Food and Beverage
3 Ways to Minimize Back-to-School Meal Prep Stress
Last Updated on September 3, 2025 by Daily News Staff
3 Ways to Minimize Back-to-School Meal Prep Stress
(Family Features) Back-to-school often means a few “ugh” moments for parents. From early wakeup calls and forgotten lunchboxes to extracurricular chaos, meltdowns at homework time and picky dinner eaters, easy solutions in the kitchen can help lighten the to-do list. Turn those groan-worthy moments into “no big deal” with Borden® cheese – a versatile protein that adds both flavor and fun to your meals. Whether it’s shredded, sliced or in snack form, cheese provides simple ways to help keep meal prep stress to a minimum on school days. Pack Lunches the Night Before Preparing sandwiches, salads or wraps in advance can streamline your morning routine and ensure your family members have a nutritious meal ready to take to school or work. A turkey and cheddar sandwich will hold up well in the fridge overnight. Add grab-and-go options like string cheese, fruit or whole-grain crackers to go with their favorite sandwiches to create a balanced and satisfying lunch. Cheese sticks also fit perfectly in a pencil slot in backpacks to combat hangry kids after school. Rely on One-Pot Dishes at Dinnertime One-dish dinners can be a lifesaver when trying to balance packed schedules and get everyone to and from their activities. With easy prep and only a single pot or pan to clean up, you can cut down on the time spent in the kitchen and enjoy more moments with your family. Delicious and satisfying one-dish recipes, like Skillet Chili Mac, elevate a family favorite by adding Borden cheese. Made with real milk from American dairy farmers, it provides wholesome goodness you can feel confident serving your family. Embrace ‘Batch and Freeze’ Cooking Instead of prepping a full week’s worth of meals, focus on cooking large batches of a few key components. For example, cheese serves as a delicious protein in baked dishes that freeze and reheat well for busy weeknights such as lasagna or macaroni and cheese. Or freeze individual servings of homemade burritos or quesadillas filled with cheese and other family-favorite ingredients. Find more tips and recipes to save time during the school year at bordencheese.com.
Skillet Chili Mac
Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 10- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (8 ounces), cooked and drained
- 1 package (2 cups) Borden Cheese Thick Cut Four Cheese Mexican Shreds, divided
- 1 package (2 cups) Borden Cheese Sharp Cheddar Shreds, divided
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- In large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion 5-7 minutes, or until meat is browned, stirring occasionally. Drain fat, if necessary.
- Stir in tomatoes, chili powder, cumin and salt. Stir in cooked macaroni; reduce heat to medium-low.
- Top with cheeses, saving some for topping; cover and cook until cheese is melted. Remove from heat; top with green onions and cilantro. Add final layer of reserved cheeses on top.
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Food and Beverage
Usher in Cool Weather with Easy Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin may be a classic fall flavor, but there’s no reason you can’t satisfy your craving for savory comfort foods all year long. Its smooth, creamy texture is a go-to ingredient for a variety of recipes, including this heartwarming and simple easy Pumpkin Soup.
Usher in Cool Weather with Easy Pumpkin Soup
(Family Features) Pumpkin may be a classic fall flavor, but there’s no reason you can’t satisfy your craving for savory comfort foods all year long. Forget spiced latte; with its wholesome nutrition and plenty of earthy flavor, pumpkin is the perfect ingredient for all kinds of flavorful dishes. It may inspire a warm, fall feeling but it’s much more than a seasonal product. Pumpkin puree can be enjoyed all year long mixed into your favorite baked goods, stirred into chilis or even scooped into your morning smoothie. The smooth, creamy texture of Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin, made in the United States with premium quality in mind, is a go-to ingredient for a variety of recipes, including this heartwarming and simple Pumpkin Soup. Simply simmer the pumpkin puree with coconut cream, vegetable stock, garlic and ginger for a soup that is comfort in a bowl. Explore new ways to enjoy seasonal recipes at greengiantvegetables.com.Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Pumpkin
Soup Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4- 1 can (15 ounces) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- coconut rice, for serving (optional)
- bread, for serving (optional)
- In saucepan over medium heat, combine pumpkin, coconut cream, vegetable stock, garlic, ginger and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir until well incorporated, cook 10 minutes.
- Serve over coconut rice or with bread, if desired.
The fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCalLink: https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/
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Food and Beverage
Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe Using Foster Farms Precooked Strips
Quick 10-minute teriyaki chicken bowl using Foster Farms precooked chicken strips, store-bought teriyaki sauce, and rice. Fast, easy, and customizable weeknight meal.
Last Updated on December 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Grilled Chicken teriyaki rice (Adobe Sock)
When you need a fast, flavorful meal without the fuss, a teriyaki chicken bowl is one of the easiest dishes you can throw together. Using Foster Farms precooked chicken breast strips, store-bought teriyaki sauce, and ready-to-heat rice, you can have dinner on the table in about ten minutes — no chopping, marinating, or complicated prep required.
A Weeknight Staple
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, work-from-home lunches, or those moments when you want something warm and satisfying without relying on takeout. With precooked chicken, most of the work is already done for you. All you’re really doing is heating, mixing, and assembling.
“A complete teriyaki bowl in ten minutes — no takeout required.”
Ingredients
1–2 cups cooked rice (microwaveable rice packets work great) 1 cup Foster Farms precooked chicken breast strips ¼–½ cup teriyaki sauce, depending on how saucy you like it 1 cup of vegetables (fresh, steamed, or frozen) Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onion, pineapple chunks, spicy mayo, red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Prep the Base
Start with your rice. If you’re using microwave rice, it heats up in about 60–90 seconds. Leftover rice works just as well — just warm it in a bowl before assembling the dish.
2. Heat the Chicken
Foster Farms precooked chicken strips make this step incredibly simple. Just heat them in a skillet for a couple of minutes or microwave them for under a minute. Add a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Add the Vegetables
This bowl works with almost any vegetable you enjoy. Frozen stir-fry mixes are quick and convenient, while steamed broccoli or carrots add color and crunch. Toss the veggies into the pan with the chicken so they absorb the teriyaki flavor.
4. Build Your Bowl
Add your rice to a serving bowl and top it with the teriyaki chicken and vegetables. If you want a richer flavor, drizzle on a little extra teriyaki sauce.
5. Customize With Toppings
Finish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of spicy mayo. Pineapple adds a sweet touch that pairs perfectly with teriyaki, giving your bowl a subtle Hawaiian twist.
👉 Download the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe PDF
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this meal so appealing is its flexibility. Use whatever rice you have on hand, swap in your favorite veggies, and adjust the sauce level to your own taste. It’s fast, affordable, and customizable — ideal for anyone looking to simplify their cooking without sacrificing flavor.
Do you have your own fast weeknight recipes or kitchen shortcuts? Share them with us in the comments or tag @STM Daily News on social media. We love spotlighting great ideas from our readers!
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Beverages
Grazing and Gifting: Sweet Solutions for the Holiday Rush
Grazing and Gifting: hMake holiday entertaining and gifting easy with Florida Citrus. Discover delightful recipes—like Scallops with Grapefruit Butter and Citrus Salad with Burrata—and send sweet, healthy citrus gift baskets to loved ones for a memorable, stress-free season.
Grazing and Gifting: Sweet Solutions for the Holiday Rush
(Family Features) If you feel yourself slipping into the last-minute rush of the holiday season, still searching for dazzling recipes and abundant gifts, rest assured – you’re not alone. Light, refreshing ingredients for spectacular meals are just a click away, and they can make for the perfect presents, too.
Abundantly sweet and simple, Florida Citrus Gifts are a simple way to share holiday cheer with family, friends and loved ones. From cheerful boxes to beautiful baskets and more, they offer options in all shapes and sizes, loaded with freshly picked tangerines, grapefruits, oranges and mandarins. They’re easy to send and even easier to enjoy, providing a one-of-a-kind (and healthy) way to share holiday cheer in memorable meals like Scallops with Florida Grapefruit Butter, sure to become a household favorite for years to come. Pair it with a light and refreshing Florida Citrus Salad with Burrata featuring fresh grapefruit and oranges mingling with peppery arugula and creamy burrata to bring a bit of balance to holiday dining. No festivity is complete without libations, and this Florida Grapefruit Brandy Sour can be a staple at your beverage station. Just mix freshly squeezed Florida Grapefruit juice with brandy, simple syrup, bitters and egg white (for froth) then finish with sparkling water. Find deliciously thoughtful ways to share the sweetness of the season with loved ones by visiting PickFLA.com, which features an interactive map to find a range of gift options that fit your holiday needs. 
Florida Grapefruit Brandy Sour
Recipe courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 1- 1 3/4 ounces brandy
- 2 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed Florida Grapefruit Juice
- 1/3 ounce simple syrup, or to taste
- 2 dashes bitters
- 1 egg white
- ice cubes
- 1 ounce sparkling water
- Florida Grapefruit twist, for garnish
- In cocktail shaker, add brandy, Florida Grapefruit juice, simple syrup, bitters and egg white. Shake vigorously 15-20 seconds to create frothy texture.
- Add ice cubes to shaker and shake 15 seconds to chill drink.
- Strain into chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Pour light splash of sparkling water over top to enhance effervescence.
- Garnish with grapefruit twist.
Scallops with Florida Grapefruit Butter
Recipe courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 3 minutes Servings: 4- 2 Florida Grapefruit
- 1 fennel bulb
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for searing, divided
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon, plus 1 pinch, salt, divided, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon, plus 1 pinch, pepper, divided, to taste
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro
- 12 scallops with empty shells
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Peel and cut one Florida Grapefruit into segments. Squeeze remaining grapefruit and reserve juice.
- Wash and finely chop fennel. In bowl, mix fennel with olive oil, sherry vinegar and 1 pinch salt and pepper.
- Mix and add fresh cilantro. Keep a few leaves for garnish.
- In hot frying pan, drizzle with olive oil then sear scallops 1 minute on each side.
- Remove scallops from pan then deglaze with reserved Florida Grapefruit juice. Let it simmer slightly and add butter to make sauce. Add 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Place 1 tablespoon fennel salad in washed shell, top with three scallops and coat with grapefruit butter.
- Finish with reserved cilantro leaves and fresh grapefruit segments.
Florida Citrus Salad with Burrata
Recipe courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus Florida Citrus Vinaigrette:- 1/3 cup Florida Grapefruit Juice
- 1/3 cup Florida Orange Juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons shallots
- sea salt, to taste
- fresh pepper, to taste
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup white vinegar or cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 Florida Grapefruit, peeled and cut into segments
- 3 oranges, peeled and cut into segments
- 1 bunch radishes, sliced thin and cut into sticks
- 1/3 cup pistachios, grilled and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup arugula
- 2 tablespoons dill, chopped
- sea salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces burrata
- To make vinaigrette: In small bowl, mix Florida Grapefruit Juice, Florida Orange Juice, orange zest, cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, olive oil and shallots until dressing is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside. Vinaigrette will keep 7 days in refrigerator.
- To make pickled onion: Place sliced onion in airtight canning jar.
- In small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar and salt. Bring to boil and pour over sliced onion in jar. Add small amount of water to completely cover onion. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Pickled onions will keep 15 days in refrigerator.
- To make burrata salad: In bowl, combine Florida Grapefruit and Orange segments; add radish sticks, toasted pistachios, arugula and dill. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place salad on large plate, top with coarsely chopped burrata and drizzle generously with citrus vinaigrette and pickled onion.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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