(Family Features) From everyday weeknight dinners to picnics in the park, warmer weather and longer days mean families want to spend more time together and less time in the kitchen. This spring, look for kitchen hacks that can make fresh and healthy weeknight seasonal recipes a cinch.

Skipping complicated prep work is the first step toward simplifying springtime meals. Rather than recipes that call for a lot of prep or cooking time, consider easy dishes that require only a handful of steps and use everyday ingredients you may already have in your pantry, fridge or freezer.

For example, these Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers with Lemon and Thyme can let you put a little spring in your weeknight dinners. Grilled skewers keep the whole family happy and come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick and healthy meals without the hassle. The versatility of potatoes means you can grill them, and this version calls for a 5-minute microwave steam first to cut down on grill time.

With easy-to-prepare potatoes, The Little Potato Company makes family dinners like this one a breeze as they come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough they don’t need to be cut. This allows for less time in the kitchen and more time for outdoor play to enjoy a little moment of happiness. Plus, the Microwave and Roast or Grill Ready kits come with their own seasoning packs for added convenience.

Grown on family farms, Little Potatoes are a fresh whole food packed with nutrients you can feel good about serving your family and are ideal for this Easy as 1-2-3 Potato Salad. With just three ingredients and minimal prep time, this delightful dish becomes an ultimate springtime solution for busy families. Plus, it’s easy enough that little ones can join in on the fun of preparing it.

Simply pop the tray of Microwave Ready Little Potatoes in the microwave for 5 minutes then add the included Savory Herb seasoning pack, chopped green onions and mayonnaise for a delicious side – no potato boiling or peeling required.

To find more ways to savor springtime meals outdoors with your family, visit littlepotatoes.com.

Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers with Lemon and Thyme

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 pound bagged Little Potatoes
• 1 bunch broccoli
• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 lemons, juice only
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. In large, microwave-safe bowl, microwave potatoes on high 5 minutes.
2. Chop broccoli into large pieces.
3. Add broccoli and shrimp to bowl once potatoes are steamed.
4. Add lemon juice, thyme and olive oil; evenly coat potatoes, shrimp and broccoli. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Build skewers and grill 10-15 minutes on medium-high heat, until shrimp is cooked through.

Easy as 1-2-3 Potato Salad

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 packageA Little Savory Herb Microwave Ready Little Potatoes, with included seasoning pack
• 2-3 tablespoons green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt

1. In microwave, cook potatoes 5 minutes according to package directions.
2. Combine seasoning pack, chopped green onions and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
3. Pour dressing over cooled potatoes. Stir gently and serve.

SOURCE:
The Little Potato Company

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(Family Features) While the difference between dairy alternatives such as oat, almond and other nut milks is easier to decipher, choosing between organic dairy varieties can be more difficult.

Organic milk certified by the United States Department of Agriculture comes from cows that get plenty of time outside and have not been treated with antibiotics or given hormones for growth or reproduction. However, cows that eat a 100% grass-fed organic diet – no grains, corn or other food – are healthier, produce higher quality milk, have greater positive environmental impacts and support small family farms.

Consider these benefits of 100% grass-fed dairy from the experts at Maple Hill, which provides dairy products as nature intended, including milk, kefir, yogurt and butter. This natural way to produce dairy leads to a rich taste and texture, and you can taste the 100% grass-fed difference.

Better for You
Providing dairy as nature intended with high nutritional impact and a rich taste and texture comes from feeding cows a 100% grass diet, free from additives, fillers, GMOs, hormones and antibiotics. This practice results in milk that is more nutrient-dense and flavorful. Research conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension highlights the benefits of consuming organic dairy sourced from 100% grass-fed organic farms, revealing a 50% healthier ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 and 40% higher levels of conjugated linoleic acids fatty acids, which contribute to many health benefits including lowering the risk of heart disease.

While traditional organic dairy includes the organic certification, 100% grass-fed dairy includes a second grass-fed certification, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of regenerative farming practices that lead to rich and artisanal dairy products that are natural and healthier.

Better for the Environment
Producing grass-fed organic dairy necessitates a farm’s dedication to regenerating soil and fostering biodiversity within it, a foundation that sustains all aspects of farm life. Leading with regenerative grazing techniques, Maple Hill farms stimulate microbial activity in the soil, enhance water retention and sequester carbon, which promotes positive environmental impacts.

The grazing herds play a pivotal role in this process. The soil is healthier as a result of the grazing cows, which produces more nutritious grass and leads to healthier cows. This farming system epitomizes the essence of regenerative agriculture and results in nutrient dense dairy products.

Better for the Cow
In traditional organic dairy farming, up to 70% of a cow’s diet can consist of organic grain, whereas 100% grass-fed organic farming eschews grain entirely. Cows naturally thrive on grass, yet recent practices by farmers include feeding them corn, grain and other foods to boost milk production, potentially compromising the cows’ well-being and the milk’s quality. Because grass is a cow’s natural food source, cows with 100% grass-fed organic diets can live more than two times longer compared to cows with traditional organic diets.

Better for the Farmer
Grass-fed organic farming stands out as one of the most viable pathways for small family farms to thrive in the dairy industry, which has become increasingly industrialized. Smaller than a traditional organic dairy herd with an average of just 50 cows, Maple Hill’s 100% grass-fed family farms lead with regenerative practices and produce high product quality control.

Higher milk revenues allow family farms to compete and prosper, ensuring the continuity of their operations for future generations. These farms uphold 100% regenerative farming practices, yielding humane and traceable grass-fed organic dairy – a legacy that endures through the commitment of succeeding generations.

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Learn about the 100% grass-fed organic dairy difference at maplehill.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (mother and daughter)

SOURCE:
Maple Hill

Welcome to our kitchen, where we serve up comfort food made with love! Today, we’re bringing you an incredibly delicious and incredibly simple recipe for Chicken Gumbo. Bursting with flavors and packed with tender chicken, veggies, and comforting spices, this dish will leave you craving more. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s cook up some magic!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen okra (optional, but adds great texture)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides until they’re cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cool, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
2. Saute the aromatics: Using the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Saute for about 5 minutes over medium heat until the vegetables are tender and lightly golden.
3. Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Season and simmer: Add the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the gumbo to thicken slightly.
5. Incorporate the chicken and vegetables: At this point, add the shredded chicken and frozen okra (if using) to the pot. Stir gently to combine everything. Continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes until the okra is cooked through and the gumbo reaches your desired consistency.
6. Cook the rice: While the gumbo simmers, cook the rice according to the package instructions until fluffy and tender.

Serving:
Ladle your aromatic chicken gumbo into bowls, making sure to include a generous portion of the flavorful broth, chicken, and veggies in each serving. Serve the gumbo hot over a bed of rice, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant burst of freshness.

Now, sit back, relax, and savor each spoonful of this comforting Chicken Gumbo. Share it with loved ones or save leftovers for another satisfying meal. Don’t forget to toast to your culinary expertise and enjoy the heartwarming flavors you created!

Note: Feel free to customize your gumbo by adding your favorite additional vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste buds. This recipe is just the beginning of your culinary adventure!

Ladle your aromatic chicken gumbo into bowls, making sure to include a generous portion of the flavorful broth, chicken, and veggies in each serving. Serve the gumbo hot over a bed of rice, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant burst of freshness. Now, sit back, relax, and savor each spoonful of this comforting Chicken Gumbo. Share it with loved ones or save leftovers for another satisfying meal. Don’t forget to toast to your culinary expertise and enjoy the heartwarming flavors you created! Note: Feel free to customize your gumbo by adding your favorite additional vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste buds. This recipe is just the beginning of your culinary adventure! Enjoy! Check out other recipes by visiting our Food and Drink section.

Enjoy!

Check out this recipe for Chicken and Sausage Gumbo: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/141114/cajun-chicken-and-sausage-gumbo/

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Don’t miss out on our amazing collection of recipes! Head over to our Food and Drink section now to explore more. https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/recipes/