Food and Beverage
Add This Superfruit to Your Menu for Heart-Healthy Meals: Make recipes nutritious and delicious with avocados
(Family Features) It’s no secret that adding greens to your menu – morning, noon and night – can go a long way toward healthier eating habits. While most people think of lettuce, kale, spinach, cucumbers and Brussels sprouts, don’t forget avocados are a superfruit you can use to add good fats and great taste to recipes throughout the day.
As a versatile fruit with naturally good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, avocados have become a household staple. Avocados From Mexico is a national supporter of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Initiative – Eat Smart Program, encouraging people to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables and other heart-healthy foods into their meals.
By supporting this initiative, Avocados From Mexico is helping to raise awareness about the importance of making smart nutrition choices. The brand’s “Good Fats Meet Great Taste” campaign, featured at select Kroger locations, highlights the importance of balanced nutrition and fresh food choices as part of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle.
Avocados provide a good source of naturally unsaturated fats, which can be part of a heart-healthy eating pattern when consumed in place of saturated fats. A well-balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich foods like avocados, whole grains, lean proteins and fiber-rich vegetables can support overall heart health. In addition to good fats, avocados are also a good source of fiber, with 3 grams per one-third of a medium avocado.
If you’re looking for an easy yet tasty way to add more avocados to your family’s menu, this Avocado, Brussels Sprout, Kale and Date Salad provides a delicious introduction to the superfruit. Loaded with greens and fit for sharing with a crowd, you can do your part to bring avocados to your nearest and dearest, neighbors or anyone you’re hosting for a fresh, better-for-you meal.
The best part: This heart-healthy dish comes together in a snap. Just process the homemade dressing featuring dates, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. Then toss Brussels sprouts, kale, red onion, pistachios and, of course, avocados before combining with the dressing.
Finally, serve with shaved Parmesan cheese on the side (so guests who prefer to avoid dairy can do so) and enjoy for a fresh meal that’s equal parts delicious and nutritious. Sliced avocados are the star of the dish, with naturally good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making this an always good, super fun recipe and a way to begin making smarter food choices.
Discover more ways to add heart-healthy meals to your menu by visiting AvocadosFromMexico.com/avocado-nutrition.
Avocado, Brussels Sprouts, Kale and Date Salad
Servings: 8
Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 dates, pitted, softened
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 Avocados From Mexico, sliced
- 6 cups Brussels sprouts, shaved or shredded
- 3 cups lacinto (dinosaur) kale, shredded
- 1 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup pistachios (or pumpkin seeds), shelled
- reduced-fat (sharp) Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated, for topping (optional)
- To make dressing: In food processor, process lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, pitted dates and mustard. Slowly add olive oil to combine.
- To make salad: In large salad bowl, combine avocados, shaved Brussels sprouts, kale, red onion and pistachios. Drizzle salad dressing evenly over greens and toss until well-coated.
- Serve with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.
SOURCE:
Avocados From Mexico
Last Updated on September 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Maintaining a healthy eating plan can be challenging year-round, and busier fall schedules can make those goals even more difficult. Finding easy-to-make favorites can keep you and your loved ones on track as you navigate those hectic moments this autumn.
One simple yet delicious solution: Chopped Salad Kits and Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kits from Dole, which make it easy to incorporate vegetables without the hassle of kitchen prep. Take the guesswork out of meal planning for your time-starved family with these limited-ingredient, kit-based dishes.
Mexican Street Corn Bowls with Grilled Chicken provide a perfect balance of hearty yet nutritious flavor while taking advantage of the convenience of prepackaged ingredients. Perfect for fall weather, Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Soup requires just three ingredients and hungry loved ones for a filling meal worth celebrating.
For more original easy-to-make fall recipes, nutritional insights and information, visit Dole.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
Mexican Street Corn Bowls with Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 cup dry instant brown rice
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large ears fresh corn, silks and husks removed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 Dole Limes, juice only (about 3 tablespoons), divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (12.9 ounces) DOLE® Chopped Chipotle & Cheddar Kit
- 1 Dole Avocado, peeled, pitted and thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped Dole Pineapple
- Prepare grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat. Prepare rice according to package instructions.
- Brush all sides of chicken and corn with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place chicken and corn on hot grill rack; cover and cook 8 minutes, or until grill marks appear and internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 F, turning chicken once and corn frequently. Transfer chicken and corn to cutting board; let stand 5 minutes. Cut corn kernels from cobs into medium bowl. Slice chicken 1/4-inch thick crosswise.
- Add 1 tablespoon lime juice, cilantro and paprika to corn; toss and fold in Parmesan cheese. In small bowl, whisk dressing from salad kit and remaining lime juice.
- Serve rice in bowls topped with avocado, pineapple, chicken, corn mixture and remaining contents of salad kit drizzled with dressing mixture.
Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 DOLE® Homestyle Roasted Herb Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kit
- 1 container (32 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 cup whole-wheat pasta shells, cooked
- Prepare sheet pan meal starter kit according to package instructions. Transfer to cutting board and carefully cut chicken and vegetables into 1/2-inch pieces.
- In medium saucepot over medium-high heat, bring chicken broth to simmer. Stir in pasta shells, chicken and vegetables. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 5 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
SOURCE:
Dole
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/category/food-and-beverage
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Food and Beverage
6 Tips to Keep Your Grill Working Like New
With a combination of routine cleaning and long-term maintenance, you can keep your grill ready to entertain guests and feed your family for many cookout seasons to come. Start with these six tips.
(Feature Impact) If the grill is one of the centerpieces of outdoor living in your household, it’s worth investing the effort to keep it looking nice and functioning well.
With a combination of routine cleaning and long-term maintenance, you can keep your grill ready to entertain guests and feed your family for many cookout seasons to come. Start with these six tips.
Quickly Clean After Each Use
Taking a few minutes to tidy up your grill after every session can prevent grease and grime from building up and turning into a much more annoying chore. Scrape away stuck-on food while the grates are still warm, but wait until the grill completely cools to empty and dry the grease drip tray, wipe down splatter and dispose of ashes. Always protect the grill with a weather-proof cover when it’s not in use.
Avoid Wire Brushes
Although many people reach for wire brushes as a go-to grill scraper, there are safer options. Bristles from wire grill brushes can break off, stick to grates, end up in food and potentially injure people. Look for alternative grill cleaning tools like temperature-safe nylon brushes, wood scrapers or pumice stones.
Use Safe, Non-Toxic Cleaners
When stubborn residue and grease call for something stronger, don’t reach for harsh chemicals like bleach or strong solvents. Since you’re cleaning a cooking surface, opt for food-safe, non-toxic cleaners like vinegar-based solutions or mild degreasers.
Catch Issues Early
Being aware of common grill issues can help you notice them before they turn into larger repairs. For instance, if you notice food cooking unevenly, it could be a sign of clogged burners or worn heat diffusers. An ignitor that clicks without lighting could signal blocked gas flow or a loose connection. Grease buildup can start fires and accelerate metal corrosion.
Give Components a Monthly Tune-Up
If you use your grill regularly, set aside time each month for extra maintenance. Check hinges, knobs and other moving parts, inspect burners and tubes for damage or clogs and clean the grill’s heat diffusers and vents.
Do a Seasonal Deep Clean
Before you stow the grill for the winter, give it a thorough inspection and cleaning. Soak removable parts like the grates and heat shields in warm, soapy water or food-safe degreaser. Scrub away carbon buildup from each part, as well as the interior lid and walls of the grill. Finally, polish exterior surfaces so you’ll be greeted by fresh, shiny equipment when the next cookout season rolls around.
Discover more home and outdoor tips at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
Food and Beverage
‘Fall’ In Love with Family-Favorite Autumn Recipes
As fall approaches, families can reinvent favorite dishes using versatile ingredients like watermelon. Emphasizing sustainability, the entire watermelon—flesh, rind, and juice—can create nutritious meals while minimizing waste. Discover simple recipes for Watermelon Bourbon Glaze and Watermelon Walnut Currant Chutney that add comfort and flavor to autumn dining.
Last Updated on September 18, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) With temperatures cooling and cravings leaning toward comforting flavors, fall offers a perfect time for families to explore adventurous twists on favorite foods. As you and your loved ones rework the menu for autumn, turn to versatile ingredients that provide fresh tastes and new ways to enjoy classic recipes.
Autumn Recipes
One star ingredient that can be used for appetizers, main courses, sides, snacks and desserts alike is watermelon. In fact, using the entire watermelon (rind included) means you’ve discovered a sustainable way to create nutritious meals without food waste.
Consider these simple, delicious ways to use the entire watermelon in your kitchen.
Watermelon Flesh
In the fall, whole watermelon is still available in many areas. You can also find mini watermelon in the fresh cut produce section at many local grocers. The flesh is often the favorite (and most-used) part of the watermelon. Served on its own as a hydrating snack or as part of a recipe for tasty entrees, the flesh offers something for nearly every appetite so no watermelon goes to waste.
Watermelon Juice
Watermelon is 92% water, making it a sweet choice for staying hydrated. Even if your watermelon is overripe, don’t throw it out – instead, juice or puree it to retain value and nutrition. Use it to sweeten this Watermelon Bourbon Glaze then drizzle over a perfectly grilled flank steak and serve with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables for an ideal fall meal.
Watermelon Rind
The rind is often thrown out – many people don’t realize you can eat it, too. The rind absorbs flavors added to it and adds an unexpected texture to this Watermelon Walnut Currant Chutney. Try serving over brie with crackers or simply dip with naan or baguettes.
Find more flavorful fall solutions to avoid food waste at Watermelon.org.
Watermelon Bourbon Glaze with Grilled Flank Steak
Servings: 6
- 1 1/2 cups watermelon juice (approximately 2 1/2 cups chopped watermelon, blended)
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/4-1/2 cup bourbon
- 2 pounds flank steak or London broil
- 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, reduce watermelon juice to 2/3 cup. Toward end of reduction, add garlic. Remove from heat, cool 10 minutes then add soy sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce and bourbon. Mix well.
- Place watermelon-bourbon glaze in large zip-top bag. Add steak and massage to cover meat. Close bag and refrigerate 3-4 hours.
- Heat grill to high heat. Remove steak from plastic bag and gently shake to remove excess glaze.
- Grill steak 4-6 minutes; turn, grill 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness of steak. Remove from heat. Steak should be pink in center.
- Allow steak to rest on platter or cutting board 10 minutes.
- Mix small amount of watermelon-bourbon glaze with cornstarch. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, add cornstarch mixture to remaining glaze and simmer 3-5 minutes. Reduce to medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
- Cut flank steak on bias into thin strips. Drizzle watermelon-bourbon glaze over top.
Watermelon Walnut Currant Chutney
Servings: 16
- 4 cups watermelon, juiced
- 2 cups watermelon rind (white part), diced small
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 medium white onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves, ground
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 lemon, juice only
- 2 tablespoons currants
- 2 tablespoons roasted walnuts
- 1 wheel brie cheese, for serving
- crackers, for serving
- In saucepan over medium heat, reduce watermelon juice to 2 cups. Combine with watermelon rind, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, white onion, garlic, nutmeg, cloves, lemon zest, lemon juice, currants and walnuts; simmer until almost dry.
- Chill and serve over brie with crackers.
SOURCE:
National Watermelon Promotion Board
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/category/food-and-beverage
You can also find food and beverage-related videos on our YouTube channel, where we regularly post new content and share tips, recipes, and demonstrations. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhXBupt8tVynuUhpQZMxQt4lvPmOiAtQ&si=InDwc7YaB0KIwmxy
