Take Sweetness to New Heights In the New Year

(Family Features) Whether you can’t quite give up on the holiday treats or the festivities are continuing into 2026, these Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars offer a light, fruity bite. The melted white chocolate drizzle is just what gatherings with loved ones call for. Visit Culinary.net for more delicious desserts to enjoy this year.

Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

• 1          stick butter, melted
  
• 1          box lemon cake mix
  
• 2          eggs
  
• 1/3       cup fresh blueberries
  
• 2/3       cup white chocolate chips, divided
  
• 1/3       cup chopped pecans

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. In bowl, combine butter, cake mix, eggs, blueberries, 1/3 cup white chocolate chips and pecans.
3. Butter 7-by-11-inch pan and spread mixture evenly into pan. Bake 30-35 minutes.
4. Let cool then melt remaining white chocolate chips and drizzle over bars.
5. Tip: If melted white chocolate chips are too thick, add a little oil before drizzling.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

The fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCal

https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/

Simple, Satisfying Meals for the New Year

(Family Features) While you’re easing your family back into routines in the new year, simple, wholesome meals can help you stretch your grocery dollars further and find your rhythm in the kitchen again. Satisfying and approachable recipes that come together quickly using a dependable base ingredient like beans are resonating with home cooks, helping take the pressure out of cooking. Grown, cooked and canned in America, Bush’s Recipe Beans add plant-based protein and fiber to any dish, making it easy to achieve new year’s goals while bringing flavorful meals with high-quality ingredients to the table. For a warm, colorful way to start your morning without spending extra time in the kitchen, consider this Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl, which satisfies both eyes and stomachs through a combination of black beans, eggs and sauteed vegetables. Or put a Mediterranean twist on lunch and dinner with this Greek Dense Bean Salad, a bright, fresh dish that includes chick peas and cannellini beans. Visit bushbeans.com for more meal ideas that help you cook more, spend less and gather with loved ones.

Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 2

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1          small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 2          cups cooked sweet potatoes
• 1          can (15 ounces) Bush’s Black Beans, drained
• 1          teaspoon chili powder
• 2          fried eggs
• 1          avocado, sliced
• cotija cheese, crumbled
• lime wedges, for serving

1. In large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until peppers are softened, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Add sweet potatoes, black beans and chili powder; stir to combine. Cook until potatoes and beans are warmed through, 4-5 minutes.
3. Divide bean mixture between two bowls. Top each bowl with fried egg, avocado slices and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges.

Greek Dense Bean Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes Servings: 6-8 Dressing:

• 1/4       cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2          tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1          garlic clove, minced
• 1          teaspoon dried oregano
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1/2       cup plain yogurt
• 1/4       cucumber, grated, excess water drained
• 2          teaspoons lemon juice
• 2          teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic, minced
• 2          teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Salad:

• 1          can (16 ounces) Bush’s Chick Peas, drained and rinsed
• 1          can (15 1/2 ounces) Bush’s Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1          cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2       cup red onion, diced
• 1          cucumber, seeded and diced
• 1/2       cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2       cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4       cup fresh parsley, chopped
•             Greek dressing (directions below)
• 1          cup tzatziki sauce (directions below)
• chicken skewers (optional), for serving

1. To make dressing: In food processor or blender, blend olive oil; red wine vinegar; lemon juice; Dijon mustard; garlic; oregano; and salt and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Set aside.
2. To make tzatziki sauce: In bowl, stir yogurt; cucumber; lemon juice; olive oil; garlic; dill; and salt and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Set aside.
3. To make salad: In large bowl, combine chick peas, cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, feta cheese and parsley; toss with dressing.
4. Top with tzatziki sauce and serve with chicken skewers, if desired.
5. Chef’s tip: Store leftover tzatziki sauce separate from salad.

SOURCE:

Last Updated on January 15, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Easy Bites for the Big Game

(Family Features) Whether you’re tailgating with friends or hosting a watch party at home, every football fan needs a game plan to crunch, dip and cheer their way through opening kickoff, halftime and right down to the final play of the game. Some of the best game day grub is hearty and savory but adding layers of flavor and texture can take recipes to the next level. For example, these Burger Bowls feature all the classic ingredients of a great burger, just without the bun. A tasty option for gluten-free guests or those who are cutting carbs, the bowls are made with Dandy Iceberg Lettuce from Duda Farm Fresh Foods, which boasts a legacy of quality, innovation and consistency in fresh produce cultivation since 1926. Pulled pork, another tailgating treasure, gets an instant upgrade with the crunch of a fresh coleslaw topper and zesty pickled celery and jalapenos on the side. The winning play is to use crisp, fresh celery for the best flavors and a satisfying crunch with every bite. Since celery is 95% water and high in fiber, it leaves fans feeling comfortably full and ready to root for their favorite team. This season, keep your snacks fresh and healthy while winning prizes like product coupons and gift cards to stock up for the next game through the Dip It to Win It Sweepstakes. Visit dudafresh.com to learn more and find additional game day recipes.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Pickled Celery and Jalapenos

Recipe courtesy of The Adventure Bite Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 hours Servings: 9-10

• 4 1/2    pounds pork shoulder or Boston butt
• 26        ounces sweet and spicy barbecue sauce
• 1/2       tablespoon garlic
• 1/2       tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper
•             fresh sandwich buns
•             Dandy Celery, cut and pickled
•             jalapenos
•             coleslaw (optional)
•             potato salad (optional)
•             baked beans (optional)

1. Place pork in slow cooker.
2. Mix barbecue sauce, garlic and pepper. Pour over pork shoulder.
3. Cook on low 8 1/2-10 hours or high 6-7 hours.
4. Shred meat and serve on buns with pickled celery and jalapenos. Top with coleslaw, if desired. Serve with potato salad or baked beans, if desired.

Burger Bowls

Recipe courtesy of Casa de Crews Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 Burger Bowls:

• 2          cups French fries, homemade or frozen
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          small yellow onion, diced
• 1          pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1          teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
• Dandy Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
• 2-3       Roma tomatoes, diced
• pickle chips or spears, chopped
• cheddar cheese, shredded

Burger Sauce:

• 1/3       cup mayonnaise
• 2          tablespoons ketchup
• 1          tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• 1          tablespoon pickle juice
• 1          teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1          teaspoon onion powder
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika

1. To make burger bowls: Cook French fries according to package directions.
2. In medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and saute until translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add ground beef to skillet, breaking up meat with spatula. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper; brown until cooked through. Drain and discard excess liquid and grease.
3. To make burger sauce: In jar, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika well to combine.
4. Assemble bowls with layer of shredded lettuce, 3-4 ounces ground beef, diced tomatoes, pickles, cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup fries.
5. Drizzle with burger sauce and mix well.
6. Tip: Burger sauce can be made in advance and stored in refrigerator in jar with airtight lid.

Easy Bites for the Big Game

SOURCE: Duda Farm Fresh Foods

Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project Hits $8 Million Donation Milestone

Link: https://stmdailynews.com/culvers-thank-you-farmers-project-hits-8-million-donation-milestone/