recipes
Bring Joy Back to Family Meals
Take the first step toward bringing back the joy and magic of making your favorite foods with tools that do the work for you.
Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Simplify dinnertime with convenient recipes and digital tools
(Family Features) While meals savored with loved ones are intended to produce smiles and shared moments, the process of grocery shopping, planning and cooking has become a chore for many families. Take the first step toward bringing back the joy and magic of making your favorite foods with tools that do the work for you.
For example, the all-in-one Albertsons Meal Plans and Recipes tool allows you to focus on what you want to eat rather than what you need to buy as it empowers everyday home cooks to plan, shop and prepare personalized recipes based on dietary preferences, allergies or family likes and dislikes. The app features a library of 9,000 exclusive recipes created by professional chefs (with new recipes added each month) and includes tasty dishes such as Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp Fajitas with Bell Pepper, Onion and Spicy Ranch; Cheese Tortellini and Cauliflower with Creamy Spinach Marinara; and Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Green Beans and Honey Mustard Dip.
The free digital tool also includes an artificial intelligence-powered “Scan Your Own Recipe” feature that allows you to snap a photo with your phone of grandma’s handwritten, not-so-secret recipe and transforms it into a digital version saved in the app. Recipes are instantly turned into shoppable ingredients and added to your cart for quick, convenient checkout. Now, you can turn all of your recipes into a digital library for quick and easy access in one place. No more flipping through cookbooks or recipe cards searching for your favorites.
Designed to provide culinary inspiration throughout the week while saving time and money, the app also features a budget tracker and hands-free cooking mode with a step-by-step timer.
“The Albertsons Meal Plans tool is the ultimate life hack,” said Jill Pavlovich, senior vice president of digital customer experience for Albertsons Cos. “This all-in-one app makes it simple for anyone to plan, shop and prepare inspiring recipes from anywhere – whether it is an old family favorite, a best-seller from a favorite food blogger or one of our 9,000 delicious recipes. Best of all, it’s completely free to use on our grocery app and website.”
The tool is available on the store apps and websites across the Albertsons Cos. banner of stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market.
Find more information and a seemingly endless collection of recipes at Albertsons.com.
Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp Fajitas with Bell Pepper, Onion and Spicy Ranch
Recipe courtesy of Albertsons
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 green bell peppers
- 2 yellow bell peppers
- 1 lime
- 1 medium red onion
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds raw, peeled shrimp, fresh or frozen
- 5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2cup ranch dressing
- 12 small flour tortillas
- Preheat oven to 450 F.
- Wash and dry green bell peppers, yellow bell peppers and lime.
- Trim, seed and slice bell peppers lengthwise into thin strips; transfer to large baking sheet.
- Peel, halve and slice onion lengthwise into thin pieces; add to baking sheet with bell peppers.
- Drizzle veggies with oil, toss to combine and spread in even layer. Bake until veggies have softened slightly, about 5 minutes.
- If using frozen shrimp, place them in colander and run under cold water to thaw slightly. Place shrimp on clean towel or paper towels and pat dry.
- Remove baking sheet from oven. Arrange shrimp over veggies then sprinkle with 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and salt; toss to combine and spread in even layer.
- Bake until veggies are tender and shrimp are cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Cut lime into wedges.
- In small bowl, stir ranch dressing and remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Warm tortillas in skillet, oven or microwave, if desired.
- Divide tortillas between plates and fill with shrimp and veggies; drizzle with spicy ranch and serve with squeeze of lime.
Cheese Tortellini and Cauliflower with Creamy Spinach Marinara
Recipe courtesy of Albertsons
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 bags (10 ounces each) cauliflower florets
- 18 ounces cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 8 fluid ounces heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon basil, dried
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 packages (5 ounces each) baby spinach
- Fill large pot halfway with hot water, cover and bring to boil. Uncover then add cauliflower, tortellini and salt; stir for a few seconds. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes, or cook according to package instructions.
- In separate large pot over medium heat, stir marinara sauce, cream, basil and black pepper to combine and bring sauce to simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes.
- Wash and dry spinach.
- When sauce has thickened, add spinach to pot in handfuls, waiting for spinach to wilt slightly before adding next handful. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
- When cauliflower and tortellini are done, drain and add to pot with creamy marinara sauce; stir to combine.
- To serve, divide pasta between plates or bowls.
Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Green Beans and Honey Mustard Dip
Recipe courtesy of Albertsons
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 pounds green beans
- 1/2 cup honey mustard dressing
- Preheat oven to 450 F. Coat baking sheet with 2 teaspoons oil.
- In medium bowl, stir mayo, garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to combine.
- In separate medium bowl, stir Parmesan, breadcrumbs and paprika to combine.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and slice into 3/4-inch tenders. Add to bowl with mayo mixture and toss to coat.
- Working in batches, dredge tenders in breadcrumb coating, pressing to adhere. Transfer to baking sheet.
- Bake until tenders start to turn golden, about 10 minutes.
- On clean cutting board, wash, dry and trim green beans. Set aside.
- When chicken is golden, flip and bake until cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Preheat large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add remaining oil and swirl to coat bottom. Add green beans and remaining salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Divide chicken tenders and green beans between plates. Serve with dressing for dipping.
SOURCE:
Albertsons
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
Food and Beverage
Magical Moments Without the Hassle: 3 Parenting Hacks to Help Make Summer Memorable
Last Updated on June 25, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Magical summer moments – road trips, pool days and warm evenings in the backyard – don’t happen by accident.
In fact, making that magic happen may feel like hard work for parents, according to a survey of American parents commissioned by Borden Cheese that discovered the pressure on adults during the summer months is higher than ever. Between scheduling activities, packing endless meals and keeping the family happy, the pressure to create memorable summer moments can quickly drain all the fun out of it.
A majority of respondents (72%) feel summers used to be simpler in terms of activities and expectations, while 89% of that group said it’s important for their children to experience simple summers.
“Summer is the time for enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, endless day time and quality time with family and friends,” said Jenny Mehlman, senior director of marketing, cheese, taste and flavors at Dairy Farmers of America. “Sometimes we get so caught up in the daily hustle, we forget to slow down and enjoy the little moments. Borden Cheese wants to help parents drop the high expectations, embrace a little bit of the mess and remember how good a simple, relaxed summer can feel.”
It’s clear parents are looking for more relaxing summer breaks, both for their children and themselves. Reclaiming family time can start with hacks that simplify summers, a tactic 81% of parents surveyed said they plan to use. Consider these top suggestions from respondents.
Allow More Flexibility with Children’s Routines
Summer offers a welcome break from the rigid schedules of the school year, and nearly half of respondents (45%) are embracing that opportunity by allowing more flexibility in their children’s routines. This might include later bedtimes, slower mornings or less structured playtime, giving families more room to explore, be creative and enjoy spontaneous adventures – the type that many parents remember from their own childhoods.
Prioritize Fun Over Perfection
The pressure to create a picture-perfect summer can become overwhelming. Instead of striving for elaborate vacations or curated calendars, 39% of parents said they plan to be more lenient with the expectations they place on themselves. This “fun over perfection” mindset allows families to focus on connection as parents spend less time worrying about details and more time enjoying simple pleasures from picnics and pool time to game nights at home.
Plan Simpler Meals
One-third of respondents plan to make simpler meals a regular part of their menu, and the majority of parents (84%) said they rely on quick, reliable meal and snack solutions like mac and cheese, deli meat wraps and simple cheese and cracker boards at least once per week during summer months. That’s why Borden Cheese Individually Wrapped Singles are unwrapping the simple, stress-free summer that parents need with family-friendly recipes, easy meal hacks and nostalgia-inducing weekly giveaways designed to give them a well-deserved break. For example, these Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders can feel a little “extra” without all the extra work. Beware: They’ll disappear fast.
So relax your expectations, embrace the mess and make space for real, carefree fun again. Visit BordenCheese.com/SimpleSummerFun to find more easy, cheesy meal ideas and learn how to participate in weekly giveaways.
Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Servings: 4 (2 sliders per serving)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 slices Borden American Melts, quartered
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon steakhouse seasoning
- 8 slider buns, toasted
Toppings (optional):
- burger sauce
- caramelized onions
- pickle chips
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium heat.
- Divide beef into 16 balls and flatten into approximately 3-inch patties.
- Place two cheese squares and onions on eight patties then top with remaining patties and press together. Season with steakhouse seasoning.
- Cook sliders 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Place on buns and add burger sauce, caramelized onions and pickle chips, as desired. Serve warm.
SOURCE:
Borden
STM Daily News’ Food and Drink section highlights the stories, trends, flavors, and events shaping today’s food culture. From recipes to restaurant news, it keeps readers connected to what’s fresh and worth tasting.
Last Updated on June 23, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Some summertime dishes are just too good to be true. This Easy Pasta Salad is simple enough to become a favorite side and filling enough to serve as a light main course. Enjoy more warm weather recipes by visiting Culinary.net.
Easy Pasta Salad
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
- 1 pound pasta noodles of choice
- 1 can (15 ounces) peas, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) carrots, drained
- 1 package (16 ounces) diced ham
- 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
- 1 package (6 ounces) cheddar cheese cubes
- 2 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup juice from bread butter pickles
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and place in large bowl. Add peas, carrots, ham, bacon pieces and cheese cubes.
- In separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, pickle juice, vinegar and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour mixture over pasta and mix well.
- Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.
SOURCE:
Explore the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for timely coverage of culinary trends, beverage news, seasonal recipes, and food-focused community stories
(Feature Impact) A healthy brain goes beyond reading exercises and completing puzzles – it extends to the kitchen, too. Emerging nutritional science is clear that what people eat doesn’t just fuel the body; it shapes memory, mood and cognitive health.
Among the foods you can include in your diet to give your brain a boost are peanuts and peanut butter, staples valued not only for their convenience but also for their cognitive benefits. In fact, a study published in the “Journal of the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease” found adults 60-80 years old who did not eat peanuts and peanut butter regularly were 30-50% more likely to perform poorly on tests measuring learning, memory, language, processing motor speed and attentiveness compared to those who did consumer peanuts and peanut butter.
It’s not just the older generation that can benefit. According to research published in “Clinical Nutrition,” a study of college students ages 18-33 showed consumption of peanuts and peanut butter was associated with improved memory function and decreased anxiety, depression and stress.
Consider this key information from the Georgia Peanut Commission before your next meal planning session.
Nutrients that Give the Brain a Boost
Despite their small stature, peanuts pack a nutrition punch. Their unique blend of various vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds includes:
- Niacin, which can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, according to the “Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry”
- Vitamin E, found to promote healthy brain aging and delay cognitive decline
- Resveratrol, believed to be beneficial in fighting against Alzheimer’s disease and other nerve degenerating diseases, per the “Journal of Biological Chemistry”
- P-coumaric acid, an antioxidant that appears to target the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, stress and anxiety
Peace of MIND
Peanuts are included in the MIND diet, a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, which specifically includes foods shown to benefit the brain.
Adding peanuts to your menu can be a breeze. Look no further than a powerful main course like Crunchy and Creamy Cold Green Pea and Peanut Salad, a perfect accompaniment at potlucks and cookouts as an easy side or light main course. Make breakfast-on-the-go part of your daily commute with Flourless Blueberry Muffins that require just five ingredients, including creamy peanut butter, or add a pinch of protein to snack time with Protein Balls that can be refrigerated until hunger strikes.
Brain Food for Thought
Supporting your brain starts with the right nutrition, and evidence makes clear peanuts and peanut butter should be top-of-mind as you head to the grocery store. For help getting started, find more recipes and nutritional information by visiting GAPeanuts.com.
Flourless Blueberry Muffins
Recipe courtesy of The Peanut Institute
Servings: 12
- 2 bananas
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup blueberries
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease muffin pan.
- In blender or food processor, combine bananas, peanut butter, eggs and baking powder; blend until smooth. Fold in blueberries by hand.
- Pour mixture into muffin tin. Bake 12-15 minutes.
- Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Nutritional information per serving: 155 calories, 10 g carbohydrates, 31 mg cholesterol, 2 g saturated fat, 9 g unsaturated fat, 2 g fiber, 6 g protein, 98 mg sodium, 5 g sugar.
Crunchy and Creamy Cold Green Pea and Peanut Salad
Recipe courtesy of The Peanut Institute
Servings: 8
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
Salad:
- 1 package (20 ounces) green peas, frozen
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/3 cup red onions, chopped
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 6 slices thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 pinch salt, or to taste
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- To make dressing: In small mixing bowl, whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and sugar.
- To make salad: In large mixing bowl, combine frozen green peas, celery and onion. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, stir in roasted peanuts and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Nutritional information per serving: 230 calories, 17 g carbohydrates, 12 mg cholesterol, 3 g saturated fat, 9 g unsaturated fat, 5 g fiber, 11 g protein, 249 mg sodium, 6 g sugar, 1 g added sugar.
Protein Balls
Recipe courtesy of The Peanut Institute
Servings: 24
- 1 cup chunky peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cups quick oats
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dried, chopped cranberries
- 1/8 teaspoon iodized salt
- 1/4 cup water
- Using stand mixer, combine peanut butter, vanilla, honey, quick oats, flaxseed, coconut, cranberries, salt and water; mix until well combined.
- Form dough into 1-ounce portions and refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional information per serving: 130 calories, 7 g fat, 14 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 2 g fiber, 60 mg sodium.
SOURCE:
STM Daily News’ Food and Drink section highlights the stories, trends, flavors, and events shaping today’s food culture. From recipes to restaurant news, it keeps readers connected to what’s fresh and worth tasting.
