Take to the Outdoors with a Fresh, Picnic-Friendly Sandwich

(Feature Impact) When the weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic Party Sandwiches, perfect for a filling lunch that provides the energy you need for kicking around a soccer ball, playing tag or flying a kite.

Find more lunch ideas fit for enjoying the sunshine by visiting Culinary.net.

Picnic Party Sandwiches

Recipe adapted from “Crunch Time Kitchen”

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

• 1/4       cup salted butter
  
• 2          tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  
• 1          large fresh baguette
  
• 1/4       cup fig preserves
  
• 6-8       ounces cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami and capocollo
  
• 6          ounces brie cheese, sliced
  
• 2          cups arugula
  
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
  
• 1          pinch kosher salt

1. Mash together room temperature butter with fresh parsley. Set aside.
2. Cut fresh baguette length-wise and smear bottom half of the baguette with herbed butter. Top with fig preserves.
3. Layer on cured meats followed by slices of brie cheese. For brie, cut off any large pieces of rind.
4. In small bowl, toss arugula with lemon juice and salt. Add arugula to sandwich followed by top half of baguette.
5. Cut baguette into four even sandwiches and eat immediately or wrap each one tightly in paper or plastic wrap.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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/food-and-drink/

Simple, Convenient, Time-Saving Snacks for Busy Families

(Feature Impact) When every afternoon feels like a race to the dinner table and weekends are a blur of activities, there’s only one way to keep loved ones from getting “hangry”: easy, delicious appetizers and snacks. Keeping a few must-have ingredients in the pantry can help you avoid those dreaded moments between meals when stomachs are growling and a meal feels so close, yet so far away.

If you’re craving a quick, savory bite, look no further than these Cheesy Mexican Rice Bites. They’re prepared in just 20 minutes – but don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a second batch afterward. Featuring a touch of heat from Minute Jalapeno Rice Cups that are conveniently pre-portioned and ready in one minute, you can enjoy minimal cleanup while staving off hunger.

Classic Porcupine Meatballs offer another versatile solution as a make-ahead snack before busy weekends. For first-timers, here’s a secret: meatballs aren’t as tricky to make as they might look. Just mix the ingredients, form meatballs by hand and cook in a pot until ready to enjoy, or refrigerate then reheat once you’re home from Saturday’s soccer games.

Since these are “porcupine” meatballs, that means they’re made with Minute Instant White Rice rather than traditional breadcrumbs. Known for its light fluffiness and easy prep, it’s ready in just 5 minutes. With this dish, however, it’s simply added to the meatballs straight from the box.

Visit MinuteRice.com to find more convenient snack ideas that save time and trouble in the kitchen.

Cheesy Mexican Rice Bites

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2

• 1          Minute Jalapeno Rice Cup
  
• 1/4       cup diced onions
  
• 1/2       teaspoon cumin
  
• 1/2       cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded
  
• 1          egg, beaten
  
• 1/2       cup breadcrumbs
  
• nonstick cooking spray
  
• salsa (optional)
  
• sour cream (optional)

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine rice, diced onions, cumin and Mexican cheese blend. Mix well.
3. Add beaten egg to rice mixture and stir until fully combined.
4. Using hands, shape about 2 tablespoons rice mixture into ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
5. Roll rice balls in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.
6. Lightly coat air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Place rice bites in single layer in air fryer basket, leaving space between each for even cooking. Work in batches, if necessary. Spray tops of each ball with nonstick cooking spray to help with browning.
8. Cook 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway through for even browning.
9. Allow to cool slightly and serve with salsa or sour cream, if desired.

Porcupine Meatballs

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4-6

• 1          tablespoon butter
  
• 1          small onion, finely chopped
  
• 1          pound lean ground beef
  
• 1          cup Minute White Rice, plus additional for serving, cooked
  
• 1          egg, lightly beaten
  
• 1          packet (1 1/2 ounces) meatloaf seasoning
  
• 1 1/4    cups water, divided
  
• 1          jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
  
•             grated Parmesan cheese

1. In 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onions and cook, stirring, until starting to soften.
2. In large bowl, combine onions, beef, 1 cup uncooked rice, egg, seasoning and 1/4 cup water; mix gently by hand until well blended. Shape mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
3. Pour pasta sauce and remaining water into same 3-quart saucepan. Stir and bring to boil. Add meatballs and return to boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer 15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
5. Serve meatballs and sauce over extra cooked rice and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Substitution: Ground turkey, chicken or meatless ground can be used in place of beef.

SOURCE:

Minute Rice

Last Updated on April 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Feature Impact) When your kitchen is full of colorful eggs, candy baskets, tempting sweets and all that comes with Easter, sometimes a holiday classic is just the answer for simplifying the season. Perfect for pairing with deviled eggs, potato salad and a traditional Sunday feast, this Maple-Glazed Easter Ham provides a hands-off approach to the main dish.

With an easily prepared glaze and your oven doing most of the work, you can keep your attention on time spent with loved ones. Visit Culinary.net to find more seasonal favorites, both classic and contemporary.

Maple-Glazed Easter Ham

Recipe adapted from Southern Living

Total time: 3 hours

Servings: 10

• 1          bone-in spiral-cut ham (8-9 pounds)
  
• 1          cup pure maple syrup
  
• 1/2       cup packed dark brown sugar
  
• 1/2       cup (4 ounces) bourbon
  
• 1/2       teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  
• 1/4       teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
•             orange slices and wedges, for garnish
  
•             fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Place ham in large roasting pan and fill with 1/2 inch of water. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake about 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with juices from pan, until meat registers 120 F at thickest portion.
3. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stir maple syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, ginger and cinnamon; bring to boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover to keep warm and set aside.
4. Remove ham from oven and discard foil. Increase oven temperature to 400 F. Using pastry brush, glaze ham with 1/3 cup maple-bourbon mixture.
5. Bake ham about 30 minutes until top is lightly caramelized and meat registers 145 F at thickest portion, brushing with remaining glaze every 10 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and transfer ham to serving platter. Let rest 15 minutes and garnish with orange slices, orange wedges and rosemary sprigs.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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/food-and-drink/