Food and Beverage
Bring the Family Together with Breakfast for Dinner
Despite busy lives and full schedules, finding time for regular meals with loved ones encourages connections and conversations that can benefit mental and physical well-being.
Last Updated on July 14, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Despite busy lives and full schedules, finding time for regular meals with loved ones encourages connections and conversations that can benefit mental and physical well-being. Gathering your family, friends, coworkers or neighbors at least once a week to spend time together over a meal provides opportunities to decompress and socialize.
If you’re looking for a little delicious inspiration, the American Heart Association recommends scheduling one night per week to create a recurring tradition and enjoy favorites such as breakfast for dinner. Recipes like Egg, Avocado and Black Bean Breakfast Burritos; Huevos Rancheros; and Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls from the Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland’s Best, are perfectly suited for sharing while making time to destress at the dinner table.
In fact, according to a study by “Canadian Family Physician,” regular meals at home with loved ones can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make everyone feel connected with mealtime conversations that allow a chance to unplug and unwind.
Meals don’t have to be elaborate for a successful evening together. Despite the perceived effort involved with preparing a meal, research published in “Preventive Medicine” shows those who have frequent meals with others, particularly parents with their children, may improve social and emotional well-being.
In addition to the mental and emotional benefits of meals with loved ones, eating together can also encourage healthier choices when better-for-you recipes are on the menu. Dining as a group can provide inspiration to try heart-healthy recipes that include the wide variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and healthy protein sources recommended by the American Heart Association to help prevent heart disease and stroke.
To find recipe ideas, conversation starters and more tips for mealtime, visit heart.org/together.
Huevos Rancheros
Servings: 4
Salsa:
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup diced poblano pepper, seeds and ribs discarded
- 1 small fresh jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs discarded, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Huevos Rancheros:
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 4 large eggs
- 4 corn tortillas (6 inches), warm
- 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup shredded low-fat Mexican cheese blend
- 1 small avocado, quartered and sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 medium lime, cut into four wedges (optional)
- To make salsa: In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil, swirling to coat bottom. Cook onion 2 minutes, or until almost soft, stirring frequently. Cook poblano and jalapeno peppers 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in garlic. Cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, water and salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover to keep warm.
- To make huevos rancheros: In medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil, swirling to coat bottom. Cook eggs 3-4 minutes, or until whites are set and edges are fully cooked.
- Place one tortilla on each plate. Top each tortilla with beans and one egg, being careful not to break yolk. Gently top each egg with warm salsa, cheese and avocado slices.
- Sprinkle each serving with cilantro and serve with lime wedge, if desired.
Egg, Avocado and Black Bean Breakfast Burritos
Servings: 4
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 1/3 cups liquid egg whites
- 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 whole-wheat tortillas (6 inches, lowest sodium available)
- 2 medium avocados, sliced
- 1/4 cup hot sauce or salsa (lowest sodium available, optional)
- Lightly spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium heat.
- In skillet, stir egg whites constantly with rubber spatula to scramble. Cook until eggs are almost set. Add beans, stirring until combined and heated through.
- Microwave tortillas on high 45 seconds. Transfer to work surface.
- Spread egg mixture in center of each tortilla. Top with the avocado and hot sauce, if desired.
- For each burrito, fold two sides of tortilla toward center. Starting from closest unfolded side, roll burrito toward remaining unfolded side to enclose filling. Transfer with seam side down to plates.
Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls
Servings: 4
- 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup no-salt-added frozen corn, thawed
- 1/2 medium avocado, pitted and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- nonstick cooking spray
- 4 large eggs
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- red hot-pepper sauce, to taste (optional)
- Cook quinoa according to package directions. Remove from heat.
- Spoon quinoa into four bowls. Top each with tomatoes, corn, avocado, green onions and cilantro, if desired.
- Lightly spray large skillet over medium-high heat with nonstick cooking spray. Crack eggs into skillet. Sprinkle eggs with salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, 3-4 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny. Using spatula, carefully transfer one egg sunny side up into each bowl. Sprinkle with hot sauce, if desired.
SOURCE:
American Heart Association
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.
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National Muffin Day has a way of sneaking up on us—one minute it’s a normal Friday, the next you’re suddenly thinking about blueberry crumbs, warm cinnamon tops, and whether “just one” counts if you also grab one for later. This year, Corner Bakery Cafe is leaning all the way into the holiday with a deal that’s as straightforward as it is tempting: any muffin for $2 on Friday, February 20, all day, at participating locations.
Corner Bakery Cafe president Erin Hasselgreen summed up the brand’s approach in the announcement: “If there’s a day to celebrate muffins, it belongs at Corner Bakery. We bake them fresh every day… and on February 20 we’re making it easier than ever to celebrate with $2 muffins all day long.”
Why National Muffin Day still matters
Food holidays can feel a little gimmicky—until they give you a reason to try something new, revisit a favorite, or turn an ordinary day into a small tradition. National Muffin Day is one of those low-stakes celebrations that fits almost any schedule:
- Breakfast on the go (no fork required)
- A mid-afternoon snack that feels like a reward
- A sweet pick-me-up that doesn’t need a special occasion
Corner Bakery is betting on that exact vibe: muffins as a comfort food that’s familiar, easy to share, and always welcome.
The $2 muffin lineup: classic, seasonal, and “grab an extra” flavors
Corner Bakery says the deal covers all muffin flavors, which means you can keep it classic or go seasonal depending on what your local cafe has available. The brand highlights a mix that hits the usual favorites and the cozy, winter-to-spring crossover cravings:
- Blueberry
- Chocolate
- Cinnamon Crumb
- Cranberry Orange
- Banana
- Pumpkin
- Pumpkin Cheesecake
If you’re the type who likes to make National Muffin Day a mini tasting flight, the $2 price point makes it easy to mix and match—one safe pick, one “why not?” pick.
Muffins are timeless for a reason
In the release, Hasselgreen calls muffins “one of those timeless bakery items that never go out of style… comforting, versatile, and always satisfying.” And honestly, that’s the whole appeal. Muffins sit right in the sweet spot between pastry and snack—less fussy than a layered dessert, more satisfying than a cookie, and flexible enough to pair with coffee, tea, or a quick breakfast run.
They also travel well, which is why they’ve become a go-to for:
- Morning meetings
- School drop-offs
- Road trips
- Office snack tables
- “I’ll eat later” moments that turn into “I’m eating now” moments
The details (so you don’t get surprised at the register)
Here’s what to know before you head out:
- Deal: Any muffin for $2
- When: Friday, February 20 (valid all day)
- Where: Participating Corner Bakery Cafe locations
- Note: Pricing and availability vary by location
Corner Bakery recommends confirming participation by contacting your local cafe.
A little National Muffin Day game plan
If you want to make the most of it, here’s a simple way to approach the day:
- Pick your “must-have” flavor (the one you’ll regret skipping)
- Add one seasonal wildcard (pumpkin cheesecake fans, this is your moment)
- Grab a second muffin for later—because future-you always appreciates past-you
About Corner Bakery Cafe
Corner Bakery Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and catering across 18 states and Washington, D.C. The brand traces its roots to a neighborhood bakery that started in downtown Chicago in 1991, built around fresh ingredients, artisan breads, and a “warm and comfortable place” feel.
For more information, visit cornerbakerycafe.com or follow Corner Bakery Cafe on social media.
Corner Bakery Cafe (official website)
PR Newswire (press release distribution)
National Day Calendar (National Muffin Day listings)
Explore STM Daily News Food & Drink for crave-worthy recipes, restaurant and brand news, seasonal picks, and the trends shaping what we’re eating and sipping right now. Start here: https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Food and Beverage
Pizza Hut Brings Back Heart-Shaped Pizza With Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter + Howie Dorough
Pizza Hut is bringing back its iconic Heart-Shaped Pizza for Valentine’s Day — and it’s doing it with a pop-culture assist from Backstreet Boys members Nick Carter and Howie Dorough.
Announced Feb. 10, the limited-time collaboration is titled “The Shape of My Heart-Shaped Pizza,” a nod to the group’s hit “Shape of My Heart” and a neat fit for a product that’s basically made for February 14.
A Valentine’s campaign built for social (and nostalgia)
Pizza Hut says it teamed up with Carter and Dorough to create a series of social spots inspired by “Shape of My Heart.” In one featured video, the duo leans into a playful generational debate — Millennial vs. Gen Z hand-heart gestures— before settling on the one thing both sides can agree on: sharing a slice.
The timing also taps into a bigger Backstreet Boys moment. The band recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of its album Millennium and continues its “Into The Millennium” residency at SPHERE in Las Vegas, keeping the nostalgia engine running for longtime fans while pulling in younger audiences.
How to order Pizza Hut’s Heart-Shaped Pizza
The Heart-Shaped Pizza is available now through Feb. 22, with a medium one-topping option starting at $11.99.
Pizza Hut is pitching the limited-time pie as an easy win for Valentine’s Day — whether you’re planning a cozy night in, surprising someone with a low-lift dinner idea, or leaning into a solo celebration.
To learn more or place an order, Pizza Hut directs customers to: https://www.pizzahut.com/c/content/heart-shaped-pizza
Offer details (quick fine print)
- Limited-time offer
- Medium one-topping pizza
- Hand-tossed crust only
- Pizza arrives uncut
- Extra toppings/cheese cost more
- Availability, pricing, and participation may vary
What to watch for
Seasonal menu items are nothing new — but Pizza Hut’s heart-shaped pizza has the kind of built-in shareability brands chase: it’s instantly recognizable, it photographs well, and it’s tied to a calendar moment people already post about.
Adding Carter and Dorough gives the campaign a second hook: nostalgia that travels fast on social, plus a light “generational” angle that’s easy to remix in comments.
About Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, was founded in 1958 and operates nearly 20,000 restaurants across more than 110 markets and territories. The brand is known for icons like Original Pan and Original Stuffed Crustpizzas. Pizza Hut also continues to push digital ordering, with over half of transactions worldwide coming from digital orders.
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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(Feature Impact) Coughs and sniffles don’t have to derail you for long – not with a fresh, homemade stockpot full of Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup. Loaded with rotisserie chicken, celery and carrots, it’s sure to warm you from the inside-out as a warm, comforting meal. Plus, with eight servings, this dish can help solve dinnertime dilemmas throughout the week by storing leftovers in the refrigerator and reheating on the stove.
Warm up your winter meals with more comforting ideas available at Culinary.net.
Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup
Recipe adapted from Tastes Better from Scratch
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3-4 large carrots, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 10 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- chicken bouillon cubes (optional)
- 4 cups dry egg noodles
- 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken
- In large stockpot over medium-high heat, saute butter, celery and carrots 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add chicken stock or broth and season with rosemary, thyme and crushed red pepper. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Taste and add chicken bouillon cubes, if desired, for flavor.
- Bring to boil. Add noodles and cook until al dente. Remove from heat once noodles are tender.
- Add chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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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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