Hilary Walentuk MS, RD, LDN

Dairy and Seafood: Local and Sustainable New England Fare

 

 

When I think of summer in New England, I think of ice cream, beaches, and…seafood! With its numerous seaports, seafood is a year-round staple of New England cuisine. But do you know what else is a local and sustainable food? Dairy! While many foods might be difficult to harvest during the winter months in New England, that doesn’t stop our dairy farmers! 365 days a year, our dairy farm families are hard at work producing a wholesome, nutritious product that goes from the farm to your glass in as little as two days.

So, what better way to support both our local dairy farmers and fisherman than through food? Scroll down for three delicious recipes that feature both dairy and seafood.

New England Clam Chowder
From Eating Well

Photo Credit: Eating Well

Clam chowder is a classic New England dish and can easily be made at home using fresh clams. Traditional recipes use heavy cream, but you can lighten it up by swapping some of the cream for low-fat milk, like in this recipe from Eating Well.

Persian-Style Marinated Fish with Cacik
From Caroline’s Cooking

Photo Credit: Caroline’s Cooking

Did you know that you can use yogurt as a marinade? Yogurt is such a versatile food and a great way to add protein and other essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D to any meal. Team Dairy New England’s Caroline Williams of Caroline’s Cooking uses a blend of Greek yogurt, lime, and spices to marinate her fish and add delicious flavor to the entire dish.

Lobster Mac and Cheese
From A Family Feast

Photo Credit: A Family Feast

Last up, we have creamy, cheesy Lobster Mac and Cheese. Mac and cheese is a meal that everyone loves, and lobster is a great addition for a special meal with loved ones or with yourself! Team Dairy New England’s Martha Pesa of A Family Feast packs her recipe with cheese, milk and other dairy products, creating a dish that is packed with nutrients and flavor!

 

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out Team Dairy New England for delicious ideas.

Hilary Walentuk MS, RD, LDN

Hilary is a registered dietitian and Nutrition Specialist for New England Dairy & Food Council. She works with schools in Central and Southeastern Massachusetts to implement Fuel Up to Play 60, the Dairy Council’s in-school healthy eating and physical activity program. In her free time, Hilary can often be found on the hiking trails. When not on the trails, Hilary is usually in the kitchen experimenting with recipes, often involving dairy! Sound like someone you want to get to know? Contact Hilary at hwalentuk@newenglanddairy.com.