Food and Beverage
Add a Patriotic ‘Pop’ to Fourth of July Parties

(Family Features) Break out the red, white and blue and (safely) set off your favorite fireworks – it’s time to honor America’s birthday. Along with all the booms and blasts, make sure your crowd is satisfied with one of the country’s most beloved snack foods and a true firecracker in the kitchen: popcorn.
Celebrated for its seed-to-snack simplicity, popcorn’s smell, taste and versatility mean it can enhance any occasion as a budget-friendly solution for family gatherings. As a timeless treat nationwide, it’s an especially perfect partner for Fourth of July get-togethers as it bursts while cooking and brings a thrill to the senses.
Whether your gathering will take place poolside, in air-conditioned comfort or while watching spectacular fireworks shows among the backdrop of the night sky, tasty treats that honor the occasion allow you to show off your patriotic pride.
These Peanut Butter Cups are an ideal summer snack that’s easy to prepare with everyday ingredients. All you need to do is melt together peanut butter, butter and marshmallows then mix in popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts and raisins. Bake in individual paper liners for grab-and-go convenience then share with your nearest and dearest. For added flair, use American flag-themed liners or finish your creation with toothpicks connected to miniature American flags.
Add a touch of heat to this year’s celebrations with Cinnamon Candy Poppers that bring a real bang to the snack table. Inspired by those classic firecrackers that a Fourth of July party can’t go without, these balls of ooey-gooey goodness provide a truly patriotic spark.
Find more popcorn-inspired snacks for your summer celebrations at Popcorn.org.

Peanut Butter Cups
Yield: 24 cups
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine
- 1 package (10 1/2 ounces) miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups freshly popped popcorn
- 6 cups spoon-size shredded wheat
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 1 cup raisins
- Preheat oven to 250 F.
- In microwave on high heat using large, microwavable bowl, melt peanut butter and butter 1 minute.
- Add marshmallows and microwave on high 1 minute, or until marshmallows puff; stir.
- Add popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts and raisins; stir gently.
- Place paper liners in two 12-cup muffin pans. Divide mixture into 24 cups.
- Bake 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and tore “cups” in airtight container.

Cinnamon Candy Poppers
Yield: 24 balls
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 3 quarts popped popcorn
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup cinnamon-flavored candies
- red and blue confection stars
- red licorice string
- Spread large sheet of plastic wrap on work surface and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spray large mixing bowl lightly with nonstick cooking spray and place popcorn inside.
- In medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in marshmallows until melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn. Add cinnamon candies and mix well until coated.
- Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray and form mixture into 24 balls. Gently press red and blue stars onto each ball. Place piece of licorice string on top of each ball.
SOURCE:
Popcorn Board
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Food and Beverage
Turn to a Cheesy Snack Hack

(Family Features) Bring some fun (and simplicity) back to snacking with these three-ingredient Cheesy Meatball Bombs. Baked to golden brown in just 10-15 minutes, they’re perfect for enjoying at home or sharing with a crowd. Discover more snack hacks at Culinary.net.

Cheesy Meatball Bombs
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4
- 1 puff pastry sheet
- 12 thawed meatballs
- 1 package (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- marinara sauce, for serving
- Buffalo sauce, for serving
- barbecue sauce, for serving
- Heat oven to 425 F.
- Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastry then cut into 12 squares.
- Place one meatball in each square with cheese. Close pastries around cheese and meatballs. For visible meatballs, leave hole on top of pastries. Place each ball in hole of muffin tin.
- Bake 10-15 minutes. Pastry should be golden brown. Remove from pan and serve with marinara, Buffalo and barbecue dipping sauces.
Tip: Recipe can be doubled or tripled, as needed.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
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Food and Beverage
Bring the Family Together with Baked Breakfast Pizzas

Bring the Family Together with Baked Breakfast Pizzas
(Family Features) If you feel like it’s a struggle to get the entire family together for a meal, it might be time to put fun back on the menu. A little creativity and a few favorite ingredients are all it takes to bring back family mealtime and spend precious moments at the table.
These Individual Sweetpotato Breakfast Pizzas are a perfect way to start a weekend morning, offering a delicious invitation to loved ones to join you in the kitchen. Equal parts sweet, savory and nutritious, you can enjoy seeing smiles on their faces while feeling good about what you’re serving them.
Providing just the right touch of sweetness are North Carolina Sweetpotatoes, one of the most versatile vegetables in the produce department. They’re easy to add to a variety of recipes – even breakfast pizza – to enhance flavor and nutrition. Try them on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled, slow-cooked or air-fried for quick and easy options that are a breeze in the kitchen.
Spelled as one word to avoid confusion with the white potato (a distinctly different species), sweetpotatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease. In fact, they’re even considered a “diabetes superfood” by the American Diabetes Association. As a natural sweetener, they give recipes that sweet flavor you crave without the added sugar.
Whether they become your favorite oft-used ingredient or you stock up on the abundant veggie, sweetpotatoes also boast a long shelf-life – up to 4 weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources – meaning you can buy in bulk without worrying about waste.
Find more ways to cook with sweetpotatoes by visiting ncsweetpotatoes.com.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Individual Sweetpotato Breakfast Pizzas
Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Servings: 4
- 4 medium North Carolina sweetpotatoes (about 2 pounds), divided
- 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon, olive oil, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- all-purpose flour, for rolling out dough
- 1 pound whole-wheat pizza dough at room temperature, divided into four equal portions (4 ounces each)
- 1 cup freshly shredded Gouda cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup diced chives
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Place 1 pound sweetpotatoes directly on rack and bake until soft, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool 5-10 minutes. Peel and puree flesh until smooth; reserve 1 cup.
- Increase oven heat to 450 F. Peel remaining sweetpotatoes and dice into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss 2 cups diced sweetpotatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne and salt and pepper, to taste; place in even layer on baking sheet. Roast until softened but not crisp, 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway. Remove from oven.
- Lightly flour clean, flat work surface. Roll each ball of dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness (about 7 inches diameter).
- With remaining oil, lightly coat rimless baking sheet. Transfer rolled out dough to baking sheet.
- Spread pureed sweetpotato over surface of each dough round, about 1/4 cup each, leaving about 1/2-inch border. Top each with 1/4 cup shredded Gouda. Add 1/2 cup roasted sweetpotato cubes, leaving open space in center of pizzas.
- Carefully crack one egg into center of each pizza; bake 15 minutes until crusts are golden brown on bottom, cheese is melted and egg whites are fully set. Carefully remove pizzas from oven.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top each pizza with 1 tablespoon diced chives.
SOURCE:
North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
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Foodie News
Coastal Mississippi’s Exciting Evolution: New Restaurants, Attractions, and Experiences for 2025!

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Get ready to pack your bags because Coastal Mississippi is about to unleash a vibrant array of new restaurants, attractions, and developments that are set to redefine your beach getaway. With the promise of over ten fabulous new destinations sprouting up along the picturesque coast, and the thrilling news of recent James Beard nominations for local chefs, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for this beloved region.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
First and foremost, let’s talk about the culinary scene. Coastal Mississippi is well-known for its delectable dishes, and this year, it’s raising the bar even higher. Local chefs Austin and Tresse Sumrall from White Pillars in Biloxi have earned a nomination for Best Chef: South, making waves with their farm-to-table créative cuisine. If that’s not enough, Vestige in downtown Ocean Springs, run by Chefs Alex Perry and Kumi Omori, is nominated for Outstanding Hospitality—another testament to the top-notch dining experiences around here.
Discover New Dining Gems
Prepare your taste buds for the exciting new eateries making their debut across Coastal Mississippi:
- Barracuda Taco Stand in Bay St. Louis offers irresistible tacos served with fresh tortillas and a margarita garden ideal for al fresco dining.
- The District Coffee Company in Pascagoula has quickly become a local favorite, combining great brews with a charming, dog-friendly atmosphere.
- At The Garage at Cash Alley, located in downtown Ocean Springs, you’ll find an energetic throwback vibe, serving up delightful street eats like loaded nachos and scrumptious desserts.
- For a cozy evening, head over to Oak & Vine for exquisite whiskey and wine pairings in a friendly local setting.
And for those who fancy a little something different, Catch 110 boasts a coast-inspired menu complete with a stunning patio perfect for sipping cocktails while enjoying the picturesque views. Not to mention the modern cocktail lounge, Magnolia Room, serving unforgettable tapas alongside classic drinks, making it a must-visit!
Fun for Everyone
Coastal Mississippi isn’t just about indulgent dining—it’s also creating spaces for everyone to enjoy. The Inclusion Playground at Town Commons in Gautier is a groundbreaking 10,800 sq. ft. playground designed for children of all abilities, ensuring every family can find joy together.
Are you feeling sporty? The Picklr, an indoor pickleball facility in Biloxi, is a great new spot for both seasoned players and novices to sharpen their skills while bonding with fellow enthusiasts.
Accommodations with a Twist
After a day of adventure, where will you rest? Enter The Hotel Vela, a boutique hotel created by our James Beard-nominated chefs, which offers not just a place to stay but an experience filled with culinary delights and luxurious comfort. Pair your stay with evenings at the onsite Siren Social Club, known for its unique menu of European flavors.
Embrace the Outdoors
Don’t miss the picturesque Harrison County Sand Beach, newly equipped with accessible Mobi-mats, allowing everyone to truly enjoy our stunning beaches. Plus, the beloved Depot District in Bay St. Louis continues to charm visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, now featuring a new Back Yard Beer Garden.
Convenient Connections
Travelers rejoice! Coastal Mississippi has recently partnered with Breeze Airways to offer affordable nonstop flights from Gulfport-Biloxi to Orlando. This service opens the doors to not only connecting new travelers to our vibrant coast but also sets the stage for even more adventures!
The Future Looks Bright
As Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism, beautifully puts it, “We’re excited to kickoff 2025 with an exciting array of fun and delicious new offerings.” Whether you are a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation, Coastal Mississippi is shaping up to be a destination that truly has it all.
So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and start planning your trip to Coastal Mississippi for an unforgettable experience in 2025. For more information on all the new developments and unique experiences awaiting you along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, visit CoastalMississippi.com.
Here’s to new adventures, tasty bites, and sun-soaked memories along the breathtaking coast!

About Coastal Mississippi: Coastal Mississippi is the organization charged with promoting South Mississippi as a tourism and convention destination worldwide. Its mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure, convention, sports, and business visitors to the area. It is dedicated to maximizing the travel and tourism industry for South Mississippi. Visit CoastalMississippi.com to learn more.
Source: Coastal Mississippi
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