Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Feature Impact) As the weather breaks and spring brings increased opportunities for families to get outside, activities, adventures and jam-packed calendars abound. All those special moments spent at the park, the sports field or in the backyard may leave lasting memories, but they can also leave you feeling short on time in the kitchen.

Bring a little moment of happiness to busy family mealtimes during the spring season with The Little Potato Company’s line of easy-to-prepare Little Potatoes. They come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough that they don’t need to be cut, allowing for less time in the kitchen and more family time around the table as the days get longer – no extra spring cleaning required. For an added helping of convenience, their Microwave Ready Little Potato Kits come with delicious seasoning packs; simply pop into the microwave, sprinkle on the included seasoning and enjoy.

For a fun after-school or game-night snack, these Crispy Air Fryer Potato Nuggets pair perfectly with a variety of delicious dips. The air fryer cooks the potatoes in minutes, creating a crispy snack with minimal prep – no chopping or peeling needed.

Or you can make a delicious side dish a cinch with pesto, which adds a bright, flavorful twist to a classic in these Basil Pesto Mashed Potatoes. They pair perfectly with everyday family meals using Little Potatoes that require no chopping or peeling thanks to their naturally thin skins, helping cut down on prep time while bringing fresh flavor to the dinner table.

To help fuel families’ spring vacation plans and everyday meals, The Little Potato Company is giving you a chance to enter a sweepstakes through May 25 to win a $10,000 travel voucher with additional prizes including 10 grocery gift cards valued at $1,000.

Enter the sweepstakes at TheLittleSpringtimeSweeptakes.com, and find more ways to make spring meals a breeze by visiting LittlePotatoes.com.

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Nuggets and Dip

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 24 minutes

Servings: 4

Potatoes:

• 1          cup all-purpose flour
  
• 1          teaspoon salt
  
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper
  
• 1          cup milk
  
• 1 1/2    cups panko breadcrumbs
  
• 1 1/2    pounds Little Potatoes

Chimichurri:

• 1          bunch cilantro
  
• 1          bunch parsley
  
• 3          limes, juice only
  
• 2          tablespoons honey
  
• 2          teaspoons salt
  
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper
  
• 1          teaspoon chili flakes
  
• 1          cup canola oil

1. Heat air fryer to 390 F.
2. To make potatoes: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Whisk in milk until smooth.
3. Place panko in a separate shallow bowl.
4. Working in batches, coat potatoes in batter then toss in panko until fully coated.
5. Place potatoes in the air fryer and cook 24 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. To make chimichurri: In a blender, blend cilantro, parsley, lime juice, honey, salt, pepper, chili flakes and canola oil until smooth.
7. Serve potato nuggets with chimichurri.

Basil Pesto Mashed Potatoes

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

• 1 1/2    pounds Little Potatoes
  
•             water
  
• 1          teaspoon salt, plus additional for seasoning, to taste, divided
  
• 2 1/2    cups fresh basil
  
• 4          cloves garlic
  
• 1/3       cup pine nuts
  
• 1/2       cup Parmesan, grated
  
• 2/3       cup olive oil
  
• pepper, to taste
  
• 1/2       cup milk
  
• 2          tablespoons butter

1. Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
2. In a food processor, place basil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan. Add oil and pulse until mixed then season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. In a small saucepot over low heat, heat milk and butter until butter is melted and milk is steaming.
4. Once potatoes are cooked, strain and transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
5. Using a potato masher, smash potatoes with milk and butter mixture then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in pesto mixture.

SOURCE:

Little Potato Company

STM Daily News’ Food and Drink section highlights the stories, trends, flavors, and events shaping today’s food culture. From recipes to restaurant news, it keeps readers connected to what’s fresh and worth tasting.

Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Enjoy a Lighter Soup On Cool Spring Days

(Family Features) Permanent heat may be on the way, but spring still offers plenty of chilly, rainy opportunities for a warmup from the inside-out. Serve a comforting bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup to keep spring chills away. Discover more seasonal recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

• 2          carrots
• 2          celery stalks
• 3          tablespoons butter
• 2          cups cooked, chopped chicken
• 1/3       cup lemon juice
• 2          teaspoons lemon pepper
• 6          cups broth
• 1          cup orzo
• 1          tablespoon garlic powder
• 1          tablespoon onion powder
• 1          tablespoon thyme
• 1          tablespoon sugar
• 1          cup heavy cream
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• cucumber sandwiches, for serving

1. Chop carrots and celery. In pot, saute with butter.
2. In bowl, mix chicken with lemon juice and lemon pepper then set aside.
3. After carrots and celery are tender, add broth and orzo to pot. Then add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme and sugar. Simmer 10 minutes then add chicken and cream; simmer about 5 minutes.
4. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with cucumber sandwiches.

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Feature Impact) When it comes to snacking, ease is often at the top of the wish list. Not far behind, however, are fresh flavors and real ingredients.

Snack Brighter: Fresh, Flavorful Noshes and Nibbles

That’s where NatureSweet shines by adding a little color to snack plates with its tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Fair Trade and B Corp-certified, the produce company is widely recognized for meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, supporting agricultural workers and making a positive impact.

That commitment and the belief that “the more you put into something, the more you get out” shows up in flavorful recipes like these Caprese Skewers. Coated in a flavorful, fresh balsamic glaze, these light, colorful snacks make everything from after-school bites to weekend entertaining more fun.

Perfectly paired with fresh basil leaves and mozzarella, the star is Constellation tomatoes – a blended, balanced mix of classic cherry tomatoes, sweet yellow tomatoes, mini-heirloom tomatoes and orange cherry tomatoes. Easy to enjoy as a standalone sweet-and-healthy snack or as a palette-pleasing ingredient in a variety of recipes, it’s truly a tomato for every occasion.

Or if you prefer savory, hearty snacks, these Bruschetta Bagels are packed with flavor. Homemade bagels are topped with juicy Glorys cherry tomatoes – perfect for grilling, sauteing, roasting, baking or simply snacking – creamy goat cheese and a splash of balsamic to create a bite that feels indulgent but is packed with fresh ingredients.

Find more fresh recipe inspiration at NatureSweet.com.

Caprese Skewers

Recipe courtesy of The Produce Moms

Prep time: 15 minutes

Yield: 12 skewers

• 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 1          teaspoon Italian seasoning
  
• 1/3       teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes
  
• 1/8       teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/8       teaspoon kosher salt
  
• 12        mozzarella balls, drained and patted dry
  
• 24        ounces NatureSweet Constellation tomatoes
  
• 24        small fresh basil leaves
  
• 1/4       cup balsamic glaze (optional)

1. In small bowl, whisk olive oil, Italian seasoning, cracked red pepper flakes, garlic powder and salt.
2. Add mozzarella balls. Gently toss to coat. For best flavor, marinate in fridge overnight.
3. To assemble skewers: Thread tomato, folded basil leaf, marinated mozzarella ball, another folded basil leaf and another tomato. Repeat to make 12 skewers.
4. Place on serving platter. If desired, drizzle balsamic glaze over skewers on serving platter.

Bruschetta Bagels

Prep time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Yield: 8 bagels

Bagels:

• 1          packet dry yeast
  
• 1          tablespoon sugar
  
• 1 1/4    cups lukewarm water, divided
  
• 3 1/2    cups flour
  
• 1          teaspoon salt
  
• sesame seeds

Bruschetta:

• 2          cups NatureSweet Glorys cherry tomatoes
  
• 1/4       cup olive oil
  
• 2          cloves garlic
  
• 1/2       cup basil

Topping:

• 1          cup goat cheese
  
• 1/4       cup balsamic vinegar
  
• salt, to taste
  
• pepper, to taste

1. To make bagels: In bowl, mix yeast, sugar and 1/2 cup lukewarm water; let rest 5 minutes.
2. In separate large bowl, place flour and add yeast mixture, remaining lukewarm water and salt. Mix thoroughly with hands until homogenous mixture is obtained. Transfer to greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise 1 hour.
3. Once dough rises, place on flat surface and divide into eight equal parts. Form small dough balls and, using finger, make hole in center of each to form bagels. Place on baking sheet, cover with kitchen towel and let rise 15 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 390 F.
5. In pot of hot water over medium heat, cook each bagel 5 seconds, making sure they do not stick to each other. Remove from water and drain thoroughly. Place on parchment paper-lined plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake 25 minutes.
6. To make bruschetta: On cutting board, use knife to cut tomatoes in half. Transfer to bowl; add olive oil, garlic and basil then mix. Set aside.
7. To make topping and serve: Cut bagels in half, place on cutting board and use knife to spread goat cheese on each bagel half. Add bruschetta and drops of balsamic vinegar then sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.

SOURCE:

NatureSweet

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

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