(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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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/

(Family Features) There’s perhaps no better occasion to show off your kitchen skills than Mother’s Day, a perfect opportunity to turn the tables on mom and let her relax while you handle cooking duties. A homemade breakfast – or better yet, letting her sleep in for brunch – is a sure way to win her over and show how much you care.

Show your delicate side by working up a batch of Apple Ricotta Crepes, which require a soft touch to cook the light, silky batter to golden perfection. This rendition of the beloved thin pancakes calls for a ricotta spread and apple-cinnamon topping for a delightful pairing of savory and sweet.

If a full Mother’s Day celebration is on the menu, something a bit heartier may be required. A frittata provides the best of both worlds, as it’s a filling meal that’s also easy to make – just let the oven do the work. This Apple, Tomato and Goat Cheese Frittata is no exception as it calls for a handful of everyday ingredients you can whisk together in a cinch. While it’s in the oven (about 30 minutes, give or take) you can put the finishing touches on your last-minute decorations and handwritten cards.

Special occasions with those you love can be uplifted with the aroma and flavor Envy Apples that offer an invitation to savor small moments around the table. Available at Whole Foods and other major grocery stores, the craveable texture and crunch of this leading apple variety provides balanced sweetness as the ultimate apple experience for Mother’s Day gatherings. Along with their delicious flavor, the flesh remains whiter longer, even after cutting, slicing, dicing or cubing, so that homemade meals look as good as they taste.

Visit EnvyApple.com to find more Mother’s Day brunch inspiration.

Apple Ricotta Crepes

Crepes:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1cup whole milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• butter, for cooking

Apple Topping:

• butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Envy Apples, sliced or cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• salt, to taste
• maple syrup

Ricotta Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 lemon, zest and juice only
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar, or to taste

1. To make crepes: In bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt. Add milk, eggs and vanilla then, using whisk, combine thoroughly. Mixture should be silky smooth. Refrigerate.
2. To make apple topping: In pan over medium heat, heat butter and brown sugar until bubbly and golden.
3. Add apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, to taste; cook over medium-low heat until apples are soft. Turn off heat and finish with maple syrup.
4. To make ricotta filling: Combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice and sugar, mix well and set aside.
5. In nonstick pan over medium-low heat, melt small amount of butter.
6. Add one ladle crepe batter, cook until bubbles form, flip and cook until golden. Repeat with remaining batter. Stack crepes to keep warm and soft.
7. Spread ricotta mixture thinly onto crepes and fold into quarters. Top with apple mixture and serve.

Apple, Tomato and Goat Cheese Frittata

• 6 eggs
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 20 turns fresh cracked pepper
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 Envy Apple, small diced
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, hot pepper sauce, salt, pepper and milk until well combined.
3. Stir in apples, tomatoes, goat cheese and chives until well combined.
4. Using 1/3 measuring cup, spoon frittata mixture into oven-safe large skillet or 9-by-9-inch pan.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until eggs are set.
6. Let cool slightly then serve.

SOURCE:
Envy Apples