The Colorado Department of Agriculture announced on April 6 its April Colorado Proud recipe of the month, featuring an easy Gnocchi Sausage Bake designed for busy spring schedules.
The announcement aims to support local agriculture by encouraging residents to use locally sourced ingredients in their meals. The department said this recipe is both efficient and satisfying, helping families enjoy wholesome food during the busy calving, branding, and planting season.
According to the release, the dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes using shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi and cooked sausage. Local producers such as Pappardelle’s pasta, Polidori Sausage, Mesa Winds Winery, and Fresca Naturales are suggested for sourcing ingredients. Polidori Sausage recently celebrated its centennial in 2025 after starting as a Denver butcher shop and growing into what it describes as the oldest family-owned Italian sausage company in the United States. Leprino Foods is noted as a major mozzarella cheese supplier based in Colorado.
The department encourages consumers to find local products through the Colorado Proud Product Finder and look for products labeled with “Colorado Proud” at grocery stores. It also recommends beverage pairings from Mesa Winds Winery and Frescos Naturales for those seeking non-alcoholic options.
Colorado Department of Agriculture includes key committees like the Colorado Agricultural Commission according to its official website. The department promotes agricultural heritage while educating youth about agriculture’s economic importance according to its official website. Annual events take place at state fairgrounds managed by the agency according to its official website. More than 300 professionals work within various divisions focused on animal health, markets development, food safety, consumer protection, environmental stewardship, funding programs for soil health enhancement—all supporting farmers across rural communities statewide according to its official website.
Publications such as press releases and blog posts keep Coloradans informed on topics including Weights and Measures Week and agricultural stewardship according to its official website.
