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Strawberry Salsa

Try this sweet and spicy salsa at your next backyard BBQ.

Strawberry Salsa
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Grilling Guide: Pork Chops

Our Meat Department has a case full of chops and this recipe for Grilled Lemon Rosemary Pork Chops is delicious!

Grilling Guide: Pork Chops
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Balsamic Glazed Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the tell-tale signs of early summer. They're plentiful at the farmers market, and they're plentiful in the Produce Department. If you haven't tasted the flavor of strawberry with reduced balsamic vinegar, prepare for a party for your taste buds. This dish is delicious served over vanilla ice cream or yogurt.

Balsamic Glazed Strawberries
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Toffee Matzo Brittle

Whether or not you celebrate the Jewish holiday, Passover, we dare you to only eat one of these sweet and salty treats!

Toffee Matzo Brittle
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Natural Easter Egg Dyes

If you look forward to dyeing eggs every Easter, but like to avoid chemicals too, try these simple dyes made from food items. We used white eggs, but you can use brown, too. Just keep in mind that the colors will be darker and perhaps brighter.

Natural Easter Egg Dyes

Game Day! Rustic Artichoke Spinach Dip

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A slightly kicked up version of the classic, much loved artichoke dip is a simple appetizer to whip up for a crowd.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup canned or marinated artichoke hearts, drained

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, washed

  • 1 green onion

  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon pickled jalapeño peppers

  • 3 tablespoons roasted red peppers, drained and diced

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Mince the artichoke hearts, spinach, jalapeño pepper and green onion. Place them into a mixing bowl, add the Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice and roasted red peppers, then fold the ingredients together with a spatula. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestion

Serve this bright and zesty dip with baguette slices, crostini or fine crackers. Add a teaspoon of fresh chopped garlic for a deeper flavor or more jalapeño peppers for extra kick!

Nutritional Information

Calories: 89, Fat: 49 g, Cholesterol: 9 mg, Sodium: 287 mg, Carbohydrate: 6 g, Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Protein: 4 g

Sustainable Entertaining

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Planning dinner for a crowd? You don't have to spend a lot or make it complicated to create a delicious and environmentally friendly meal your guests will love. Whether you're throwing a summer barbecue for co-workers or hosting a holiday celebration for extended family, a sustainable menu can offer up big flavor and low costs.

Some sustainable eating tips

Celebrate local and in-season

Highlight fresh, in-season, local fare. Ingredients that are in season and local tend to be fresher and more flavorful, and in-season typically means a better price for you, too.  Browse your cookbook collection for recipes using the best of the season and make these ingredients the focus on your meal plan. Visit your co-op for ideas. If you're planning ahead (good for you!), talk with the co-op staff about what will be fresh and available when your event is happening.

To see a list of fruits and vegetables that are or will be in season in your state, visit Natural Resources Defense Council's (NRDC) page on eating local.

Your co-op can point you to local meats, cheese and other local favorites. If seafood is on the menu, be sure to look for sustainable choices; Seafood Watch offers a handy pocket guide.

And, be sure to look for the Fair Trade label when choosing party favorites like chocolate, coffee, tea and spices (Fair Trade is a great conversation topic, too!).

Keep an eye on value

To make a great party more expensive doesn't mean better. There's no need to blow your budget—even when serving a sustainable menu. To save:

  • Rely on inexpensive staples like grains and beans.

  • Buy in bulk for best economy.

  • Check out your co-op's sales flyer and coupons for upcoming specials that you can incorporate into your plans.

Waste not

Aim for zero waste:

  • Cook the right amount of food. If you overdo, arrange for guests to bring home leftovers.

  • Choose reusable plates, linens, and utensils. If you don't own enough dinnerware to go around, consider borrowing a set from a friend. Or if you go with disposable dinnerware, choose biodegradable products.

  • Provide clearly-marked recycling and compost bins for guests.

  • Use live plants or food (like a parade of baby squash or a wooden bowl of green apples) for the table decor.

  • Print your invites on recycled paper, or, better yet, send e-vites.

Read about earth-friendly celebrations. What's your favorite sustainable party menu?

Reposted with permission from: Co+op, stronger together.