(Family Features) It’s no secret that many grocery store dairy sections are filled with more options today. One choice continuing to gain favor with consumers is 100% grass-fed organic dairy. Nutrition, environmental awareness and animal care are some of the leading reasons consumers choose grass-fed dairy products. Globally, the 100% grass-fed dairy market is projected to continue growing and some market experts predict annual growth rates as high as 22%. If you’re curious about 100% grass-fed organic dairy, consider these benefits from Maple Hill, America’s original 100% grass-fed organic dairy producer. The pioneer of 100% grass-fed organic dairy took its commitment a step further by celebrating and declaring National 100% Grass-Fed Organic Dairy Day on April 15, which recognizes the positive impact it has on consumers, cows, farmers and the environment. 1. Honoring the Farmers Unlike large-scale corporate dairy farms, most organic farms are small, family-owned operations dedicated to traditional, sustainable farming. Small dairy farms have been disappearing, but 100% grass-fed organic dairy creates a sustainable, viable path forward for farmers who work in harmony with nature. This more natural approach to dairy is a “craft” process, favoring small family farmers who are willing to dedicate the extra focus and patience to a better product and process. These family farms are passed on to future generations to grow the “better for you, better for the planet” approach. 2. Commitment to Good Health Most consumers don’t know the difference between traditional organic and 100% grass-fed organic dairy. One key distinction is the products’ nutritional composition; 100% grass-fed organic dairy provides a 50% healthier ratio of omega 3:6 and 40% higher levels of CLA fatty acids, which may support heart health and provide other health benefits. What’s more, Maple Hill’s products made with 100% grass-fed organic dairy are GMO free, hormone free and antibiotic free with no additives or fillers. The line of high-quality, rich-flavored products let you experience the organic difference from traditional dairy for a nutrient-dense solution that tastes as nature intended. 3. Happy, Healthy Cows Cows on a 100% grass-fed diet can live up to three times as long as grain-fed cows and are never subjected to unnatural diets, hormones or antibiotics. More time in pastures filled with lush grass means cows have the freedom to roam, ruminate and graze on diverse, nutrient-rich grasses. The result is happier, healthier cows, which in turn results in a richer, better-tasting and more nutrient-dense milk. 4. Sustainability and the Environment Producing milk without grain or corn requires farmers to focus on regenerating soil and the soil life that supports everything else on the farm. In fact, the healthier the soil, the healthier the feed, so farmers have a natural incentive to be as regenerative as possible. Regenerative grazing practices are a powerful and positive tool to improve land and the web of life on farms by actively restoring soil health, promoting biodiversity and reducing the environmental impact compared to conventional dairy. Well-managed grazing helps pull carbon from the atmosphere into the soil, fighting climate change in the process. In addition, healthier soil retains more water, reducing runoff and protecting water sources from agricultural pollution. 5. Strengthening the 100% Grass-Fed Organic Market Consumers are increasingly aware of the choices they have in dairy products and how 100% grass-fed organic supports their health, farmers, animals and the planet. Some ways to support this category’s continued growth include choosing certified 100% grass-fed organic dairy, advocating for regenerative farming and helping shape a more sustainable food system. Learn more about 100% grass-fed organic dairy products at maplehill.com.   SOURCE: Maple Hill

(Family Features) If you’re in need of a soup outside the usual mushroom or celery varieties, turn to another springtime favorite: carrots. More than just a veggie you can serve with dip, they’re creamy, delicious and pair well with ginger in this Creamy Carrot Soup. Discover more easy recipes for family meals at Culinary.net.

Creamy Carrot Soup

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6

• 2 cans (14 ounces each) carrots
• 2 cups broth of choice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons ginger
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• honey
• BLT wraps, for serving

1. In blender, blend canned carrots, including juices, until smooth. Transfer to pot and add broth.
2. Mix in brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger and orange juice. Bring to simmer then add cream. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Drizzle honey over each bowl. Serve with BLT wraps.

  SOURCE: Culinary.net

New merch collection also includes White Castle tin lunchbox, pickleball paddle set, playing cards, T-shirts and more.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — White Castle is helping customers take their legendary Crave to new heights with the launch of a brand-new line of merchandise. The crown jewel of the spring 2025 collection? An 8-foot-tall bouncy castle with a design inspired by, you guessed it, an actual White Castle! This inflatable fun house reinforces that White Castle isn’t just about satisfying Cravings — it’s about creating memorable moments, too.

“Our House of Crave merchandise team really outdid themselves for this spring 2025 collection,” said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. “Looking ahead to the nicer weather, there is no more epic way to celebrate than with a Castle of your own!”   The one-of-a-kind White Castle Bouncy Castle is made to order and, at 12′ x 12′ x 8′ feet, is sized for Cravers of all ages. The new spring collection of merch, which is available exclusively at White Castle’s online store, House of Crave, also includes an array of smaller, though equally exciting, items:

• A tin lunchbox. Retro meets modern with a never-before offered classic tin lunchbox. It’s perfect for Cravers of all ages, whether used for packing lunch, storing collectibles, or just showing off an affection for White Castle’s iconic Sliders.
  
  
• Pickleball paddle set. As the home of The Original Slider^®, White Castle is well-suited to help with your slide action on the pickleball court. Pick up a pair of these paddles and slide away!
  
  
• Playing cards. No tricks here, just a simple deck of White Castle-branded playing cards.
  
  
• “Only Beef” T-shirt. Proclaiming “The only beef between us is this Slider,” this T-shirt is best bought in pairs.
  
  
• Knight-time craver T-shirt. “Dost thou even crave?” asks the knight who adorns this grey T-shirt holding a tray of Sliders.
  
  
• A “Follow Your Crave” horn. This long plastic blue horn, similar to a vuvuzela (think soccer stadium noisemaker), can be blown when the Craving hits — or at any time, for that matter.
  
  
• Pint glass. Raise this pint glass, painted with the White Castle logo, and toast to memorable moments.
  
  
• Bucket hat. Anyone wearing this soft, wide-brimmed bucket hat, adorned with the White Castle logo, will look super cool eating Sliders.

White Castle’s House of Crave online store features dozens more White Castle-branded items, from tote bags, tumblers and ornaments to bathrobes, ballcaps and bathing suits. New items will be released seasonally throughout the year. “We have so many customers who are passionate about White Castle, and our House of Crave merchandise reflects that enthusiasm,” Richardson said. “From eye-catching apparel to fun collectibles, our online store offers a variety of unique items that allow our devoted fans to celebrate their love for White Castle any day of the week!” About White Castle^® White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates about 340 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including Time magazine’s “Most Influential Burger of All Time” (2014, The Original Slider^®) and Thrillist‘s “Best Plant-Based Fast-Food Burger” (2019, Impossible^™ Slider). In 2021, Fast Company named the fast-food pioneer one of the “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies.” White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work^® Certification™ for an extraordinary four consecutive years spanning 2021–2024. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the CRAVER NATION REWARDS™ loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com. SOURCE White Castle