hey, get ground beans – don’t make them do any more than required.

Trail mix or energy bites from the Bulk Department. A mother on the go can never get enough protein-packed fuel to get through the day. And whether you’re a spouse, child, family member, or co-worker, let’s be honest here: you’re one of the reasons their energy is depleting. It’s only fair that you give a boost.

Littleton Co-op gift card. There’s bound to be SOMETHING a mom needs at the Littleton Co-op! Let mom decide with a gift card to their favorite local grocery store. And even better: give the gift of a solo shopping trip. Sometimes, even better than a bottle of wine paid for with a gift card is the opportunity to stand in the wine aisle deciding for as long as you want; no screaming kids, no impatient partner, just pure grocery store bliss. Purchase Gift Card Online.

“My favorite gift is spending time with you.”

Gift giving and receiving is not everyone’s “love language” and that’s totally okay! Quality time might mean more to mom than the most expensive gift money could buy. But let’s face it: an excursion or day out on the town can add up fast. But hanging out at home watching TV doesn’t really separate Mother’s Day from a regular Tuesday. Consider purchasing something to center your quality time around, such as: 

Co-op Puzzle. The ultimate rainy day activity! The worst thing would be making mom feel frustrated, which is why the Co-op puzzle is an achievable 375 pieces. Cooperate with mom to assemble a collage of some of our favorite cooperative moments. This is great to spark conversations about your favorite foods, memories from the past fifteen years, and memorable times working on a team.

King Arthur Baking Mix. Get your hands dirty with mom in the kitchen this Mother’s Day! Not only do you get to enjoy the activity of baking something savory or sweet together, but then you get the secondary experience of enjoying your creation together. If home baking is not your strong suit, King Arthur Baking mixes make the process much easier. And you know all the ingredients will be top-notch. Plus, the King Arthur Baking headquarters is a short drive away in Norwich, VT – road trip with mom!

NH travel cribbage board. This isn’t just your standard cribbage board. These handcrafted wooden sets from Maine are carved with White Mountains inspired images on the board and pegs. Mom will feel touched that you went the extra mile to customize a board for the two of you to play together; meanwhile, all the work you have to do is pick it up from the Co-op.

“Whatever you want to give me.”

Okay, that’s great, mom. What I want to give you is an all expenses paid tropical vacation, one million dollars, and a break from carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, but that’s not realistic for multiple reasons so could you give me some guidance here? Moms who say something along these lines just don’t want to be a burden; but, that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t appreciate a token of affection. If a tropical vacation is out of your budget, focus on smaller gifts that can give mom those same feelings of a calm and stress-free life. Consider these options:

Locally-made soap. In our completely unbiased opinion, our local soap makers are the best! The artistry that goes into the flavor design and physical crafting of our local soap selection is exactly the kind of thing a mother will appreciate. And that’s not even including getting to use it and experience a lather of love.

Specialty Cheese accessories. Of course, Mom (or anybody really!) would appreciate a selection of cheeses from the Specialty Cheese island. But it can be difficult to gift perishable items (especially in the warmer months when we can’t use the back porch as a secondary refrigerator lol). But the Specialty Cheese Department also has a number of high quality non-perishable crackers, jams, spreads, and other “accessories” that would pair well with any cheese or other food of mom’s choosing. 

Aromatherapy tools. I don’t think anyone knows a mother who is “too relaxed” or “gets plenty of sleep.” Help all the moms treat themselves with lotions, masks, bath add-ins, oils, and more from the Wellness Department. Many brands offer tools to focus on various areas of wellness, but you can never go wrong with anything targeting sleep or relaxation. Bonus points for knowing mom’s favorite scent!

Fire Cider Recipe from Heartsong Farm Wellness

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We were fortunate enough to host Grace Phillips of Heartsong Farm Wellness Center at the Littleton Co-op in January 2024 to lead a class on fire cider. Participants learned about typical fire cider ingredients and the benefits of this beloved tonic. While herbalist Rosemary Gladstar has the best known recipe for fire cider, it has truly evolved to be more of a concept than an exact recipe after years of adaptation in the herbalism and wellness communities. That being said, you can truly make this your own, so don’t fret about exact measurements or the need to substitute or omit an ingredient. After all, you’re the one who is going to be consuming it, so make it to your enjoyment.

Whatever ingredients you want to include in your fire cider, make sure to grab them here at the Littleton Co-op! We have the North Country’s best selection of local organic produce (often on sale!) to make your fire cider shine. Below is the recipe Grace shared during the Co-op’s fire cider making class:

 

Ingredients

 ½ gallon raw apple cider vinegar
 2 Onions (yellow preferred), chopped
 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
 2-3 Cayenne Peppers, chopped
 1 Fresh Ginger Root, grated
 1 Fresh Horseradish Root, grated
 2 bulbs Garlic, crushed or chopped
 Small jar of raw Honey

Equipment

 ½ gallon glass mason jar
 1 correct size lid (ideally the plastic ‘no spill’, but regular metal lid is fine)
 Cheese grater
 Paring Knife
 2 Cutting Boards
 4 small bowls
 Small and large spoons
 Parchment or wax paper
 Cheesecloth or strainer
 Paring Knife
 2 Cutting Boards
 4 small bowls
 Small and large spoons

Place your desired amounts (or all of each) of the onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, cayenne peppers, ginger, and horseradish into the canning jar. Cover with apple cider vinegar by two to four inches. If using a metal canning jar lid, place a piece of parchment or wax paper under the lid to prevent the vinegar from touching the metal. Shake well. Store in a dark, cool place for one month and shake daily during that time.

After one month, use a cheesecloth or strainer to separate the solid ingredients and any pulp from the liquid, pouring the vinegar liquid into a clean jar. Add honey to taste and balance out the fiery ingredients. 1/4 cup honey is a good place to start. Stir honey into vinegar until incorporated. Taste and continue adding honey until reaching desired sweetness level. The mixture should taste spicy, hot, and sweet (if desired).

Fire cider can keep for several months unrefrigerated and in a cool pantry, but it is best kept in the fridge. Use as a daily wellness tonic, or as a sauce for salads, vegetables, and grains. And if you don’t want to discard your strained out ingredients, check out this waste-reducing recipe for Fire Cider Chutney from our friends at Shelburne Farms. Enjoy!

Take Your Holiday Visitors Here

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Depending on your point of view on visitors, you might be lucky and get to score a few extra days on either side of the holidays before or after the “main event”; whether that be your Christmas dinner, gift exchange, candle lighting ceremony, etc. Even a couple of extra hours can be precious time to spend with friends and family from far away. So you have the time…what do you do with your guests now? Show them what the awesome North Country has to offer! Down below we’ve compiled a list of classic northern NH locations perfect for first-time visitors and those willing to potentially deal with crowds and wait times, as well as some great spots even locals might not realize are great destinations to bring guests. Make sure to check online or cont

But first:

Littleton Food Co-op

Make sure you bring all of your visitors to the Littleton Food Co-op! The Co-op is *the* place to find quality local and organic foods, mementos from a variety of local producers, and more. We might be biased, but a locally-owned grocery store is the best way to see what’s important to a community all at once. Find out what life is truly like for those in the North Country through our food and drink. Moreso, stop and relax in the Co-op Cafe for a cup of coffee and a look at our community art gallery. And if you’re too busy exploring to cook, we have hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepped daily for your convenience. No membership is required to shop, everyone is welcome at the Co-op!

 

Cultural Classics

 

Super Secret Ice Cream

Beloved by locals and national admirers alike, Super Secret Ice Cream quickly catapulted from relative anonymity (hence the “Secret”) to full-blown phenomenon in the past couple of years. Just 10 minutes up the road from the Littleton Co-op, 2024 James Beard Award Nominated chef Kristina Zontini and her team handmake ice cream chock full of local ingredients and “no weird stuff.” Their products represent artisanal ice cream at its finest; you can stick with classic Vanilla Bean and Milky Chocolate, or be daring and get a scoop of Coquito or Cherry Pistachio & Mascarpone. Gluten free and vegan options available. Don’t forget the house-made waffle cone! Your guests will be left begging to take some home with them — that’s what Super Secret’s pint koozies are for. More Info.

Schilling Beer Company

Historians familiar with the Littleton area may recognize this brewery from its original purpose — a mill! Littleton’s iconic riverfront red mill is now the centerpiece to Schilling Beer’s three building campus. Founded in 2013, Schilling was one of the breweries leading the North Country beer-renaissance. They specialize in brewing modern European-inspired beers from their custom-built 20-barrel brewhouse. While they do not offer brewery tours at this time, you can get a great view of the process from their Store and Tasting Room. But Schilling isn’t just for beer enthusiasts – their woodfired pizzas, poutine, and pub pretzels will not leave those refraining from drinking with a less-than experience. Cozy up in the main building by the pizza oven, or check out one of their heated outdoor warming booths. More Info.

Chutters

Kids and adults alike will enjoy a trip to the world’s longest candy counter, humbly situated on Littleton’s Main Street. Chutters is 112 feet of candy from yesteryear, today, and tomorrow all bustled into a lively, fun-filled atmosphere. They also have a delectable array of fudge and specialty chocolates. All candy is picked yourself and priced by the pound, so even the pickiest of eaters will rest easy knowing they can get *exactly* 12 gummy bears and 4 licorice ropes. More Info. 

 

 

You might not think of…

 

Meadowstone Farm

Our friends at Meadowstone Farm do more than just wholesale their great products to the Littleton Co-op. Meadowstone is a cornerstone of the local food landscape, producing food with integrity — grown with a passion. They have a year-round farm stand open 8-5:30 daily and offer self-guided tours around the property. This is a great opportunity to learn about beyond organic growing, animal care, and our local landscape. And you just might walk away with a gift to take home or even a last-minute supper ingredient. More Info.

 

Wildbloom Beer

A relative newcomer to the North Country beer scene, what Wildbloom Beer may lack in seniority they sure make up for in heart and passion. Conveniently located on Littleton’s historic Main Street, Wildbloom’s serene taproom is the perfect antidote to a hectic and chilly day outside. Co-owners Devin and Beth have made it clear that introverts are welcome to lounge in one of their cozy windowed corners, but they’re also more than ready and willing to strike up a conversation with you, beer-centric or otherwise. Unlike many breweries of today, there’s no gimmicks or unnecessary frills here — the focus is on their (amazing) beer. It’s bring your own food, but they often announce local food pop-ups on their Instagram page. More Info.

Local Trail Networks

Wait, a set of FREE well-maintained trails that won’t be overcrowded with tourists? Yes, it exists! We are so fortunate to have access to the PRKR Mountain Trails in Littleton and Bethlehem Trails Association right over in Bethlehem. These trail networks are both 100% volunteer-maintained and community-funded. Consider taking your visiting outdoor enthusiasts for a quick jaunt or multiple hour trek across our beautiful natural landscape. And if anyone forgot any gear, the Bethlehem Trails Association has a “gear library” that operates very similarly to a little free library! Even if you want to stay around town, local organization Bike the North Country has set up a number of bike repair stations and bike racks in downtown areas for your use. BTA More Info. PRKR More Info. 

 

Where’s the Milk?

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Many folks have been asking this winter: “Where’s all the Robie Farm milk?” “Why do you not have any Huckins Farm products on the shelves?” Although we’re tempted to stockpile all that local dairy goodness for ourselves, that’s not what’s happening here. We wanted to set the record straight about local dairy this winter.

First, there’s the cows themselves.

Simply put, cows do not produce as much milk in the winter. Unlike childhood storybooks have led us to believe, cows are not constant suppliers of milk that are ready with a fresh squeeze whenever we feel. Many factors affect milk production, and a huge one is weather. When temperatures drop for our infamous New England winters, it changes the life of a cow completely. First, their feed changes. Gone are the rolling acres of fresh green pasture; farmers become more reliant on hay and alternative feeds. Did you know that cows can drink an average of 3 to 5 gallons of water a minute? Cows are pretty fussy about their water temperature. Water that’s too cold or even frozen is not going to fly. No hydration or nutrition = no milk. In addition, cows have to send their bodily energy away from making milk for the winter. It goes either to maintaining their internal body temperature or producing new life to continue the milking cycle.

Secondly, there’s the farmers.

It’s not uncommon to hear a dairy farm being referred to as a seventh, eighth, twelfth generation or beyond operated farm. This means the farm is run by a family, like many of our local farms are. Staffing a dairy farm is a hard task year round, but especially difficult in the winter. Children that would be helping around the farm return back to school, work slows enough to not justify part-time farmhands, and conditions can become brutal for even the most experienced farmers. Suffice to say, if there even is milk to prepare, there might not be enough people around to do it.

So when is the milk coming back?

Short answer is we don’t know, but we’re working hard to make sure it’s as soon as possible. A high priority of ours is cultivating meaningful relationships with our local dairy farmers, and we know they will prioritize getting milk back on our shelves as soon as possible. However, we can’t sell you milk when there is none coming from the farm. The dairy farmers cannot predict what factors will impact milk production in the coming weeks, so, unfortunately, they can’t tell our Dairy Department when they will deliver. We also don’t want to name a random date only to get your hopes up and generate disappointment when unforeseen circumstances kick in. 

Then how will I know when it’s back?

The best recommendation we have is to call the store to inquire about a product you are interested in. We cannot call customers when a product comes in or set aside product; we see hundreds of customers everyday and our staff are too busy to carry out special requests like these. This is also a great opportunity to try something new! We have thousands of products in store and new items added weekly. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this natural part of the milk production cycle.

Support the NH Farm to School Bill

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The New Hampshire state legislature will soon be deciding on HB1678-FN, also known as the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Pilot Program or the Farm to School Bill. The goal of this program is to connect more NH school cafeterias with fresh, locally produced foods to serve their populations. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: there are innumerable benefits to eating local, including fresher food, lower carbon emissions, and a strong economy. That is why the Littleton Food Co-op is a proud supporter of the Farm to School Bill. As we know, a thriving democracy only thrives when its members are active participants. Here’s what you can do to help support the passage of this bill:

 

 

Educate yourself on the bill

NOFA-NH (Northeast Organic Farming Association of NH) has put together a great resource guide about how this program will work, why it is important to NH, and who will benefit from it. Click here to read more from NOFA-NH. 

Read General Manager Ed King’s letter of support for NH HB-1678-FN

To Whom It May Concern,

Food Coops across the country have a long history of supporting local agriculture
and healthy eating. I’m writing this letter in support of a Farm to School Bill that is
currently before the New Hampshire House (HB 1678-FN). The goal of the bill is to
increase the availability of local fruits and vegetables in our school systems
statewide. Similar Bills have failed to pass recently in New Hampshire, leaving a
significant amount of Federal matching funding on the table. Speaking on behalf of
the Littleton Food Coop’s 9 Board Members and over 9,000 Members we feel that it
is imperative that HB 1678-FN passes in Fiscal Year 2024.
We’re not sure why this initiative hasn’t passed before this year? This program has
a modest cost of $241,000 for the state and accesses significant federal matching
funds that have already been approved. Do our representatives have something
against NH Farmers? Or perhaps they’re not interested in better nutrition for our
school children? I doubt that is the case. Maybe I am missing something here? What
we don’t want is the errors of the past to doom a positive path forward. Therefore the
Littleton Food Coop and its Members urge our legislatures to pass HB 1678-FN
during this session.

Cooperatively,
Ed King, General Manager LFC

Sign the official letter of support

NOFA-NH is doing the ground work of centralizing communities across NH into one strong letter of support. Click here to add your name to the letter and an optional short what local food means to you.

Contact your representatives

If this is a cause you’re really passionate about and you have a few extra minutes, use them to contact your state representative directly. Click here to find out who your representative is. If this seems to overwhelming, have no fear! There are plenty of resources and templates online designed to help folks contact their representatives. Many of them allow you to just plug in your name and information, and a sentence or two about the bill you’re writing about.

Help us make local food in local schools a reality!

Holiday Gift Guide 2023

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Gifts for every budget and every person on your list – all in one convenient place.

By the time you’re reading this, we’re getting into the “last minute shopping season.” Just because you come across a gift closer to the holiday does not mean you have to compromise on quality. We’re all busy people who don’t always have time to take a special Christmas shopping trip. And then there’s the flaky uncle you assumed wasn’t coming to dinner who all of a sudden RSVPs “yes.” The extra child you forgot your sibling has. The dog! Don’t forget a present for the dog!

But wait, you also have to go grocery shopping! Ahhh! Stress!! Why not do two things at once and do your last minute holiday shopping at the Littleton Food Co-op? This year we’ve compiled a list of gifts straight from the Co-op shelves to fit any budget. Whether you’ve got $5 to spend or $50, show your love this holiday season with one of these festive gifts:

Under $5

  • A quality bar of chocolate: The key to giving a small, single item is to make it unique and of quality. We suggest something from Equal Exchange or Endangered Species. Try going out of the box a little bit, perhaps with the Lemon Ginger or Cinnamon Cayenne & Cherries. This also means you’re giving a new experience, too. An added bonus is that both of these companies use fair trade ingredients, so you can feel good about passing this along. 
  • Locally designed greeting card: Perfect for friends and family far away, a card with a sweet note can be one of the most heartfelt gifts to give and receive. If you want to go a step further, include some mementos like photos from the year, newspaper clippings, copies of ticket stubs, etc. to let your recipient know how your year went. 
  • An aesthetically pleasing jar of popcorn: Utilizing the resources of the Bulk Department is the ideal way to cut costs this holiday season. Simply grab the jar of your choice (or bring one from home) and fill it with either multicolor, yellow, or white kernels. This is the perfect gift for someone who cares about how their kitchen/pantry looks or is constantly on FoodTok. Wrap it up in a nice ribbon or throw a bow on top and you won’t even have to wrap it. Plus, if you throw in the promise of a movie in the future, you’re giving the gift of quality time. Just make sure they’re paying for the movie if you intend to keep it under $5…
  • Other options: dog treats; a seasoning they use a lot or have never tried before; fancy mustard or other condiment; moisturizing lip balm. 

Under $15

  • Cabot Seriously Sharp Popcorn: Okay, this may sound silly to those who haven’t had this magnificent popcorn snack, but to those who have, you know what’s up. Whoever you give this to is either going to love you for introducing them to their new favorite snack… or hate you for introducing them to their new favorite snack. Throw in their new Sea Salt Caramel Cheddar or Maple Cheddar holiday flavors and it makes a whole popcorn set! 
  • Ursa Major Candle: It’s an undeniable fact that candles are the perfect gift to give, especially in the winter when we could all use a little more coziness. With this 100% beeswax unscented candle you won’t have to worry about your recipient not liking the smell or look. These candles are made by a young local elementary school entrepreneur, so really how can you not buy one??
  • Fuller’s Pure Maple Dry Sugar: The great thing about this variation of the maple syrup gift is it works for locals and beyond. It’s pretty easy to pass off some local maple products to someone not from the area, but this really shows off the full scope of what maple can do. It’s a little cheaper than syrup, but it’s just as versatile. 
  • Other options: Locally made dressing or marinade; Bulk Dill Cashews, Full Circle Reusable Lunch Set; Co-op reusable bag; local honey.

Under $25

  • 3-pack of Bees Wrap: Reusable and sustainable packaging is becoming a huge trend now, and with that means the options are becoming more and more stylish! The original Bees Wrap products come in individual and multi packs in a variety of designs. You can certainly give a single wrap as a gift, but giving a 3-pack empowers your recipient to integrate it more into their life. No one likes to find out that their gift actually sits unused in a drawer. Pick a pattern they’ll love and you’re almost guaranteed that won’t happen to you!
  • A local bottle of wine: Our collection of local wines has grown tremendously over the past few years, and now you can satisfy and delight a person of any palette. Rossi Imports supplies us with wines from across the spectrum of light to dark. And the folks at Zorvino have crafted unique flavors like “Chocolate Raspberry” and “Peppermint Mocha” for the more adventurous. We even have Sap House Meadery bottles and cans for someone who’s “over the wine scene.” Sometimes the hardest part of gifting wine is remembering it’s about what they like, not you! But nothing says you can’t get a second bottle for yourself…
  • Co-op Merch: Who doesn’t love shopping at the Co-op? Let your friends and family bring a piece of the Co-op wherever they go with a Co-op branded t-shirt or hat. It really takes the pressure off remembering to say “I love the Co-op” every five minutes. It’s only a bonus that they’re so stylish. 
  • Other options: Poinsettia or other plant; baking kit with King Arthur Flour, utensils, and fun mix-ins; a set of locally and fairly-sourced bath and beauty products. 

Under $50

  • Liter of Mount Cabot Maple Organic Maple Syrup: We have an incredible array of maple syrup from local producers, but Mount Cabot packaging and design just screams “I am made to be a gift.” When you buy maple syrup from a local producer, you know you are getting a quality product. Mount Cabot specifically is organic, single-source, and woodfired. If you don’t speak maple, that means it’s really, really good: for you, for the environment, and for this women-owned business. 
  • Primal Botanical CBD Rub: This local CBD company out of Vermont has great gift options for the person in your life who deserves a bit of extra pampering. Or honestly, the holidays can be so stressful, this might be one you’re allowed to keep for yourself.
  • Norpro Compost Keeper: Another great gift for your eco-conscious friend or the one who could use a little encouragement. This could have been seen as a burden, but now that the Co-op has a customer compost bin out front from Meadowstone Farm, composting has never been easier! And as the package itself says, it’s “attractive enough to sit on your kitchen countertop.”
  • Other options: Every candy option from the Bulk department. 

Any budget

  • A Littleton Food Co-op Gift Card: Stuck on what to get someone? Don’t want to go through the mental energy of deciding what to get someone? A gift card fits everyone, appeals to every taste, and is the easiest thing to wrap — because you don’t have to. Order a gift card online here. 

For more gift ideas–from very general to very specific (I mean, we’re talking “gift for your mail carrier who you have an oddly close relationship” specific)– check out our podcast, That’s Rad. Our 2021 Gift Guide has gift suggestions for those absolutely un-giftable people in your life, and our 2022 Sustainable Gift Guide is all about creating unique gifts from our very own Bulk Department. Check them out today, and let us know if you use any of these suggestions.

Whatever gifting direction you choose, all of us at the Littleton Food Co-op wish you a cheerful holiday and a happy New Year ♥

 

 

*Price categories reflective of time of writing and cannot be guaranteed. 

The 2023 Littleton Food Co-op Member Choice Awards

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The RESULTS ARE IN! Scroll Below for our inaugural list of Member Choice Winners!

As a co-op, we love local and we love democracy. In honor of Eat Local Month this August, we’re combining these ideas for the Littleton Food Co-op’s first annual Member Choice Awards. Littleton Food Co-op members now have the opportunity this summer to vote for their favorite local products from the Co-op in a variety of categories including: “Best Local Cheese,” “Best Local Craft Beer,” and “Best Savory Snack,” and more!

“But wait,” you say, “It’s not August yet,” Yes, you are correct. We’re rolling these awards out early to get us all hyped about local foods and fun before the month begins so we can take all month to celebrate the winners (and the not-winners.) Voting is open from July 22nd through July 31st, 2023, so don’t think you have to vote on day one. These are tough decisions we’re asking you to make. Some research (aka sampling) might be required…

Per the name, this is a member-only opportunity. A co-op thrives on the participation of member-owners, and we wanted these awards to reflect that. Not a member yet? Stop here first to sign up for membership before voting.

Once you’ve cast your vote, make sure to tune into the August episode of That’s Rad: a podcast presented by the Littleton Food Co-op to find out if your choices are declared winners!

AND THE WINNERS ARE…….

Best Local Produce: Four Corners Farm Strawberries (31.5%)

Best Local Bakery Item: Bonilla Bread Dutch-Oven Cheese and Herb Bread (20%)

Best Local Deli Prepared Food: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad (46.2%)

Best Local Pantry Staple Award: White Mountain Apiary Organic Raw Honey (39.1%)

Best Local Meat and Seafood Award: Robie Farm Ground Beef (35%)

Best Local Specialty Cheese Award: Jasper Hill Harbison (28.8%)

Best Local Granola Award: Grandy Organics Classic Bulk Granola (24.5%)

Best Local Dairy Item Award: Meadowstone Farm Eggs (47.7%)

Best Local Frozen Item Award: Giffords Vanilla Ice Cream (21.2%)

Best Local Beverage Award: Maine Root Soda Spicy Ginger Brew (28%)

Best Local Savory Snack Award: Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Popcorn (37.4%)

Best Local Sweet Treat Award: Lake Champlain Milk Chocolates (39.8%)

Best Local Alcoholic Beverage Award: Rek-lis Brewing Clouded Judgement NEIPA (22.2%)

Best Local Wellness Product: Elmore Mountain Lavender Goat’s Milk Lotion (39.6%)

Thank you for voting, and congratulations to our winning products! Check back in Summer 2024 for a fresh round of nominations and voting.

Questions? Email info@littletoncoop.org or talk to one of the friendly folks at the Service Desk for more information.

Member Choice Awards Poster

Farm Tour 2023

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All aboard the Local Food Bus! On August 16 a group of intrepid and excited cooperators hopped on a bus to take a whirlwind tour of three fabulous farms in New Hampshire’s North Country. August is Eat Local Month, and what better way to celebrate local food than to meet the farmers who grow and produce the food we eat? Plus we got to see some fascinating fungus and say hello to many funny animals. Stops included Mountain View Mushroom Farm in Monroe, NH, Crooked Mile Cheese in Waterford, VT, and Meadowstone Farm in Bethlehem, NH. We had such a great time, and we hope to plan a trip for next year, too!

First Stop: Mountain View Mushroom Farm

Second Stop: Crooked Mile Cheese

Third Stop: Meadowstone Farm

A special thank you to everyone who sent farm photos, including Co-op employees Azaria, Amber, and Bob, along with Board Director Vanessa!

Summer Asparagus, Three Ways

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By Annie Stuart, Marketing Manager & Cooperative Foodie

Muir Farm is a local grower here in Bath NH, and like many local farms, a large part of their business is growing food for local restaurants. Unfortunately many of their regular customers have shut down their kitchens due to the pandemic, leaving the folks at Muir in a bit of a lurch with no place to send their lovely bumper crop of asparagus. Fortunately we were able to step in and take some off their hands, and it really is beautiful – crisp green stalks, not too skinny or stringy, with tender tips flushed with pink. It cooks up beautifully on the grill (or in grill-adjacent dishes), so we’ve pulled together some outdoorsy summer asparagus recipes to get everyone inspired.

A couple techniques to get you started:

  • You can trim off the tough ends with a knife, but it’s better (and more fun) to simply bend each spear towards the bottom ’til it snaps at the natural breaking point.
  • Asparagus loves dressing, so consider olive oil, lemon juice, and/or italian dressing to snazz it up a bit. Salt & pepper or parmesan lend a nice finish.
  • High, dry, direct heat and fast-cooking brings out the best in this veggie, which is why it lends itself so well to grilling and broiling.
  • Grilling can be tricky since skinny stalks will slip through the grate. Skewer multiple spears together crosswise so they’re easier to pick up and turn all at once.

Grilled Asparagus

Ingredients

  • 1 lb thick asparagus, rinsed, trimmed, and dried
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbs lemon juice
  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes (so they don’t burn!)

Instructions

  • Preheat your grill. If you’re grilling meat wait until that is finished and put side to rest, then grill your asparagus afterwards when the grill is preheated and very hot.
  • Place the asparagus in a dish and drizzle your marinade, oil, or seasoning over it. Toss to coat each spear with flavor.
  • Skewer the asparagus spears in groups of 5 or 6, with one skewer towards the bottom and another a few inches towards the top.
  • Grill the asparagus over direct heat and cook uncovered until you see char lines. Flip and cook the other side for 2-4 minutes, until you see char marks but the spears are still bright green.
  • Transfer the finished asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle with lemon juice, salt & pepper, or parmesan to taste.

Asparagus Antipasto

Ingredients

Antipasto

  • 1 lb (1 bunch) fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
  • 1 c canned artichoke hearts, drained and halved or quartered
  • 1/4 lb prosciutto, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 lb salami, sliced into bite-sized rounds or pieces
  • 1 c Kalamata olives (or other olives of choice)
  • 1 c cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/3 lb sliced provolone cheese

Dressing

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed or minced
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbs red wine vinegar
  • 3 tbs olive oil
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • 1 orange
  • Pinch each of salt and ground black pepper

Preparation

  • Blanch the asparagus in boiling, salted water for 3-4 minutes, then rinse with cold water or cool in an ice bath. Drain well.
  • Zest the orange, and juice half for the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk all of the dressing ingredients together. Toss the blanched asparagus and artichokes in 2 tablespoons of the dressing and marinate for 60 minutes.
  • Once asparagus and artichokes have finished marinating, arrange the antipasto on a large platter, and drizzle with the remaining dressing.
  • Serve with fresh crusty bread or baguette slices.

Snow Pea and Asparagus Salad with Ginger-Cardamom Dressing

Ingredients

  • 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces
  • 1/3 lb snow peas, string removed (or substitute sugar snap peas)
  • 2 roma tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 1/2 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 c walnuts, raw or toasted (optional)

Dressing

  • 1/3 c vegetable oil
  • 1/3 c apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbs sugar
  • 1 tbs fresh ginger, peeled and minced
  • 2 tsp fresh ground cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Preparation

  • Use leftover grilled asparagus, or blanch fresh chopped asparagus in a pot of boiling, salted water for 2-3 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
  • Add the snow peas, tomato wedges, and asparagus and let sit 30 minutes.
  • Serve on a bed of Romaine lettuce, drizzled with any remaining dressing and garnished with walnuts.








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