Food and Beverage
Cooler Weather Means Cozy Family Food
After families across the country began cooking more at home during the pandemic, that trend has continued as loved ones seek comfort in the kitchen in the form of their favorite recipes and time spent together.
Last Updated on July 14, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) After families across the country began cooking more at home during the pandemic, that trend has continued as loved ones seek comfort in the kitchen in the form of their favorite recipes and time spent together.
In fact, according to the “Hunter Food News Study,” cooking continues to change as more Americans come together at the dining table with recipe usage up 21% and dinners cooked from scratch up 14%. Around half (54%) of Americans are cooking more than they were before the pandemic, and 35% said they “enjoy cooking now more than ever,” according to “Harvard Business Review.”
If those closest to you are looking for home-cooked comfort, you can turn to satisfying family meals like Plant-Based Meatloaf Sandwiches or Chicken Souse. These hearty recipes make it easy for loved ones to involve everyone in the cooking process from preparing vegetables and hand-mixing meatloaf to seasoning chicken and simmering ingredients.
With 65% of consumers saying they’re most likely to purchase a whole week’s worth of groceries when shopping, according to research from Datassential, opportunities abound for families to enjoy delicious, comforting dishes together.
Find more family meal inspiration by visiting Aramark’s Feed Your Potential website, fyp365.com.
Plant-Based Meatloaf Sandwiches
Recipe courtesy of Aramark
Servings: 6
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 1/2 pounds plant-based ground burger, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice, chilled
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
- bread
- vegan cheddar cheese
- sauteed onions
- Heat oven to 375 F. Spray rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- In bowl, thoroughly mix ground burger, cooked rice, onion, bell pepper, paprika, garlic, sage, thyme, salt and white pepper until well blended without overmixing. Shape mixture into loaf on baking sheet. Spread barbecue sauce over meatloaf.
- Bake 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches 160 F.
- Slice meatloaf into six pieces and place each piece on bread. Top each meatloaf slice with vegan cheddar cheese and sauteed onions then close sandwiches with top bread slices. Using panini press, griddle or frying pan, cook sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Tip: Pairs well with potato salad.
Chicken Souse
Recipe courtesy of Aramark
Servings: 6
- 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup peeled potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2/3 cup canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced, seeded jalapeno pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced, peeled ginger root
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
- 2 pinches dried thyme leaves
- 1 small bay leaf
- 1 1/2 cups thawed mixed vegetables, drained
- Season chicken with 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Cover and chill 2 hours, or overnight.
- In saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion and celery; saute 2 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds.
- Add chicken and saute until browned.
- Stir in broth, potatoes, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, jalapeno pepper, lemon juice, ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, thyme and bay leaf; heat to boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in mixed vegetables and simmer 10 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Tips: Serve souse with griddled corn cakes and saltine crackers. Make vegetarian by replacing chicken with canned drained and rinsed black-eyed peas or red or white beans.
SOURCE:
Aramark
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STM Blog
Golden Bird in Compton: When Mom Took a Night Off
Golden Bird in Compton was an occasional Friday or Saturday treat when Mom wanted a break from cooking. A personal look back at its Alondra Boulevard location and the memories that linger.
Some childhood meals stay with you for decades. For me, Golden Bird fried chicken in Compton is one of them.
Growing up in the Los Angeles area, an occasional Friday or Saturday meant my mom wanted a break from cooking. Those were the nights when takeout became a treat, and Golden Bird was one of the places I remember enjoying most.
The location on East Alondra Boulevard sounds like the one we visited. Researching it brought me to 2600 East Alondra Boulevard, Compton—an address listed in Los Angeles County records under Golden Bird #1.
An address can help place a memory on a map. But what I remember most is much simpler: the chicken was delicious, and getting it was a welcome weekend treat.
Part of Our Family’s Takeout Rotation
Golden Bird wasn’t our only chicken stop. Over the years, there was Pioneer, KFC, Church’s, Louisiana Fried Chicken, and later Popeyes. I also remember Jim Dandy from when I was very young, especially its crinkle-cut fries.
Each name brings back a different memory. Golden Bird brings me back to Compton and those evenings when my mother could take some time off from preparing dinner.
As a kid, I thought about enjoying the food. Looking back, I also appreciate what those meals meant for her: one less dinner to cook and a chance to take a break.
The History Behind the Address
Golden Bird’s own history describes a family recipe associated with Zelma and a wet batter designed to give the chicken a crisp outside while keeping the meat moist. My own memory is simply that I loved eating it.
The Alondra Boulevard location also connects to another chapter in Southern California’s fried-chicken history. Vincent Williams opened a Compton Golden Bird franchise in 1983, according to the Los Angeles Times.
A later profile described Williams developing his Honey’s Kettle concept in his former Compton franchise location. Honey’s Kettle dates its beginnings on Alondra Boulevard to 2000, and a 2012 restaurant visit documented its original location at 2600 East Alondra Boulevard. Those accounts point to a connection between the two businesses at that address.
I haven’t established who operated the restaurant during every year my family visited. But learning about its history adds another layer to a place I remember through its food.
A Weekend Memory Worth Keeping
For me, Golden Bird’s place in the story starts with family. It was an occasional treat, a meal I enjoyed, and a Friday or Saturday when Mom could let someone else handle the cooking.
Decades later, that is still a good reason to remember a neighborhood restaurant.
Editor’s note: Golden Bird is still serving fried chicken in South Los Angeles at 8300 South Western Avenue, at West 83rd Street. For those of us who remember it as a weekend family treat, it’s good to know the Golden Bird name remains part of LA’s food scene. Order pickup and delivery
Did you eat at the Golden Bird on Alondra Boulevard—or another Golden Bird location? Share your memories and favorite orders in the comments.
Explore more food stories in STM Daily News’ Food & Drink section.
Food and Beverage
Sip Festive Fall Flavors with a Post-Apple-Picking Mocktail
As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to turn, it’s time to return to favorite fall traditions. Once you’ve returned from the apple orchard, raise a glass to autumn with this fizzy, fruity Apple Cider Mocktail.
(Feature Impact) As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to turn, it’s time to return to favorite fall traditions like leaf peeping, bonfires and, of course, apple picking. Once you’ve returned from the orchard, raise a glass to autumn with this fizzy, fruity Apple Cider Mocktail.
With smooth apple cider, warm cinnamon, bright citrus, gentle spice from ginger and sweetness from maple syrup and brown sugar, this mocktail tastes complex but is simple to make. If you’d like to turn it into a cocktail, all it takes is a splash of bourbon, rum or vodka – making this drink equally adaptable for a quiet evening at home or a celebratory weekend with friends.
Put on your favorite cozy sweater, grab a jug of apple cider and discover more seasonal recipes at Culinary.net.
Apple Cider Mocktail
Recipe adapted from Mindful Mocktail
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
- 1/2 lemon, divided, for rim then squeezed for juice
- 3 ounces apple cider
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ice
- 4 ounces ginger beer, ginger ale or non-alcoholic sparkling wine
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 small apple, sliced
- On shallow plate, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Moisten rim of cup with lemon wedge and roll in cinnamon mixture until it sticks.
- In cocktail shaker or jar with lid, add squeezed lemon juice, apple cider, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and ice. Shake 10-15 seconds to combine.
- Fill glass with ice and strain in mixture from shaker or jar. Top with ginger beer, ginger ale or sparkling wine. Garnish with cinnamon stick and sliced apple.
Note: Sweetness can be customized to taste by using more or less maple syrup, if desired.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
Food and Beverage
Philly-Style Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches: An Easy, Cheesy Dinner
Bring sandwich night home with these Philly-style chicken cheesesteaks. Thinly sliced chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, and melted cheese fill toasted hoagie rolls for a satisfying meal in about 35 minutes.
Food & Drink
Easy Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe
Tender chicken, golden onions, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese tucked into a toasted hoagie roll—this Philly-style chicken cheesesteak brings plenty of comfort to the dinner table without a complicated ingredient list.
Inspired by the beef cheesesteak, this chicken version makes a satisfying lunch, a casual weekend meal, or an easy dinner when you want something warm and filling. The trick is to slice the chicken thin, give it room to brown, and melt the cheese right over the filling before scooping everything into the rolls.
This home-style recipe includes bell peppers, with mushrooms as an optional addition. Make it your own with creamy white American cheese, mild provolone, or a slice of each.
Recipe at a Glance
● Servings: 4 sandwiches
● Prep time: Approximately 15 minutes
● Cook time: Approximately 20 minutes
● Total time: Approximately 35 minutes
● Equipment: Large skillet with a lid, cutting board, sharp knife, and a separate skillet or oven for toasting rolls
Ingredients
For the filling
● 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, very thinly sliced across the grain
● 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
● 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
● 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil, divided
● 1 teaspoon garlic powder
● ½ teaspoon paprika
● ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
● ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
● 8 slices provolone or white American cheese, or a combination
For the sandwiches
● 4 hoagie rolls
● 2 tablespoons softened butter
● Mayonnaise, optional
● Hot sauce or sliced pickled peppers, optional
Optional addition: 8 ounces sliced mushrooms. Cook them with the vegetables, working in batches if needed so they brown instead of steam.
How to Make Philly-Style Chicken Cheesesteaks
1. Slice and season the chicken
Slice the chicken as thinly as you comfortably can, cutting across the grain. Toss with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Kitchen tip: If the chicken is difficult to slice, place it in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm it slightly first. This optional chilling time is additional to the recipe’s listed prep time.
2. Sauté the onions and peppers
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.
Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
3. Cook the chicken
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the chicken in an even layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning and separating the pieces as they cook. Timing will vary with the thickness of the chicken and the heat of your pan. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F, checking the thickest pieces with a food thermometer.
Use a spatula to break the cooked chicken into smaller, sandwich-friendly pieces.
4. Toast the rolls
While the chicken cooks, split the hoagie rolls without cutting all the way through. Spread the cut sides with softened butter.
Toast them butter-side down in a separate skillet over medium heat until lightly golden. Alternatively, toast them cut-side up under the broiler, watching closely.
5. Combine the filling and melt the cheese
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the chicken and toss together. Reduce the heat to low.
Arrange the filling into four portions and place two slices of cheese over each portion. Cover the skillet briefly, just until the cheese melts. If your skillet is too small, melt the cheese over two portions at a time.
6. Fill and serve
Spread a little mayonnaise inside the rolls if desired. Scoop a portion of cheesy chicken and vegetables into each roll.
Finish with hot sauce or pickled peppers if you like a little heat, and serve immediately.
Tips for a Better Sandwich
Keep the chicken thin. Thin slices cook quickly and make the sandwich easier to bite into.
Give the pan some space. Crowding traps moisture. Cooking in batches helps the chicken develop a browned surface.
Choose a sturdy roll. A roll with a soft interior and enough structure to hold the filling works well. Light toasting helps it stand up to the juices.
Pick your cheese. White American gives the filling a creamy texture. Provolone adds a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Combining them gives you a little of both.
Adjust the vegetables. Try red bell pepper for a sweeter filling, add mushrooms, or keep it simple with onions and cheese.
What to Serve With Chicken Cheesesteaks
French fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad all make easy sides. For a simple lunch, add a dill pickle and a handful of potato chips.
Can You Make the Filling Ahead?
Yes. Cook the chicken and vegetables ahead, then keep the filling separate from the rolls. Reheat it until hot throughout before adding cheese and assembling the sandwiches. Toast the rolls just before serving for the best texture.
A Comfort-Food Favorite for Your Dinner Rotation
These Philly-style chicken cheesesteaks turn a handful of everyday ingredients into a hearty meal. With tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and cheese melted into every serving, they’re an easy option for sandwich night.
What goes on your chicken cheesesteak—provolone, white American, mushrooms, or extra peppers? Tell us in the comments.
Find more recipes and meal inspiration in the STM Daily News Food & Drink section.
Related reading from STM Daily News
- Easy Homemade Chicken Alfredo Recipe Another comforting chicken dinner to try.
- Fried Chicken from the Comfort of Home More inspiration for homemade chicken meals.
- How to Make Country Style Lemonade A refreshing drink to serve with your sandwiches.
- STM Daily News Food & Drink Explore more recipes, food news, and meal ideas.
Helpful cooking reference
Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures — FoodSafety.gov Supports the recipe’s instruction to cook chicken to 165°F.
- Philadelphia Cheesesteaks — Visit Philadelphia — Explore Philadelphia’s signature sandwich and cheesesteak culture. Visit Philadelphia
- A Guide to the Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia — Includes shops serving traditional and chicken variations. Visit Philadelphia
- Chicken From Farm to Table — USDA — Guidance on handling, thawing, cooking, and storing chicken. Food Safety and Inspection Service
- Leftovers and Food Safety — USDA — Helpful storage and reheating guidance for leftover sandwich filling. Food Safety and Inspection Service
