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Cooking Clean: A reliable energy source can make cooking nutritious meals quick and easy

Another step for a clean lifestyle: cooking with an environmentally friendly, clean energy source like propane.

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Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Daily News Staff

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(Family Features) With many people focused on achieving a cleaner and healthier lifestyle, taking actionable steps such as recycling, using less hot water and eating nutritious foods can help lower your carbon footprint. Another step for a clean lifestyle: cooking with an environmentally friendly, clean energy source like propane.

Propane is already powering more than 12 million homes with reliable energy people can count on. Plus, gas-powered cooktops are preferred by 96% of professional chefs, including nutritionist and chef Dean Sheremet of “My Kitchen Rules,” who partnered with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) to educate homeowners on the benefits of cooking with gas.

“There is a lot of misinformation about cooking with gas in the news,” Sheremet said. “It’s important to remember, the act of cooking itself impacts indoor air quality, regardless of the energy that powers the stove. Having a qualified technician install and perform regular service for the stove, maintaining proper ventilation using a hood or opening doors or windows and following common sense safety measures can ensure the safe use of any stove.”

Because ventilation when cooking is key, it’s important to note that cooking with propane results in lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than electric cooking, on average. That’s because more than 60% of electricity production comes from natural gas or coal generation plants, which release more CO2 emissions as part of the generation process.

Beyond the environmental benefits, propane-powered cooking appliances provide convenience, modern design and performance in kitchens, allowing home chefs to prepare healthy meals for their families in a short amount of time. Sheremet values the efficiency of a propane cooktop when creating nutritious meals like Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde and Spaghetti and Clams, which can be whipped up in minutes using a clean energy source.

“Chefs, and parents like me, prefer gas for a variety of reasons,” Sheremet said. “My son, Atlas, is often in the kitchen when I’m cooking, and we know sometimes kids don’t listen when we tell them to not touch a pan or the stove. Propane cooktops allow for greater control of heat levels and their instant flame turnoff capabilities help them cool faster than traditional electric stoves, which can remain dangerously hot for a period after they have been turned off.”

Learn more about cooking with propane and find recipes from Sheremet at Propane.com/ChefDean.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cooking with Gas

Cooking with a reliable and environmentally clean energy source like propane can take your home chef skills to the next level. However, there are steps to take to ensure safety while maximizing the benefits of cooking with your gas range.

Do:

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  • Follow the manufacturer’s installation and operating instructions.
  • Keep pot handles turned inward to protect against accidents like knocking the pot off the stove or little ones reaching for the handles.
  • Keep the range surface clean.
  • Keep flammable materials away from burner flames.

Don’t:

  • Do not cover the oven bottom with foil as it can restrict air circulation.
  • Never use gas ranges for space heating.
  • Do not allow children to turn burner control knobs.

Do not leave food unattended on the cooktop.

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Spaghetti and Clams

Recipe courtesy of chef Dean Sheremet on behalf of PERC

  • Salt
  • 8-12 littleneck or other small clams in shell, scrubbed
  • 1/4 pound spaghetti noodles
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2-1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 dried red chile pepper
  • 1/3 cup vermouth or white wine
  • 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
  1. Bring large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Soak clams in cold water.
  2. Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook until slightly underdone. In large saucepan over medium-low heat, add olive oil, garlic and chile pepper. Saute gently, reducing heat, if necessary, so garlic does not brown.
  3. Add vermouth and clams; cover. Clams should open in about 2 minutes. Add hot drained pasta, cover and shake pot gently. Simmer 1-2 minutes until spaghetti is cooked to taste.
  4. Discard unopened clams. Add half the parsley and shake pan to distribute evenly. Transfer to plate or bowl and sprinkle with remaining parsley.
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Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde

Recipe courtesy of chef Dean Sheremet on behalf of PERC

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 thinly sliced scallions
  • 3 tablespoons capers, drained and roughly chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided
  • 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, divided
  • 1/4 cup pistachios
  • 1 romaine heart
  • 1 radicchio
  • 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
  1. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, scallions, capers, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour about 1/3 of dressing (about 1/3cup) over steak and turn to coat.
  2. Add parsley and 1 tablespoon mint to reserved dressing; stir and set aside until ready to use. Cover and refrigerate steak 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
  3. In small saute pan over medium heat, toast pistachios, tossing often, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
  4. Set grill to medium-high heat or heat grill pan on stovetop over medium-high heat. Grill steak about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to plate and rest 10 minutes.
  5. Cut romaine hearts lengthwise into quarters. Arrange romaine and radicchio in layers on large platter, leaving room on one side for steak. Sprinkle with goat cheese, pistachios and remaining mint.
  6. Slice steak into 3-inch pieces then slice against grain to cut steak into wide strips. Add sliced steak to platter. Drizzle reserved dressing on romaine and steak.

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SOURCE:
Propane Education & Research Council

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Food and Beverage

Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days

Restaurant-Worthy Meals: When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes like this Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet or Egg Roll in a Bowl.

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(Feature Impact) When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. If you’re juggling work, chores, errands, hobbies, studies, a social life, caretaking or the other million-and-one things keeping your schedule full right now, the idea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked meal might sound exhausting or downright impossible.

In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don’t skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups – like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait – you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won’t even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.

If you’re craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household’s tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.

To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.

For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.

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Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet

Prep time: 1 minute

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1-2

  • 1          Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup
  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 8          ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1          tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4       teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1          tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
  1. Heat rice according to package directions.
  2. In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return shrimp and stir to combine.
  4. Garnish with parsley. Squeeze lemon wedge over top, if desired, and serve.

Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu to make vegetarian.

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Egg Roll in a Bowl

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 18 minutes

Servings: 2

  • 1          Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
  • 1/2       pound ground turkey or pork
  • 1          cup coleslaw mix
  • 1          garlic clove, minced
  • 2          tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1          teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
  • 1/2       teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2       cup fried wonton strips
  • 2          tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
  1. Heat rice according to package directions.
  2. In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
  4. Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.

Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

    

SOURCE:

Minute Rice

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Food and Beverage

Supercharge Summer Grilling with Tender Pork Chops

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(Feature Impact) If you’re planning on firing up the grill for an upcoming summer gathering, you might be trying to brainstorm options beyond the traditional burgers and dogs. Luckily, there are recipes that let you keep things interesting without becoming too complicated.

These Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops might just make you the favorite grill master in the neighborhood. Salt, sugar and aromatic ingredients like juniper berries and bay leaves give the meat a rich, complex flavor, and the combination of brining and grilling helps you achieve a tender but juicy finished product.

Since the recipe features Coleman Boneless Pork Chops, which deliver exceptional flavor from pork raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones, it’s easy to elevate your cookout with high-quality protein that you can feel good about serving to family and friends. Make it an extra memorable occasion with family-favorite sides like grilled asparagus, a light summer salad, diced potatoes and dinner rolls then round out your flavor-infused evening with an all-American tradition such as apple pie.

If your grilling plans get rain-checked, you can easily sear the pork chops in a skillet or bake them in the oven to take the party indoors.

Find more summer recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com.

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Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops

Prep time: 7 hours

Cook time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 1          quart water
  • 1/2       cup brown sugar
  • 1/2       cup kosher salt
  • 1          bay leaf
  • 12        juniper berries
  • 6          cups ice
  • 4          Coleman Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops (1 1/2 inches thick)
  • 1          teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1          teaspoon sea salt
  • 2          scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  1. In large pot, heat water, brown sugar, kosher salt, bay leaf and juniper berries over high heat until sugar and salt are dissolved.
  2. Remove from stove and add ice. Liquid should be cool to touch.
  3. Add pork chops to liquid, cover and refrigerate 4-6 hours, or overnight.
  4. Approximately 10-15 minutes before grilling, heat grill to medium heat, remove chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt.
  5. Grill until desired doneness, or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 F for medium finish. Garnish with scallions. Serve with side dishes of choice
    
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SOURCE:

Coleman Natural Foods

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Food and Beverage

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

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Last Updated on July 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

(Feature Impact) Although many people associate rice with savory dishes, this staple grain can actually level up your dessert game too. Cultures from around the world have invented a variety of creative ways to turn the sticky rice in your pantry into treats you can whip up when you’re on the prowl for something sweet.

Sticky rice, also known as sweet rice, is a specific type of short- or medium-grain rice that, as the name implies, becomes sticky when cooked. With Success Boil-in-Bag Sticky Rice, it’s simple to make sweet, soft, perfectly cooked rice for desserts without extra steps, equipment or hassle. In only 12 minutes, you’ll have an ideal base to use for your favorite recipes.

A rice-based take on a quintessential British dessert, this Sticky Toffee Pudding is decadent and full of mouthwatering flavor. With the rich sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla imbued in every bite, it’s a warm, comforting dessert you might find yourself craving on a rainy day or cold night. Take it to the next level by adding caramelized banana and toasted coconut toppings.

For a more refreshing, summery option, transport your kitchen to the tropics with this Thai-inspired Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut. Creamy coconut-infused rice contrasts with juicy ripe mango slices, nutty black sesame seeds and cooling mint-leaf garnishes for a fun, fresh blend of textures and flavors that might have you picturing palm trees. If you’re not a mango fan, feel free to swap in a different tropical fruit of your choice.

The versatility of rice makes it an excellent mainstay to keep on hand in your kitchen, adding ease and flexibility to your daily meal routine. For more ideas on how to use rice for dessert – or for breakfast, lunch and dinner – visit SuccessRice.com.

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Sticky Toffee Pudding

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2-4

  • 1          bag Success Sticky Rice
  • 3/4       cup milk
  • 2          tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3/8       teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1          stick unsalted butter
  • 1/2       cup brown sugar
  • 1/2       cup heavy cream
  • 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
  • toasted coconut, for garnish

Caramelized Banana:

  • 1          tablespoon butter
  • 1          tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1          banana, sliced into coins
  • 1/4       teaspoon vanilla extract
  1. Prepare rice according to package directions.
  2. Remove rice from bag. Return to pot and stir in milk, brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer 5 minutes.
  3. In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar 2 minutes, or until dissolved. Whisk in cream and bring to simmer. Cook 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and remaining salt.
  4. To make caramelized banana: In medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until syrupy. Add banana coins in single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drizzle vanilla on top.
  5. Add rice to bowl. Pour toffee sauce on top. Garnish with caramelized bananas and coconut. Serve warm or chilled.
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Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

Servings: 2-4

  • 1    bag Success Sticky Rice
  • 1 1/2    cups water
  • 1 1/4    cups coconut milk, divided
  • 3 1/2    tablespoons brown sugar, divided
  • 2          mangoes, sliced
  • 1          tablespoon black sesame seeds
  • fresh mint leaves, for garnish
  1. Prepare rice according to package directions using 1 1/2 cups water, 1 cup coconut milk and 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar rather than 4 cups water.
  2. In separate small saucepan over medium heat, bring remaining coconut milk and brown sugar to boil. Cook, stirring often, 8-10 minutes, or until thickened and syrupy.
  3. Divide rice among four serving bowls. Arrange mango slices over top; drizzle with coconut milk syrup. Garnish with black sesame seeds and mint.

Substitution: Use pineapple, guava or papaya for mango, if desired. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

    

SOURCE:

Success Rice

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

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