The Weekly Radish Newsletter | Littleton Food Co-op

Summer Salads

June 19, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

When the weather (finally) turns warm, it can go from pleasant and sunny to too hot to handle in the blink of an eye. When you start to get sweaty inside, don’t sweat over what to make for dinner! Summer dinners call for salads; if done right, salads are a great way to get all the flavor, texture, and complexity you want in a meal without stepping near the oven. Plus, summer is when the Produce Department is exploding with fresh local fruits and veggies. Below are some of our favorite salad recipes with ingredients you can find at the Littleton Co-op. They’ll make great mains, starters, or sides, and the best part is you’ll likely find lots of the ingredients on sale!

Kale Antipasto Salad

The key to making this salad is a success is ensuring that you massage your kale. Yes, you read that right. It’s explained in this recipe, but massaging your kale is going to take away the toughness that might be holding you back from this leafy green to begin with. And as a bonus: increase the ratio of the other ingredients to kale so the next day you can put the mixture in a sub roll or wrap for a new twist on an Italian.

Coconut Tangerine Salad

When we first saw this recipe, we were hesitant. But when you think about it a little longer, it makes perfect sense! It’s a truly tropical experience in a SALAD. No passport required for this experience. Try substituting butter/bib lettuce if you really want to highlight the crunch of the coconut and almonds.

Mojito Watermelon Salad

Who ever said that salads have to have lettuce in them? In this recipe, watermelons take the center stage (but fresh local mint has a strong supporting role). We highly recommend the suggested addition of feta cheese.

Thai Peanut Salad

Cabbage is great because it is a dense, low-cost vegetable option, but in this recipe it is also a great vehicle for a heavier dressing. Add your choice of protein and this is definitely a full meal! Another topping option is uncooked ramen noodle or chow mein noodle pieces.

Original recipe images courtesy of National Cooperative Grocers at grocery.coop.

Father’s Day Gift Guide

June 10, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

Where would life be without Dads? That being said, they can be incredibly hard to buy gifts for! We here at the Littleton Co-op broke things down by dad characteristics (dad-teristics, if you will) and found options for everyone for Father’s Day. And have no fear — there’s a gift for every budget, too. Make things easy and find all of your Father’s Day gifts and essentials at the Littleton Co-op.

For the “Stereotypical Dad”

If you swear every TV sitcom father is based on your own, he will appreciate complex sauces and marinades to complement his summer grilling; one of our hundreds of local craft beer options; a nut or snack mix to make couch-sitting more fun; or a sweet treat to end the day. Consider these options this Father’s Day:

LOCAL Genuine Jamaican BBQ Sauce and Marinade: $5.99
LOCAL Schilling Beer Co. Ziegenmensch Maibach: $17.99
Bulk Organic Dill Cashews: $16.99/lb
My Dad’s Cookies (assorted flavors): $7.99

For the “Outdoorsy Dad”

If you’re worried about getting your dad inside long enough to open a present, give him tools to stay out longer, enjoy the outdoors, or remind him of our area’s natural beauty with:

Littleton Co-op Trucker Hat (various styles available): $19.99
LOCAL Badger Sunscreen (various styles available): $8.99+
S’mores kit with marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, woodcut “Littleton, NH” s’mores stick: Prices Vary
LOCAL White Mountain Images Notecard Box Set: $15.00

TIP: Get creative with s’mores! Check out our post on 8 ways to make s’mores.

For the Overworked Dad

Every father is a working father, but some just don’t know how to turn off “work mode.” Gifts for the “workaholics” can either be aimed at making their busy lives easier, creating efficiencies in their schedule, or trying to teach them how to relax. These gifts hit all of those categories:

LOCAL Critical Mass Coffee (assorted blends): $17.99
LOCAL Badger Sore Muscle Rub: $11.99
Lunchskins Plastic-Free Starter Kit: $6.59
Equal Exchange Organic Chocolate Bar (assorted flavors): $5.49

For the “Foodie Dad”

In some families, if Dad is making dinner there’s no question that it’s going to taste fantastic! Whether you want to treat him to high quality ingredients, help restock the pantry, or set up a family cooking adventure, these gifts will “cook” (as the kids say):

Rustichella Pasta (assorted shapes): $6.29+
Bulk Department Refill Spices: Varies, spices priced per pound
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix: $4.99
LOCAL hot sauces from Angry Goat Pepper Co. and Sugar Bob’s: $8.79+

For the Active Dad

If Dad loves hitting the gym, going on family walks, or just never sitting still, fuel his active lifestyle with gifts like these:

Protein and Energy bars: Price Varies
Bulk Grandy Organics High Antioxidant Trail Mix: $15.99/lb
Orgain Organic Protein Powder (assorted sizes and flavors): $34.99+
Klean Kanteen (assorted styles and colors): $27.99+

*Product availability and pricing may vary; please stop in store for up to date information.

Not seeing something for a Dad in your life? Get him a Littleton Co-op gift card! Available in store and online.

Smores 8 Ways

May 22, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

S’mores doesn’t have to just be limited to the standard graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate! Consider one of the unique combinations below. All of the ingredients can be purchased at the Littleton Co-op of course! And if your weekend campfire is rained out, consider using the broil function on your oven to create a similar toasty and melty effect.

Summer Shrimp Rolls

May 18, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 small carrot, shredded
2 large scallions, sliced diagonally
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup cilantro, stems removed
1/4 pound thin rice noodles
12 large rice paper wrappers
24 large cooked shrimp
1 jar peanut or sweet chili sauce, prepared

Preparation

Put on a pot of water to boil for the noodles. Place the carrots and scallions in a large bowl. Add the lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, ginger and cilantro. Cook the noodles and drain well, wrap in a thick smooth-textured kitchen towel and press to remove excess water, then add to the bowl. Remove any tails or veins from the shrimp; pat the shrimp dry and reserve.
To assemble, on a table or counter set a large roasting pan with an inch of warm water in it, a clean towel, a cutting board, and a platter and plastic wrap for the finished rolls. For each roll, place a rice paper sheet in the pan of warm water and gently submerge with your fingertips. Once parts are softening but not completely limp (30 – 60 seconds), carefully place the sheet on the towel for a few seconds to blot excess moisture, then transfer to the cutting board. Arrange 2 shrimp across the center of the rice paper skin. Put about a half cup of the veggie filling on top of the shrimp. Fold in the rice paper from the sides, then up from bottom, then roll up. Place finished rolls on the platter and cover with plastic wrap to keep them moist while you complete the rest. If you prepare the rolls more than an hour before you plan to serve them, cover with wet paper towels and wrap tightly in plastic. Serve with dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestion

Enjoy Shrimp Summer Rolls on their own as a light lunch instead of a salad, or accompany them with vegetable fried rice or a fragrant bowl of Vietnamese pho for a more substantial meal.

Nutritional Information

390 calories, 9 g. fat, 285 mg. cholesterol, 1770 mg. sodium, 38 g. carbohydrate, 1 g. fiber, 34 g. protein

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

Signs You’re in a Relationship with Hummus

May 11, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

Your friends always know what you’re bringing to the party/potluck/movie night/baby shower/etc.

You tsk at people who need different foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Your ears perk up whenever someone mentions needing more protein (because you know just what to recommend)

You refer to chickpeas as “pre-hummus”

Your phone’s camera gallery is a sea of beige (in the best, most delicious way possible)

It’s the first thing you think of when you wake up, and the last thing before you go to sleep

You have an objective ranking list of brands and flavors ready to recommend at any time

You’ve been known to get into some heated arguments with friends or strangers about your opinion on the “correct” way to spell hummus

The words “serving size” will not get in the way of you and your betrothed

Your life’s passion belongs to finding a cure for those who don’t like hummus

What Your Dip Choice Says About You

May 4, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

The dipping possibilities are practically endless! At least, they’re much more expansive than we were willing to list here. Since we were feeling in an early 2010s Buzzfeed quiz-taking mood, we decided that the dip you most often reach for can say a lot about you. Here we present a part of your soul you may not have realized:

Salsa. Is it basic to say you’re basic? To those who don’t know you well, they’d definitely call you that “B” word. But what they don’t know is that you have a hidden depth that only presents itself around people you feel comfortable with. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re an introvert, but you save your extra spice for close friends and family. You won’t volunteer to play the starring role in the next community play, but you wouldn’t shut down a karaoke duet with your bestie.

Guacamole. You’d much rather “go with the flow” than stick to a plan. You’re confident… sometimes too confident. You have bold opinions and a great sense of self, which has served you well in your career and personal life. However, you sometimes walk the line between “confident” and “arrogant,” which is why some people have a different interpretation than you see yourself. You attract loyal friends, and they’re always ready to come to your defense and set the record straight.

Queso. You don’t believe that it was curiosity that killed the cat – and you’re going to investigate what did. Your childhood revolved around Nancy Drew and spy movies, and has transitioned to an adulthood of trying new cuisines and hopping on the latest fashion trend. What people don’t realize is there are always calculations behind your risks. Sure, you’ll go on an epic backpacking adventure… but there’s going to be a lot of heavy research beforehand.

Spinach Artichoke. You frequently suffer from “analysis paralysis.” And while that might result in a longer decision making timeline, those around you appreciate knowing your final result isn’t a flippant choice. You love making a pros and cons list or engaging in healthy debate. You’re not quite an introvert or an extrovert, which frustrates some people, but you like existing in the space between based on who you’re interacting with. Someone would unironically say “you contain multitudes.”

Buffalo Chicken. You are truly the star of your own life. The spotlight loves you, and vice versa. And while people are quick to acknowledge your shiny end product, you also appreciate when your hard work and preparation is noticed. You didn’t become a star by accident – it was putting in time and effort into each part of your life. Your love language is gift giving (or gift-making when you have the time) and you’d certainly never show up to a get together empty handed.

Hummus. You often take on the caretaker role in your friend group; people look to you for mentorship, affirmation, and the First Aid kit you always keep in your bag. You are always looking out for the needs of everyone else, and feel most comfortable when everyone is included. Big parties are not your scene; you’d much rather stay home on a Saturday night, curled up with a good book (and your hummus, of course).

French Onion. You’re a minimalist in life… and in dips. You can’t understand why anyone would buy a dip to specifically match the dipper; part of why you like french onion dip is it goes with just about everything. You extend that mentality to the rest of life, taking a minimalist approach to your home, your closet, and your tight knit friend group. You live by the motto “quality over quantity.”

Ales from the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom

March 12, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

When thinking of how to imbibe on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s easy to go straight to the classic Guinness. But the Littleton Co-op has more options! Our beer buyer generously compiled a list of ales from Ireland and the UK for us. As of March 2025, the Co-op carries:

Guinness
Guinness Extra Stout
Guinness 0
Harp (Limited – St. Paddy’s Only – While Supplies Last)
Smithwicks (Limited – St. Paddy’s Only – While Supplies Last)
Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout
Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale
Samuel Smith’s Chocolate Stout
Old Speckled Hen English Pale Ale
Murphy’s Stout
Belhaven Scottish Stout
Belhaven Scottish Ale
Harviestoun Ola Dubh
Harviestoun Ola Dubh 10th Anniversary
Harviestoun Old Engine Oil
J.W. Lee’s Harvest Ale
J.W. Lee’s Harvest Ale 2022 Lagavulin Whisky Cask Matured
J.W. Lee’s Harvest Ale 2012 Port Cask Matured
J.W. Lee’s Harvest Ale 2014
J.W. Lee’s Harvest Ale 2015 Calvados Cask Matured
J.W. Lee’s Harvest Ale 2016
J.W. Lee’s Harvest Ale 2021 w/ 1986 Yeast
Boddington’s Pud Ale

As always, if you need assistance finding any of these options please ask any of our employees! Our Beer staff is also happy to make recommendations.

Food Access Resources in the North Country

February 10, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

We know first hand the power of good, nutritious food to transform lives. But, we also know that many folks in our local communities struggle to put food on the table. Local food pantries and food access organizations work tirelessly to fill the gap left by food insecurity, and we are honored to have worked with the following organizations in the past. This list is not maintained or updated to reflect spur of the moment changes — please reach out to individual organizations for up to date hours and locations.

The capability of food access organizations has increased dramatically over the years! Many of the organizations below offer fresh produce, refrigerated and frozen items, and personal care products. Organizations also have varying participant requirements (ex: federal program qualifications, residency, etc) — but some have none at all! Please contact organizations directly to find out more about offerings and requirements.

Whitefield Food Pantry

3 School Street, Whitefield (at Whitefield Christian Church)

Open: Thursdays @ 3:30 – 5:00 pm

In case of a food emergency, please contact 603-837-8849

Good Neighbor Food Pantry

44 Church Street Franconia

Open: Tuesdays @ 11 am – 12 pm

In case of a food emergency, please contact 603-991-6017

Bethlehem Food Pantry

2155 Main St., Bethlehem (In Town Hall)

Open: Mondays & Thursdays @ 2 – 3 pm; Tuesdays – 10 am – 12 pm

In case of food emergency, please contact 603-869-3351, ext. 103

Bethlehem Little Free Pantry

2155 Main St., Bethlehem (Behind Town Hall)

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Please park in the Town office lot, or the parking lot for the swimming pool

All Saints Food Cupboard

35 School St., LIttleton

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays – 9 am – 10 am

In case of food emergency, please contact – 603-444-3414

Little Free Pantry

189 Main St., Littleton

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Littleton Food Pantry

70 Redington St., Littleton

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays 10am-12pm

In case of food emergency, please contact 603-575-5734

LAMA (Littleton Area Mutual Aid)

@LittletonAreaMutualAid

Artisans with a Mission (AWAM)

45 Union St., Littleton

MVP: Most Valuable Pairings

February 3, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

We know that a great match up is what makes a great game, so we asked our beer expert Kevin to match classic football snacks with their best accompanying local brew. And to be sporty, we’re calling them MVPs: Most Valuable Pairings. While it’s not as elegant as pairing wine and cheese, these still let your favorite beers and game snacks shine. All of these great local options (and much more!) are here at the Littleton Co-op. We also have all the domestic and international classics, and N/A options, too! Check out Kevin’s recommendations below. But whatever brews you choose, make sure you have enough to last the whole game!

Producer Spotlight: Genuine Jamaican

January 27, 2025 By Anastasia Maher

Producer: Genuine Jamaican

Owner/Founder: Derrick Samuels

Location: Barnet, VT

Found at the Littleton Co-op: BBQ sauces and marinade

Website: Facebook Page

Our modern day food systems were built on the backs of People of Color (POC), particularly the Black community, without making room to acknowledge their important contributions. During the month of February, celebrated as Black History Month, we take intentional moments to celebrate Black entrepreneurs, inventors, and businesses that have shaped the way we eat, drink, and live. Supporting a vibrant and diverse producer network is a yearlong goal of the Littleton Co-op, and we are proud to highlight BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) voices. Read more about Littleton Co-op’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work here.

Ask around to the folks in Northern Vermont and New Hampshire and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who’s seen Derrick Samuels of Genuine Jamaican without a smile on his face. A genuine smile. Derrick is proud to provide authentic Jamaican food and flavor to our corner of the globe; he has been a Barnet, VT resident with his wife Shellie for 35 years. Seasonally, you’ll find him serving up full prepared meals at the Caledonia Farmers Market (St. J, VT), but his rubs and marinades are available at the Littleton Co-op year round. He credits his late mother and grandmother with both his cooking skills and optimism. But for Samuels it’s not optimism as most people see it – a season of life or fleeting feeling; it’s simply a way of life. His motto: “If you can take care of things, take care of it.”

Genuine Jamaican and Derrick certainly take care of their customers, offering high quality versatile rubs, marinades, and sauces at a great value. Come get a hit of a Jamaican summer in the midst of winter here at the Co-op!