recipes
No Grill, No Problem: 5 easy tailgate foods that don’t require cooking
5 easy tailgate foods! “Tailgating without a grill? No problem! Discover 5 easy, no-cook tailgate foods to wow your guests. From local-inspired bites to grab-and-go charcuterie, these tips will make game day flavorful and stress-free. 🏈”
No Grill, No Problem: 5 easy tailgate foods that don’t require cooking
(Family Features) Tailgating season is in full swing, but not everyone has time (or space) to fire up a grill before kickoff. Whether you ’re hosting friends in your driveway, tailgating without a truck or trying to simplify game-day prep, you ’re not alone.
According to Paul Zahn, entertaining expert, fall is the perfect time to rethink the traditional tailgate menu.
“You don ’t need a grill to impress your guests – you just need the right mix of crowd-pleasers, portability and no-fuss presentation,” Zahn said. “It ’s all about creating a vibe that feels fun and elevated, without requiring hours in the kitchen.”
The makers of Hormel Gatherings products – known for their ready-to-serve party trays loaded with premium meats, cheeses and crackers – tapped Zahn to share his five go-to tips for building a no-cook tailgate spread that scores big.
5 easy tailgate foods
1. Lean Into Local Favorites
“I love anchoring my events with a theme and what better way to celebrate your team than creating food and drinks that pay homage to them and their states,” Zahn said. “I’m talking hometown eats with a twist.”
For instance, Virginia ham fans can stack mild cheddar and honey ham between two crispy crackers, hit it with mustard and boom: instant ham-and-cheese bite. Bonus points for pairing with a local brew.
2. Make It Portable and Shareable
“No one wants to juggle a plate and a beer,” Zahn said. “Think grab-and-go.”
He loads up Hormel Gatherings trays and gets creative: caprese skewers with tomato, basil, mozzarella and salami, or “jar-cuterie” – mini jars layered with meats, cheeses and crackers. It’s a creative way to serve charcuterie without the mess, and guests love the grab-and-go convenience.
3. Sweeten the Deal
“A sweet treat always buttons up your tailgating fun so dessert is a must-have,” Zahn said, “but keep it bite-size.”
His go-to is mini doughnuts in football-themed cups with whipped cream and team-colored sprinkles. Or go seasonal with apple cider doughnuts, pumpkin cookies or mini pies.
4. Don ’t Forget the Bevs
“I love creating signature cocktails for events but no one wants to be mixing and muddling drinks when tailgating with friends,” Zahn said. “Make your cocktails the night before so you can actually enjoy the party.”
He preps mason jars of team-themed drinks (a Bloody Mary if your colors are red and black) and loads them in a cooler with sparkling waters, canned cocktails and local beers.
5. Go Big on Chips and Dips
“Dips are a no-cook crowd-pleaser, and they’re perfect for tailgating,” Zahn said.
He serves guac, hummus and buffalo ranch with tortilla chips, pretzels and veggie sticks in single-serve disposable cups – no double-dipping, no mess.
Tailgating without a grill doesn ’t mean compromising on flavor or fun. With the right no-cook lineup – and a few strategic shortcuts – anyone can host a winning party this season.
For more ideas, visit HormelGatherings.com.
No Grill, No Problem: 5 easy tailgate foods that don’t require cooking
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Food and Beverage
Savory, Satisfying Ideas for Lunch and Dinner
Lunch or Dinner. During cold and flu season, enhance meals with versatile pearl couscous, which elevates comfort food offerings. Try recipes like Italian Penicillin Soup and Simple Lemon Butter Couscous for hearty, satisfying dishes.
Last Updated on March 3, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) When cold and flu season calls for savory and satisfying meals, remember you don’t have to be sick to enjoy the best this time of year has to offer. Skip the same old soups and stews, though, and level up your comfort food cache with the flavor and versatility of pearl couscous.
Distinguished from traditional Moroccan couscous by its slightly larger and rounder shape, plus its less dense, firmer consistency, pearl couscous is thoroughly versatile and a perfect fit for cold weather classics. With Success Boil-in-Bag Pearl Couscous, you get high-quality semolina wheat pearl couscous made just right. After the water boils, it’s ready in under 7 minutes and prepared similarly to pasta.
It features a slightly nutty flavor on its own but can absorb any flavors of soups and salads while retaining its density and chewy texture. You can use it in your family’s meals to complement a range of greens, veggies, fish, meats and stews, making it a pantry staple to keep on hand throughout the year.
A hearty solution, this Italian Penicillin Soup is ideal for those feeling under the weather or simply craving a filling meal after a chilly day. It’s loaded with rotisserie chicken, tender veggies and pearl couscous simmered in broth then finished with fresh lemon, Parmesan cheese and parsley for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is appetizing.
Elegant in its simplicity, this Simple Lemon Butter Pearl Couscous is a perfect partner for grilled seafood, chicken or vegetables. Easy to serve as a standalone dish or a savvy side that practically cooks itself, you can add this highly versatile grain to your family’s menu any day of the week – whether you’re cooking for a crew or just two – and enjoy steamy leftovers for a light lunch.
Don’t let the cold sap your creativity in the kitchen; turning to versatile, flavorful ingredients can make winter meals a cinch. Discover more pearl couscous-inspired dinner ideas by visiting SuccessRice.com.
Italian Penicillin Soup
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 bags Success Pearl Couscous
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 4 lemon wedges
- shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions.
- In large pot, bring broth to boil. Add carrots, celery and garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add chicken and Italian seasoning; simmer 5 minutes. Add pearl couscous and cook 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle soup into four bowls and squeeze fresh lemon wedge into each bowl. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley.
Simple Lemon Butter Pearl Couscous
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 bag Success Pearl Couscous
- 3 lemons, juice only, plus 1 teaspoon zest
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions, adding lemon juice to water.
- In small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and lemon zest. Cook 3 minutes. Stir pearl couscous into pan.
- Divide pearl couscous into four bowls and top with parsley.
SOURCE:
https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/
Food and Beverage
Easy, Approachable Solutions for At-Home Lenten Meals
At-Home Lenten Meals: Lent is an opportunity for families to explore new seafood flavors, making mealtime enjoyable. Simple recipes, like One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi, encourage kids to confidently try seafood, enhancing family meals.
Easy, Approachable Solutions for At-Home Lenten Meals
(Feature Impact) Lent has long been a season of tradition and reflection, and it can also be an opportunity to introduce your family to exciting new flavors that may become staples in your kitchen.
If preparing seafood feels intimidating, try starting with dishes that are easy, familiar and approachable. For example, One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi features a velvety sauce, earthy spinach and buttery, delicious shrimp – a recognizable and approachable recipe that can be a gateway to discovery.
Made with SeaPak frozen shrimp, you can help picky eaters in your home feel more confident in saying “yes” to something new. Frozen seafood is a perfect partner for familiar favorites like pasta, making it a playful, stress-free solution for encouraging exploration at mealtime.
“For many families, Lent often brings a shift at the dinner table – and this year, parents are turning it into an opportunity to try something new,” said Diana Rice, child nutritionist and registered dietitian. “When food feels approachable, it lowers stress for everyone. Familiar flavors help kids say ‘yes’ more often, and those positive moments can make seafood a feel-good part of family meals during Lent and beyond.”
When kids see foods that look and taste familiar – like the crunch of crispy fried shrimp – they may feel more comfortable giving it a try. That’s why discovery can extend beyond the dinner table to snack time, too.
Give kiddos the energy they need for homework assignments with Butterfly Shimp Bruschetta, a quick solution for after-school or weekend snacking. As your pickier loved ones dive in for something new, those small wins can build confidence to try new things – one bite at a time.
This Lent, swap “giving up” for “try this” with more approachable frozen seafood solutions and family-friendly recipes at SeaPak.com.
//www.youtube.com/embed/006rXnSXZGY
One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 package (12 ounces) SeaPak Shrimp Scampi
- 1 1/4 cups half-and-half or milk
- 1 1/4 cups chicken stock
- 8 ounces linguine noodles
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 lemon wedges
- In large, high-sided saute pan, add shrimp and cook according to package directions. Remove shrimp to bowl and keep warm.
- In same pan with scampi sauce, stir in half-and-half and stock. Bring to low boil. Add pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked al dente, 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and cook just until beginning to wilt. Stir reserved shrimp into pan.
- To serve, divide shrimp scampi between four bowls and top each with grated Parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges.
Butterfly Shrimp Bruschetta
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
- 1 package (9 ounces) SeaPak Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp
- 1 baguette
- 3 garlic cloves, divided
- 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
- 1/3 cup chopped basil, plus additional for garnish
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- Preheat oven to 425 F. Bake shrimp according to package directions and keep warm.
- Slice baguette to match number of shrimp. Rub one garlic clove over one side of each slice of bread. Brush garlic-rubbed sides with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside.
- Finely dice remaining garlic.
- In medium mixing bowl, stir tomatoes, remaining olive oil, diced garlic and 1/3 cup chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and set aside.
- In large, hot skillet, working in batches, add baguette slices oil sides down and cook until browned around edges. Remove from pan.
- Top each baguette slice with small spoonful of tomato mixture and one shrimp. Garnish with basil leaf.
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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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Food and Beverage
Sweet Coffee Cake with a Crunch
This content features a recipe for Cinnamon-Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake, characterized by its mild sweetness and crunchy topping. Served warm with ice cream or powdered sugar, it combines oats, flour, brown sugar, pecans, and cream cheese. Additional resources for recipes and food-related content are available on Culinary.net and STM Daily News.
Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) You can delight nearly any guest with this cake that delivers a mild sweetness and crunchy topping. Serve it warm with a side of ice cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!
Cinnamon-Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake
Recipe adapted from Wilton.
Nonstick cooking spray
Topping:
- 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
Cake:
- 1-1/2 cups flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Spray 9-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- To make topping: In medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon and salt.
- Using pastry blender, cut butter into mixture until blended.
- To make cake: In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda.
- In large bowl, mix cream cheese, butter and sugar. Beat mixture until smooth.
- Add egg, egg yolk, milk and vanilla extract. Beat mixture until smooth.
- Combine flour mixture with cream cheese mixture. Spread mixture in pan. Sprinkle topping over batter.
- Bake 35-40 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or dust with powdered sugar.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
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.
