Chef Brooke Parkhurst Highlights Dairy’s Role in Budget-Friendly Summer Meals

The culinary instructor and cookbook author discussed protein trends, family meal value and new dairy products appearing in stores.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (RFD News) — National Dairy Month officially begins Monday, serving as a chance to recognize dairy farmers and the products continuing to evolve across grocery stores.

Culinary instructor and cookbook author Brooke Parkhurst joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss changing shopping habits and growing versatility within the dairy aisle.

In her conversation with RFD News, Parkhurst discussed how dairy sections are expanding beyond traditional staples to include globally inspired dips, flavored creamers, and kefirs.

The discussion also focused on dairy’s role in protein-focused diets and why many consumers continue viewing dairy products as a strong value for families.

“I might have chicken at home, vegetables, but I’m going to go to the dairy aisle specifically for those stretch ingredients that help me make a casserole tonight, make a pasta the next night. They’re going to help me watch my budget, but I’m always serving my family and myself, a delicious, protein-packed food.”

Parkhurst also highlighted some of her favorite quick summer meals using dairy ingredients, as well as her June Dairy Month $10,000 Sweepstakes.

LEARN MORE: EasyHomeMeals.com

Related Stories
For producers, demand is strong, but drought, disease, and costs still shape supply.
Seven McIlhenny Company employees received the Louisiana Honor Medal for their military service.
The Meat Institute says meat sales reached a record $112 billion last year as protein demand remained strong nationwide.
Community Supported Agriculture programs continue helping farms secure early-season funding while connecting consumers with local food.
The award-winning pitmaster discusses choosing the right beef cuts, managing grill heat and building confidence behind the grill.
American Farm Bureau economist Bernt Nelson says consumers are still buying meat despite ongoing price pressures.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Rural Mainstreet Index remained below growth neutral for the fourth straight month as grain prices stay under pressure.
Moly Manufacturing welcomed renowned cattle expert, Dr. Temple Grandin, as the keynote speaker for its “Beef and Greet” livestock industry event.
Dr. Derrell Peel says the longer the border remains closed to Mexican cattle imports, the more likely some industry changes could become permanent.
Matthew O’Connor continues working with landowners to help protect and restore forests across Georgia.
Producers say limited moisture is creating major challenges for crops and irrigation heading into summer.
The state-level focus is split between labeling and sales restrictions.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
RFD-TV’s newest music series, “On the Record,” presented by John Deere, takes viewers on a journey through the heart of country music. Hosted by renowned broadcaster, Suzanne Alexander, the show features long-form interviews with today’s biggest artists and the veterans who inspired them. “On the Record” also gives viewers a front row seat to intimate performances and exclusive music video releases, highlighting the broad scope of Nashville’s talent.