Monday, September 14, 2026
By By: NCG's Co+op Kitchen - grocery.coop

If you’re looking for a colorful, attention-grabbing dish, serve this stuffed squash sprinkled with pomegranate arils (seeds) and mint. To create this dish, you’ll bake the squash halves until just soft enough to remove from the shells, then chop the flesh and mix with sautéed onions, apples and dates.

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; 40 minutes active | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 medium sweet apples, peeled and chopped
  • 6 large dates, pitted and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, slivered
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate arils

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 400 F. Lightly oil a sheet pan, and place the squash, cut side down, on the pan. Bake for 30 minutes. It will not be completely soft. Place on a cooling rack until cool.
  • While the squash bakes, place a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and add the onion. Stir for five minutes, add the apples and stir until hot, then reduce to medium heat for about 10 minutes to soften the apples. Add the dates, cinnamon and salt, and stir. Turn to low heat while the squash cools.
  • When the squash is cool enough to handle, use a paring knife to cut out the flesh, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch lining the shell. Place the shells on the baking pan, cut side up. Chop the flesh in ½-inch pieces. Add the squash to the apple mixture. Drizzle with the honey and stir to mix well, then spoon the mixture into the reserved squash shells. Gently pat down to compress.
  • Bake at 400 F for 30 minutes. Serve sprinkled with mint and pomegranate arils.

Serving Suggestion

Serve with brisket and an arugula salad with a tart vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information

170 calories, 4.5 g. fat, 0 mg. cholesterol, 200 mg. sodium, 35 g. carbohydrate, 4 g. fiber, 1 g. protein

 
Tuesday, September 08, 2026
By By: NCG's Co+op Kitchen - grocery.coop

Instead of melting packaged caramels, coat your apples with a jacket of peanut butter, cooked with condensed milk. Instead of dipping, you’ll wrap with warm candy around your crunchy apple, and refrigerate to make a candy coating.

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes; 30 minutes active | Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 large Honeycrisp, Gala or other sweet apples
  • Popsicle sticks
  • 1 cup chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup smooth peanut butter, unsweetened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation

  • Wash and dry the apples and insert a stick into the core of each.
  • Line a plate with waxed paper and place the peanuts or chocolate chips on a plate.
  • In a small pot, combine the condensed milk, peanut butter and vanilla and mix with a wooden spoon. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring until the mixture is thick and pulling away from the sides of the pot, about 5 minutes.
  • Take off the heat and use a half cup measure to scoop up the peanut butter mixture. Let cool before handling. Place into your palm and press an apple into it. Mold the mixture around the apple, covering it evenly. Roll in the nuts or chips, then place on the waxed paper. Continue with remaining apples.
  • Refrigerate until the coating is cold and firm, about 2 hours.
  • Serve cold.

Serving Suggestion

These candied apples are a real treat! Consider splitting one with a friend if a whole apple is too much (no judgement if you want it all for yourself, though!).

Nutritional Information

1150 calories, 63 g. fat, 45 mg. cholesterol, 770 mg. sodium, 128 g. carbohydrate, 12 g. fiber, 36 g. protein

 
Monday, August 31, 2026
By By: NCG's Co+op Kitchen - grocery.coop

If you’re looking for a crispy, rosemary-infused snack, this is for you. Instead of chips, make a fresh, rosemary-laced batch of roasted chickpeas for a more healthful, hearty nosh that is sure to please. These are also excellent sprinkled on salads or bowls.

Total Time: 50 minutes; 10 minutes active | Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Rosemary sprigs, for serving

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper, and reserve.
  • Drain the chickpeas. Spread a clean kitchen towel on the counter and spread the chickpeas on it to dry. Let air dry while the oven preheats for 20 minutes.
  • Place the chickpeas on the parchment-lined pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with rosemary, salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
  • Roast for 30 minutes, stirring at the halfway point. When the chickpeas are lightly browned, remove and cool on a rack. Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Can be reheated on a sheet pan in the oven at 400 F for five minutes to serve warm.
  • Serve garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.

Nutritional Information

120 calories, 5 g. fat, 0 mg. cholesterol, 650 mg. sodium, 15 g. carbohydrate, 5 g. fiber, 5 g. protein

 
Monday, August 24, 2026
By By: NCG's Co+op Kitchen - grocery.coop

These savory, satisfying, scrambled egg quesadillas will keep you energized all morning long.

Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Olive oil for the pan
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 4 8-inch whole wheat tortillas
  • 1 cup arugula or spinach, chopped
  • 1 medium avocado, cubed
  • Salsa

Preparation

  • Heat oven to 200°F, if you need to keep the quesadillas warm until you serve them. Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl with salt and pepper, and set aside. Place a medium cast iron or nonstick pan over medium heat and oil or spray lightly with olive oil.
  • Pour the eggs into the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softly scrambled and still moist. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the pepper jack cheese. Divide the egg mixture into four portions.
  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat for a few seconds. Carefully place a tortilla in the pan, then spoon one portion of the eggs onto half of the tortilla; sprinkle with a quarter of the arugula or spinach and a quarter of the avocado.
  • Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling, place another tortilla on the empty side of the pan, and assemble the second quesadilla in the same way. Press lightly to seal the ingredients inside the tortillas. Using a spatula, turn the first quesadilla after about 2 minutes, being careful not to spill the filling. The tortilla should be browned and crisp.
  • Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Turn the heat down to medium if the tortillas are browning too quickly. Transfer the finished quesadillas to plates, cut each quesadilla in three wedges and serve with salsa.

Nutritional Information

460 calories, 25 g. fat, 340 mg. cholesterol, 1000 mg. sodium, 34 g. carbohydrate, 6 g. fiber, 25 g. protein

 
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
By By: NCG's Co+op Kitchen - grocery.coop

Make breakfast once, then freeze it so you can effortlessly reheat on those busy mornings. These simple sandwiches have enough protein to carry you through to lunch, and the spinach gives you a little veggie goodness, too.

Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon, pork, turkey or plant-based
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (only if using plant-based bacon)
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
  • 6 English muffins or sandwich thins
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese

Preparation

  • In a large saute pan over medium heat, place the bacon and fry until crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. If using plant-based bacon, fry in olive oil until crisp. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
  • Pour off the bacon fat, leaving enough to coat the pan. In a medium bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, salt and pepper. Place the pan over medium heat and pour in the eggs. Scramble until almost cooked, about 3 minutes, then stir in the spinach. Cook until the eggs are cooked but still soft, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
  • Place the 6 English muffins or sandwich thins on a cutting board and remove tops. Place cheese slices on the bottom slices, then scoop ½ cup of the scrambled eggs on top. Break each bacon slice in pieces and put on top of the eggs. Top with bread.
  • Wrap tightly in waxed paper, then freeze for up to two months. To reheat, place frozen sandwich on a paper towel and microwave for 2½ to 3 minutes.

Nutritional Information

400 calories, 21 g. fat, 400 mg. cholesterol, 760 mg. sodium, 27 g. carbohydrate, 2 g. fiber, 24 g. protein