Food and Beverage
Entertaining Made Easy
Last Updated on August 9, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Entertaining Made Easy
(Family Features) When guests are on their way and it’s time to put on your hosting cap, it’s common for stress to set in. From preparing meals to cleaning and decorating, entertaining can feel like a lot of pressure. Taking the stress out of hosting guests starts with easy, tasty recipes you know everyone can enjoy together, made with convenient ingredients. Transform your meals in a flash with Minute Sticky Rice Cups, which are perfectly portioned, deliciously sticky and ready in just 1 minute. The short grain sticky rice delivers a pleasing consistency and subtle flavor in a no-hassle, convenient cup. They’re ideal for Avocado Shrimp Sushi Boats, which offer a fresh and flavorful twist on sushi. Packed with tender shrimp, creamy avocado and a tangy barbecue sauce, they’re a shareable appetizer or light meal. Combining the indulgent flavors of sushi with a playful, convenient presentation, they take the guesswork out of hosting in a visually stunning and delicious dish. Presentation is key, starting with sticky rice, diced cucumber and cooked shrimp tossed in Japanese barbecue sauce. Spoon the sticky rice into the hollowed centers of avocado halves then drizzle with a touch of soy sauce, top the rice with shrimp and generously fill each “boat.” Be sure to choose ripe avocados and high-quality shrimp to enjoy the balanced flavors of sweet, salty and spicy. You can also elevate your entertaining with a Sushi Grazing Board packed with fresh salmon, crisp veggies and a medley of bold dipping sauces. Easily shared and customizable, this appetizer transforms sushi night into a fun, interactive experience as guests can mix and match their preferred flavors and sauces. The artistry of sushi and versatility of charcuterie boards allow you to explore creative pairings while the deconstructed version of sushi – rather than rolling individual pieces – means you can enjoy your own perfect bite. Find more ways to bring ease to in-home entertaining by visiting MinuteRice.com. 
Avocado Shrimp Sushi Boats
Prep time: 4 minutes Cook time: 1 minute Servings: 2-4- 1 cup Minute Sticky Rice
- 1 pound shrimp, cooked
- 1/4 cup English cucumber, small diced
- 1/4 cup Japanese barbecue sauce
- 2 large avocados, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Sriracha sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In bowl, mix shrimp, cucumber and barbecue sauce until shrimp and cucumber are fully coated.
- Spoon rice into each avocado hole. Pour 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce on top of rice.
- Top each half with shrimp mixture. Drizzle Sriracha sauce on top, if desired. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Sushi Board
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 2 minutes Servings: 2-4- 2 Minute Sticky Rice
- 6 ounces fresh salmon, sliced into thin sashimi pieces
- 12 nori squares
- 12 thin slices cucumber
- 6 thin slices radish
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled ginger
- 1/2 tablespoon wasabi (optional)
- 3 tablespoons eel sauce
- 3 tablespoons ponzu sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons spicy mayo
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (black, white or both)
- 1 Minute Sticky Rice Cup
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- On large board, place sticky rice in mound in middle.
- Neatly arrange salmon; nori; cucumber; radish; avocado; ginger; and wasabi, if desired, around board.
- Place eel sauce, ponzu sauce, soy sauce, spicy mayo and Sriracha sauce in small ramekins or bowls. Place on board.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over rice.
- To make crispy rice squares: Preheat air fryer to 390 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
- Flatten rice and divide into small squares. Brush each with oil.
- Air fry 3 minutes, or until slightly golden. Add to board..
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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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