Local chef Theresa Joseph recently served this tasty, plant-based treat from the Coalition for Healthy School Food to our shoppers. Perfect for pizza night, movie night, or leftover breakfast the next day! Yields one 12- inch pie Ingredients 12-inch pizza crust (recipe below, or pre-purchased) 1 Tbsp olive oil 3 cloves garlic, finely minced 1 (15.5 oz.) can salt-free cannellini beans, drained ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. black pepper ⅓ cup water (add only if mixture is too thick) 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil Optional: lemon juice to taste 2 large or 3 medium size ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped (other types of tomatoes work, too) 1 cup spinach, chopped 1 (2.25 oz) can sliced black olives 1 cup basil, [...]

Sandwiches can be a healthful, satisfying meal when you stuff them with an entire salad! Opt for a whole grain baguette — you will stay fuller longer and enjoy the hearty flavor. Purchased pesto makes this so easy, and tastes like summer in a jar. This is one of our High Five recipes, made from five main ingredients or less. Simplify your life with more delicious High Five recipes. By Co+op, stronger together Total Time: 10 minutes Servings: 2 Ingredients 4 cups mixed greens, or spinach 2 Tbsp jarred pesto 2 8-inch baguette pieces 4 ounces Asiago cheese, thinly sliced 1 large tomato, sliced Preparation Heat the broiler. Put the mixed greens in a medium bowl and add the pesto, tossing to [...]

By Co+op, stronger together According to Pizza Today magazine, people in the United States consume 350 slices of pizza every second. That’s a lot of pizza, but it’s also a lot of cheese! Thanks in part to pizza, mozzarella cheese is the most-consumed cheese in the United States, year after year, with cheddar cheese the only near competitor (macaroni and cheese, anyone?). Mozzarella’s fine qualities are many, but ranking high on the list is its superbly smooth texture and ability to melt. The mild, creamy flavor of mozzarella makes it versatile enough to pair with flavors as varied as pineapple, anchovies, jalapeños, and Kalamata olives. Nutritionally, it is high in protein and calcium, and contains a decent dose of [...]

By Mary Choate, Co+op, stronger together Brown-bag lunches can get boring if they're the same old thing over and over again. Kids may trade to get a lunch that they find more fun to eat. For adults, boredom can lead to a trip to the vending machine or convenience store, both difficult places to find healthful choices. The solution is to mix it up with nutritious and fun choices from the Choose My Plate's Healthy Eating Tips. Think outside the bag To start thinking “outside the bag,” use the ideas below to put together a fun lunch that brown baggers of all ages will enjoy. Be sure to add your favorites to the list! Note: Add a freezer pack [...]