POTSDAM — The Food Co-op at 24 Elm St. will host “Juanita's 1st Thursday Creation” Feb. 2, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The featured dish will be Moroccan couscous stew made by Juanita Babcock.

This recipe is a form of Moroccan “tagine,” but the couscous actually is in the stew instead of being served under the vegetables.

This meal is hearty, high in nutrition, exotic with its North African influence and can be served with pita or flatbread warmed in the oven.

Couscous is a staple in North Africa and is quite versatile in its uses. While regular couscous is derived from semolina flour, the whole wheat couscous in this recipe is derived from durum flour, thereby keeping the nutritious bran and germ intact.

Couscous is high in fiber and protein, low in fat with no cholesterol, and contains iron and selenium. The chickpeas in this recipe give a huge boost to the protein content of the dish, while the multitude of vegetables supply an ardent array of vitamins and minerals.

After the 1st Thursday creation tasting, you are invited to join Rose Rivezzi for “Shopping with Rosie” from 4:30-5:30 p.m. She will give you a personalized tour of the Co-op, where you can see how the bulk bins work or find out how to order through the buying club for deeper discounts.

For more information, call 265-4630.

The Potsdam Food Co-op & Carriage House Bakery and Deli is open daily from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and located at 24 Elm St. It is a member-owned cooperative grocery store (although membership is not required) where everyone is welcome to shop and anyone is welcome to join.