(Family Features) Whether Cinco de Mayo means an opportunity to celebrate your family’s heritage or it’s simply an excuse to gather with the ones you love, every holiday truly is about the same thing: special moments together. While those treasured times at the table revolve around camaraderie and conversation, it can start with a filling meal and end with a sweet treat.

Take this year’s festivities the traditional route with recipes that combine familiar favorites with ingredients you normally may not use otherwise, such as cactus. This Mexican Cactus Pork Stew makes Cinco de Mayo a cinch with the use of a Dutch oven. Just brown fresh pork shoulder (or reheat leftover pork) in the Dutch oven and combine with onion and jalapeno for the right mixture of flavor and spice. Once pork is cooked or warmed through, add broth, beans, spices, seasonings and a cup of chopped cactus for a southwestern spin.

After some lively chatter or friendly competition, you’re bound to work up the appetite for dessert. Call the kids to the kitchen to lend a hand with these Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies – they’ll love working with the dough and rolling warm cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking. Remember, they don’t have to be perfect; you can ensure a bit of fun and flavor by letting their creativity shine.

Visit Culinary.net to find more family-friendly recipes perfect for celebrating holidays throughout the year.

Mexican Cactus Pork Stew

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

• 1 pound pork shoulder (leftover or fresh)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) mild chili beans
• 1 cup chopped cactus (nopales)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4 green onions, chopped, for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

1. If using fresh pork, in Dutch oven, cube and brown it with onion and jalapeno pepper. If using leftover pork, reheat in Dutch oven with onion and jalapeno pepper.
2. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili beans, cactus, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Simmer 25 minutes then garnish with green onions and cilantro.

Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

• 4 sticks butter, at room temperature
• 4 cups self-rising flour, plus additional for coating workspace
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup sugar

Topping:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. In bowl, combine butter, 4 cups flour and cinnamon. Add egg and sugar then knead into ball.
3. Spread additional flour on counter and cut ball into six sections. Roll each section into 24-inch ropes then cut into 1-inch pieces and place on cookie sheet.
4. Bake 10 minutes.
5. To make topping: In bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll warm cookies in mixture and let cool on rack.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

(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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