If your late-summer routine includes a “Tims run” and a little wizarding-world nostalgia, Tim Hortons just gave you a reason to detour. To celebrate its new Harry Potter-inspired collaboration — complete with themed menu items, merch, limited-edition packaging, and plenty of fan-service easter eggs — Tim Hortons has transformed one Toronto restaurant into a full Back to Hogwarts-themed takeover.

The pop-up-style experience is open now at 815 Caledonia Rd. in Toronto, and it’s only around for a limited time.

A magical makeover, inside and out

The first thing you’ll notice is the exterior: the familiar Tim Hortons façade has been replaced with a bold Harry Potter x Tim Hortons design inspired by the collaboration’s limited-edition packaging.

Step inside and the theme goes even harder. The restaurant features celebratory displays inspired by moments from the Harry Potter film series, including:

• Platform 9 ¾-inspired elements
• A Hogwarts Great Hall vibe
• A Sorting Hat-themed photo opportunity for guests

Tim Hortons says the goal is to make fans feel like they’ve entered the wizarding world the moment they arrive.

“We want Harry Potter fans to be able to imagine that they have stepped into the wizarding world the moment they arrive for their Tims Run,” said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons.

The Harry Potter magic is rolling out across Canada, too

Even if you can’t make it to Toronto, Tim Hortons locations across Canada are leaning into the Back to Hogwarts energy — timed to the seasonal tradition and the 25th anniversary of the Harry Potter film brand, according to the release.

Here’s what’s available (while supplies last, and at participating locations):

Hogwarts House Donuts (pick your House)

Tim Hortons is offering four House-themed donuts:

• Gryffindor Strawberry Cheesecake Donut
• Slytherin Chocolate Pistachio Donut
• Ravenclaw Blueberry Donut
• Hufflepuff Lemon Meringue Donut

And yes, there are Golden Snitch Caramel Timbits — plus a limited-edition Golden Snitch Timbits Holder.

Colour-changing cups that reveal Patronuses

Order select cold drinks and you’ll get a temperature-activated cup that reveals a trail of Patronuses when filled.

Featured drinks include:

• Patronus Sparkling Quenchers (customizable with lemonade, protein dairy beverage, or frozen)
• Forbidden Forest Iced Tea Quenchers (available at participating restaurants where fountain beverages are served)

Collectable merch and limited-edition gift cards

In addition to the Golden Snitch Timbits Holder, participating restaurants will carry limited-edition “25 Years of Magic” gift cards.

Harry Potter Trivia Night (Aug. 28)

On Aug. 28, participating Tim Hortons restaurants will host a Harry Potter Trivia Night to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the first film and the kickoff of Back to Hogwarts.

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Tims Rewards contest: win a trip to London

From Aug. 17 to Sept. 6, Tims Rewards members who order and scan (in-restaurant, in the app, or on TimShop.ca) will be entered for a chance to win one of two grand prizes: a Harry Potter VIP experience for two in London, England.

Contest details are listed at www.timhortons.ca/harrypotter.

Limited-edition packaging with easter eggs

Tim Hortons is also rolling out limited-edition Harry Potter packaging across select items, including:

• Single-item donut boxes
• Multi-pack donut boxes
• 10-pack and 20-pack Timbits boxes
• Cold beverage cups

The packaging is designed to be more than just collectible — it’s packed with hidden references for fans.

If you’re in Toronto: here’s the play

If you can swing it, the 815 Caledonia Rd. takeover is the kind of limited-time brand experience that’s built for photos, fandom, and a quick treat run that feels like an event. Between the Sorting Hat photo moment and the themed menu lineup, it’s basically a mini Back to Hogwarts celebration — with coffee.

And if you’re not in Toronto, the House donuts, colour-changing cups, trivia night, and limited-edition packaging give you plenty of ways to join the fun from your local Tims.

Source: Tim Hortons Canada

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Top Tender Chicken with a Creamy Dressing for a Light, Refreshing Meal

(Feature Impact) On those days when you’re craving something fresh and don’t feel like doing a lot of cooking, salads are the ideal solution. They’re nutritious, easy to throw together and endlessly customizable so you can make them with the ingredients you have to suit the flavor profiles you prefer.

This Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad unites savory, sweet, tangy and creamy flavors in a single bowl. Crisp lettuce and tender spinach bring leafy green nutrients to the base of each salad. The juicy, slightly charred grilled chicken is seasoned, smoky and a good source of lean protein. Avocado slices, Greek yogurt and olive oil add rich, creamy textures and healthy fats, while cucumbers make each bite refreshing. Apple slices and grapes lend natural sweetness that complement the tangy honey-mustard dressing.

Light enough for lunch but filling enough for dinner, it’s a versatile salad packed with vegetables, fruits, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Make the recipe your own by switching to a different dressing or tossing in bonus toppings like walnuts, dried cranberries or cherry tomatoes. Plant-based home chefs can adapt by swapping to a different protein like tofu, tempeh or chickpeas and using non-dairy yogurt for the dressing.

Find more light yet filling salad solutions by visiting Culinary.net.

Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad

Recipe adapted from Delish
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2          boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each)
  
• 1          teaspoon dried oregano
  
• 1          teaspoon ground coriander
  
• kosher salt, to taste
  
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  
• 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 3          romaine hearts, chopped
  
• 3          cups spinach
  
• 2          avocados, thinly sliced
  
• 2          cucumbers, thinly sliced
  
• 1          apple, thinly sliced
  
• 1          cup grapes, halved

Creamy Honey-Dijon Dressing:

• 3/4       cup plain Greek yogurt
  
• 3          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 1 1/2    tablespoons honey
  
• 1          tablespoon Dijon mustard
  
• 1          tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  
• 1          teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  
• 1/4       teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
  
• 1/8       teaspoon black pepper

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In medium bowl, sprinkle chicken with oregano, coriander and salt and pepper, to taste. Add oil then toss to coat.
2. Grill chicken, covered, about 8 minutes per side, until slightly charred and registering 165 F on thermometer inserted into thickest part. Transfer to cutting board, let rest 5 minutes then thinly slice.
3. Divide romaine, spinach, avocados, cucumbers, apples and grapes among bowls. Top with chicken.
4. To make dressing: Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and serve.

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

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(Feature Impact) Weeknights often feel like a race against the clock. Busy families feel the squeeze from school pickups, homework and social commitments, but dinner remains one of the few opportunities for everyone to slow down, reconnect and share important moments together at the close of a hectic day.

With a little planning and convenient ingredients like Little Potatoes – which come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough that they don’t need to be cut – families can spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table.

For example, The Little Potato Company’s new A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit serves up a favorite flavor in an easy-to-prepare side dish your whole family will love. Simply pop the steamable tray into the microwave for 5 minutes, sprinkle on the included ranch seasoning pack and enjoy without any prep or cleanup.

They’re also a perfect foundation for this easy, all-in-one Sheet Pan Chicken and Little Potatoes recipe. It’s ideal for busy weeknights as a balanced, flavorful meal that requires just 10 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup. Plus, you can customize with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest.

If you’re in search of a simple side dish that can accompany a variety of family favorites, these flavor-filled Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon are a great fit for a backyard barbecue or casual evening with your nearest and dearest.

To find more ways to bring loved ones together at the table throughout the school year, visit LittlePotatoes.com.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Little Potatoes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4
 

• 1 1/2    pounds Little Potatoes
  
• 2          cups broccoli florets
  
• 1          bell pepper
  
• 1          red onion
• 2          tablespoons olive oil, divided
  
• 2-3       teaspoons of your favorite seasoning blend
  
• 4          boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  
• fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
  
• lemon wedges (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Slice Little Potatoes in half. Slice broccoli florets, bell pepper and onion into bite-sized pieces.
3. In mixing bowl, toss veggies with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1-1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning.
4. Spread veggies evenly on baking sheet.
5. In same bowl, add chicken, remaining seasoning and remaining olive oil. Toss to combine then place chicken between veggies in single layer.
6. Roast 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through to internal temperature of 165 F and potatoes are tender. Flip veggies and chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
7. Let chicken rest 2-3 minutes. Divide Little Potatoes, veggies and chicken into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

• 1          package maple bacon
  
• 1/2       pound fresh string beans, washed
  
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/2       teaspoon rosemary
  
• salt, to taste
  
• pepper, to taste
  
• 1          package A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit

1. On stovetop, cook bacon until crispy, reserving 1/4 cup bacon grease. Crumble bacon and set aside.
2. In same pan, add fresh string beans, bacon grease, olive oil, garlic powder and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Saute until soft.
3. Peel back plastic on potatoes kit and microwave 5 minutes.
4. Let potatoes cool 1-2 minutes and spread ranch seasoning over potatoes followed by bacon and string beans.

SOURCE:

Little Potato Company

🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!