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.
SOURCE:
Food and Beverage
Casamigos Introduces New Pre-Mixed Margaritas (Classic Lime + Spicy) Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Casamigos is getting an early start on FIFA World Cup 2026™ watch-party season—and it’s doing it with a little friendly rivalry. The tequila brand announced a new World Cup campaign starring Gabrielle Union and Keegan-Michael Key, pairing the two as playful “hosts” who go head-to-head over a simple match-day question: are you Team Classic or Team Spicy?
The campaign tagline says it all: “Rivals at the game, Casamigos at the Bar.” The idea is less about picking sides forever and more about leaning into the competitive energy of the tournament—then coming together once the final whistle blows.
Team Classic vs. Team Spicy: the new bottled margaritas
Alongside the celebrity-led campaign, Casamigos introduced new pre-mixed margaritas in two flavors:
- Classic Lime
- Spicy
Both are designed for “pour, serve, and get back to the game” hosting—no extra ingredients, no shaking, no measuring. According to the brand, each pre-mixed margarita is 20.5% ABV and made with Casamigos Tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and natural flavors.
Casamigos says the bottles are meant to keep hosting simple during the tournament’s full 90 minutes (plus stoppage time), whether fans are gathering at home, meeting up at the bar, or celebrating in host cities.
What Gabrielle Union and Keegan-Michael Key are bringing to the campaign
Casamigos is leaning into Union and Key’s chemistry to capture what makes World Cup fandom so fun: the passion, the pride, and the rivalries that can get loud—without getting personal.
Union, who said she grew up playing soccer, is firmly Team Spicy, noting she loves “a little heat,” and that the best part of the sport is how it brings people together.
Key, a longtime World Cup viewer, is Team Classic, saying the “classic rivalries” already provide all the spice he needs.
World Cup activations and limited-time packaging
Casamigos is an Official Tequila Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and plans to activate in host cities throughout the tournament with fan-first experiences. The brand also noted that its pre-mixed margaritas will feature limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ packaging.
For shoppers, the new pre-mixed margaritas are available in:
- 750ml bottles (about 10 cocktails)
- 375ml bottles (about 5 cocktails)
Casamigos lists 110 calories per serving and a suggested retail price of $21.99 MSRP, with both flavors best served chilled.
What to watch for
The World Cup is still months away, but brands are already battling for a spot on your watch-party table. Casamigos’ move is a clear bet on convenience: bottled margaritas that keep the vibe high without turning the host into the bartender.
And if you’re the type who treats every match like a personal derby, Casamigos’ message is basically this: talk your trash during the game—then toast like friends afterward.
Source:
Casamigos Spirits Company (PRNewswire), March 19, 2026.
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Enjoy responsibly.
Hungry for what’s next? STM Daily News’ Food and Drink section dishes up the latest in restaurant news, beverage trends, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and food culture stories readers love to share.
Recipe of the Week
Dive Into Healthy Eats with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes
Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes: Inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, the aptly named Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on nourishing foods long touted as some of the healthiest by dietitians and health organizations.

Dive Into Healthy Eats with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes
(Feature Impact) The warm weather season offers a perfect opportunity for a meal reset. Inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, the aptly named Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on nourishing foods long touted as some of the healthiest by dietitians and health organizations.
Inclusive of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and other legumes, as well as low-fat or fat-free dairy products, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts, poultry and fish – such as Genova Wild Caught Yellowfin Tuna – Mediterranean-focused dishes fit beautifully into a colorful, healthy diet. The Mediterranean Diet has also been associated with many benefits, as it includes key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids that support brain, eye and heart health. Because this way of eating also prioritizes fiber and lean protein, it also can support a healthy weight, which can fuel overall health and well-being for years to come.
Packed with protein and omega-3s, Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil is wild-caught and inspired by the flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean. Free from additives and preservatives, this convenient protein makes an easy and delicious addition to meals inspired by the region’s fresh, vibrant ingredients.
A simple, elegant Flatbread Nicoise lets tuna take center stage, melding together fresh, foolproof ingredients like baby potatoes, green beans, baby arugula, kalamata olives and red onion on top of a warm, doughy crust. Or take the taste of the Mediterranean further at lunch time with this Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad. It combines the big, bright flavors and textures of arugula, cucumber, feta, fresh dill, lemon and tuna to give your tastebuds a happy zing and keep you satisfied until dinner.
For more information, including recipes, serving suggestions and a product locator, visit GenovaSeafood.com.
Flatbread Nicoise
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
- 4 ounces baby potatoes, well-scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 ounces green beans or haricot verts, trimmed
- 1 can (5 ounces) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup baby arugula
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pitted kalamata or nicoise olives, halved
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Preheat oven to 450 F. Using mandolin, thinly slice potatoes.
- Drizzle 9-by-13-inch baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread pizza dough to edges. Shingle potatoes over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
- Bake pizza until cooked through and crust is golden, about 25 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Bring small saucepan of salted water to boil. Add green beans and cook until bright green and crisp tender, about 3 minutes. Strain, rinse with cool water and drain well. Transfer to work surface and cut each bean into thirds on bias.
- Strain oil from tuna can into small bowl and whisk vinegar into oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Sprinkle slightly cooled pizza with arugula, tuna, tomatoes, olives, green beans and red onion. Drizzle with vinegar dressing then slice and serve warm.

Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 3 cups arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, each cut in half
- 1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup feta cheese chunks
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill, plus additional for topping (optional)
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- In large bowl or on platter, lay arugula. Place cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, red onion and dill over arugula. Top with tuna; reserve oil from cans.
- To make dressing: In small bowl, combine lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Whisk in reserved olive oil from tuna cans until mixture is well blended.
- Before serving, drizzle dressing over salad and top with additional chopped dill, if desired.
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Food and Beverage
Easy, Creamy Spring Goodness
Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Rod Washington

(Family Features) For a soup that smells as divine as it tastes, warm up your home with the fresh scents and flavors of Creamy Asparagus Soup. Pair with chicken salad croissants for a simple weeknight meal without the hassle then visit Culinary.net to discover more spring soup solutions.

Creamy Asparagus Soup
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
- 2 asparagus bundles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 3 cups broth of choice, divided
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons celery salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- chicken salad croissants, for serving
- Chop asparagus into bite-size pieces. In large pot, place asparagus, butter, onion powder, garlic powder and 1 cup broth. Cook over medium heat until asparagus gets tender.
- Transfer to blender with 1 cup broth and blend until smooth. Transfer back to pot and, over medium heat, mix in cream cheese, remaining broth and Parmesan cheese. Add celery salt and Italian seasoning. Cook while stirring, blending seasonings in well, then add heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with chicken salad croissants.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
