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
These Easy Roast Beef Sliders are perfect for potlucks and parties, or a quick and easy dinner main dish you can prepare in advance. Thinly sliced Deli Roast Beef is sandwiched between rolls and baked with cheese until golden and delicious.
This quick and easy beef recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and celebrates peak-season summer produce.
Ready for grilling season? Throw beef Strip Steaks and corn covered in a spicy, smoky seasoning mix on the grill for an easy, flavorful Mexican-inspired meal.
This show-stopper holiday main dish recipe will impress any guest lucky to sit at your table! The crunchy, salty pistachio crust on the succulent, slow-cooked ribeye roast pairs perfectly with the rich mushrooms, shallots, and red wine sauce.
In this go-to summer grilling recipe, Beef Back Ribs are marinated in an Asian-inspired marinade and then grilled to perfection.

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:

Effort aims to reduce wildfire risk in Western Colorado communities
Hemp growth is driven by floral demand, with mixed returns elsewhere.
Roger McEowen of the Washburn School of Law discusses the lack of legal expertise in rural areas and a new program in Kansas aimed at addressing the issue.
Transporting pollinator colonies—primarily honey bee hives—is a major logistical operation in U.S. agriculture. Costs can vary widely depending on distance, fuel prices, labor, and timing.
Kaleigh Backstrom says her early involvement in 4-H helped set her on that path and sparked her interest in veterinary medicine.
Workshops give international bakers hands-on training with U.S. wheat products
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!
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.
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.