It’s Dairy Good!

I read cookbooks like most people read novels. I like to curl up with a warm beverage and prepare to be educated and inspired. When my friends at the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association sent me a copy of the Dairy Good Cookbook, I was excited to dig in.

With more than 100 recipes, the glossy hardcover cookbook gives a glimpse of life on the dairy farm. It is packed with stories, gorgeous food photography and images of the dairy farm families. The recipes are described as “everyday comfort food from America’s Dairy Farm Families.” From decadent ‘Smoky Mac and Cheese’ to a simple and healthy ‘Mango-Yogurt Smoothie,’ there’s something for everyone. I’m eyeing the breakfast recipes and can’t wait to make the ‘Summer Vegetable Frittata.’

I didn’t expect to learn so much about cows in a cookbook. From the pretty Jersey cow to the popular Holstein, I had no idea there were so many different ones being raised to satisfy our country’s dairy needs. Did you know? The Guernsey cow produces a yellow-gold colored milk and is known as the “the cheese breed.” The natural color results from the cow’s high beta-carotene diet. This is food and nutrition in action, at its best!

As a registered dietitian nutritionist and food nerd, I love the included glossary that defines the different dairy foods, from butter to crème fraîche and yogurt. It explains how foods are made, how they behave in cooking and which dishes would be a good fit.

I settled on the Baked Spinach Artichoke Yogurt Dip for my first recipe. I’d been craving spinach dip and this one satisfied. I used Greek yogurt and added a little cultured Neufchâtel cheese for additional creaminess. I skipped the artichokes because I didn’t have any at home that night but I’ll add them next time (and there will be a next time).

Check out our similar spinach artichoke dip recipe.

Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD

Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD is an Atlanta-based registered dietitian nutritionist who uses a food-first, mostly-plant-based approach. A trusted food and nutrition expert, Marisa regularly appears in major media outlets and shares her realistic nutrition advice, recipes and more at http://marisamoore.com/blog.