Food and Beverage
Expert Advice to Cook for a Summer Crowd: 7 chef-inspired tips to reduce hosting stress
Last Updated on July 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Don’t let cooking for a crowd add undue stress to summer fun. Barbecues are meant to bring joy, excitement and delicious foods to the table – without leaving hosts frantically flipping meat on the grill. To help make your next cookout a success without the sweat, chef Trimell Hawkins and Current – on a mission to break down barriers to outdoor cooking with electric technology that’s smarter, cleaner and more sustainable – offer these tips and tricks for hosting (and feeding) large groups. Think In Themes Giving your menu a theme, like street food, helps set the tone for the party. Portable, flavorful and easy to prep in bulk, street foods such as tacos are perfect for large gatherings. Hawkins’ signature move is combining mini street foods – think tacos, gyros or bao – with skewers to create “bundle skewers.” These Bundle Skewer Street Tacos are an ideal example of a playful, practical solution for portioning and presentation. Portion Planning Assume about two tacos per guest when other dishes are served alongside. This taco recipe yields around 50 tacos at 3 ounces each or closer to 80 if sized down to 2 ounces, making it a practical way to serve buffet-style meals with multiple offerings. Temperature and Texture Diversify your table with hot, cold and room-temperature options. Fruit and cheese plates, veggie platters and salads are “set and forget” staples that free up time while satisfying guests. Master Make-Ahead Dishes Success starts a day in advance by preparing marinades, salads, grilled veggies and sides. The more you prep early, the more you can enjoy the party. Trust in Technology If the thought of grilling for a crowd keeps you up at night, skip the messy charcoal and turn to the Current Model G Dual Zone Electric Grill. It allows hosts to grill promptly and eliminates the need for pauses to refuel or adjust flames. With sensing technology that precisely monitors and controls temperature at the grate level, it ensures accurate cooking – hosts can even monitor progress from afar and enjoy the party thanks to its app and Wi-Fi connectivity. Plus, its patented cooking system and dual-zone flexibility are crucial for preparing large batches of food or simultaneously accommodating varied cooking preferences – like medium-rare versus medium-well steak – so hosts can confidently grill at different temperatures at the same time. Reduced flareups and no open flames or briquettes improve safety, comfort and cleanliness, all welcome benefits when managing large events. After grilling, simply wipe down surfaces rather than handling ashes or residue. Offer Inclusive Options Hawkins recommends including universally friendly dishes like hummus with veggies, fruit salads, grilled vegetables with chimichurri and gluten-free proteins like wings or tacos on corn tortillas to make sure there’s something for everyone. Be Present Design your menu with the goal of enjoying your event – not dreading it. One of Trimell’s favorite tricks is hot-holding proteins like chicken in stock and butter, which enhances flavor while reducing stress. The result: A more relaxed host and better opportunities to enjoy time with guests. To find more summer hosting tips and recipes that can feed a crowd, visit CurrentBackyard.com. 
Bundle Skewer Street Tacos
Recipe courtesy of chef Trimell Hawkins on behalf of Current- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 10 pounds chicken or beef shoulder steak, sliced thin
- taco shells or tortillas
- salsa (optional)
- shredded lettuce (optional)
- diced tomatoes (optional)
- Combine garlic, onion, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, coriander, lime juice and vegetable oil. Coat meat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat grill to 400 F. Thread small bundles (about 3 ounces each) onto skewers. Aim for three per skewer to streamline portioning.
- Grill chicken until it reaches internal temperature of 165 F. For steak, grill to desired doneness.
- Transfer bundles to small taco shells and serve with salsa, lettuce and tomatoes, as desired.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Continue Reading
Food and Beverage
The Top Five Butcher Shops in Phoenix: Where Quality Still Matters
Phoenix butcher shops, best butcher shops in Phoenix, Phoenix food, local meat markets, Phoenix small businesses, specialty meats Phoenix, food guide Phoenix, Phoenix shopping, Arizona butchers, STM Daily News food guide
Modern butcher shop. Close up view of minced meat in plate around fresh quality raw meat in fridge of meat shop.
The Top Five Butcher Shops in Phoenix: Where Quality Still Matters
In a world dominated by big-box grocery stores, Phoenix’s neighborhood butcher shops continue to thrive—offering handcrafted cuts, local sourcing, and old-school service. Whether you’re planning a weekend cookout or hunting for a chef-grade steak, these five shops deliver quality and craftsmanship.1. Hobe Meats – A Phoenix Classic
Hobe Meats ( Official site ) is a true old-school butcher: house-aged steaks, custom cuts prepared to order, and staff who know their meat. A popular neighborhood stop, they’ve gained loyal customers for both everyday cuts and specialty requests.2. The Meat Shop – Local, Natural, and Award-Winning
The Meat Shop ( Official site ) focuses on locally sourced, hormone-free meats from Arizona farms and has collected local awards for quality. Expect unique cuts and whole-animal options—perfect for home chefs who prioritize traceability and flavor.3. Meat Shop Butchers – Whole-Animal Craftsmanship
Meat Shop Butchers ( Official site ) practices whole-animal butchery and offers a range of specialty meats including bison, elk, lamb, and goat. This shop is ideal if you’re looking for artisanal butchery, rare cuts, or ethically sourced small-batch meat.4. Block & Apron – Modern, Curated, High-End Meats
Block & Apron ( Official site ) provides a clean boutique butcher experience: consistent, high-quality cuts, curated selections, and ready-to-cook prepared items. They also offer delivery on larger orders—great for busy households and entertaining.5. La Hereford Meat Market – Authentic Carnicería Tradition
La Hereford Meat Market ( Menu/Info ) represents Phoenix’s carnicería tradition—flavorful marinated carne asada, everyday cuts, and a friendly neighborhood vibe. If you want authentic Latino-style meats at good value, this is a go-to local spot.
Portrait of a proud smiling butcher at butcher shop.
Why Phoenix Still Loves Local Butcher Shops
Phoenix shoppers keep supporting neighborhood butchers because these shops offer:- Better quality and freshness than many chain counters
- Custom, handcrafted cuts prepared to your preference
- Access to specialty and exotic meats
- Ethical and local sourcing options
- Personal service and community connection
Clickable Links: Top Butcher Shops in Phoenix
Related STM Daily News Coverage
Want more local coverage? Check these stories:- Local Business features on STM Daily News
- Phoenix food & dining coverage
- Community markets and events — see our coverage of Veggies for Veterans and holiday outreach events.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Recipe of the Week
Easy Game Day Sliders Recipe: Simple Salami Sliders for Tailgating
Make game day easy with Simple Salami Sliders. This quick recipe uses everyday ingredients for delicious tailgating food ready in just 25 minutes.
Easy Game Day Sliders Recipe: Simple Salami Sliders for Tailgating
Keep Your Focus on the Action with an Easy Game Day Winner
(Family Features) When spicy dips and saucy wings sound a little too overwhelming for your next game day gathering, turn to a simple yet still delicious solution. These Simple Salami Sliders can make game day planning a breeze with pregame ease and just a few everyday ingredients for the perfect snack at kickoff. Find more tailgating and homegating recipes at Culinary.net.
Simple Salami Sliders
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6- 1 package slider buns
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices salami
- 8 slices ham or other deli meat
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- everything bagel seasoning (optional)
- Heat oven to 350 F.
- Halve slider buns, creating top and bottom portions. Set top portion aside, leaving bottom portion in original container. Place bottom portion and container in baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Swiss cheese, salami and ham then cover with top buns.
- Mix melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Parmesan cheese, onion powder and garlic powder. Pour over sliders.
- Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes then remove foil, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, if desired, and bake, uncovered, 10 minutes.
The fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCalLink: https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Food and Beverage
White Castle’s House of Crave: The Ultimate White Elephant Gift Guide for 2025
White Castle’s House of Crave has the ultimate White Elephant gifts for 2025—from viral Crocs to nostalgic plush dragons. Find steal-worthy, laugh-inducing gifts that’ll win your holiday exchange. Free shipping Dec 10!
Last Updated on December 5, 2025 by Daily News Staff
White Castle crocs are just one of many items available at White Castle’s House of Crave online store. They make ideal white elephant gifts!
White Castle’s House of Crave: The Ultimate White Elephant Gift Guide for 2025
If you’ve ever been stuck staring at a gift table wondering which White Elephant present to steal, you know the struggle. The best gifts? They’re the ones that make people laugh, spark conversation, and get snatched up twice before the game even ends. This year, White Castle is stepping into the White Elephant arena with a lineup that’s equal parts hilarious and surprisingly practical. Their House of Crave online store is now stocked with holiday gifts that’ll have your friends and family fighting over who gets to take home the White Castle Crocs. Yes, you read that right. White Castle Crocs.What Makes a Great White Elephant Gift?
Before we dive into White Castle’s offerings, let’s talk strategy. The best White Elephant gifts hit three key notes:- Unexpected: Nobody sees it coming, and that’s what makes it memorable
- Conversation-starter: It gets people talking, laughing, or scratching their heads
- Steal-worthy: It’s so good (or so ridiculous) that people actually want it
Top White Elephant Picks from White Castle’s House of Crave
White Castle Crocs
Let’s start with the obvious winner. These aren’t just any Crocs—they’re White Castle Crocs. Cozy, comfortable, and guaranteed to turn heads at the grocery store or your next backyard BBQ. Perfect for the Craver in your life who takes their fast-food loyalty seriously. Why they’ll get stolen: They’re practical footwear with a sense of humor. Plus, Crocs are having a major moment right now.Willis the Dragon Plush
If you grew up in the ’80s, you might remember Willis the Dragon from White Castle’s kids’ meals. This plush green dragon is pure nostalgia wrapped in soft, huggable fabric. It’s the kind of gift that makes millennials and Gen Xers feel all the feels. Why they’ll get stolen: Nostalgia is a powerful thing. Plus, who doesn’t love a cuddly dragon?White Castle Craver Casserole Dish
Here’s where things get unexpectedly practical. This casserole dish is perfect for White Castle’s famous Slider-based stuffing (yes, that’s a thing), but it also works for any holiday meal. It’s functional, it’s branded, and it’s the kind of gift that’ll actually get used. Why they’ll get stolen: It’s useful and funny. The best White Elephant gifts walk that line perfectly.Annual Holiday Mug
Classic, festive, and perfect for sipping cocoa while you munch on Sliders. This mug is a no-brainer for anyone who loves seasonal drinkware or just needs another vessel for their morning coffee. Why they’ll get stolen: Everyone needs mugs. Bonus points if it becomes a yearly tradition.More White Elephant Gold from House of Crave
White Castle didn’t stop there. Their online store is packed with dozens of other gift-worthy items that fit perfectly into the White Elephant vibe:- Pickleball paddle set: For the competitive friend who’s always looking for their next match
- Classic tin lunchbox: Retro, practical, and perfect for packing Sliders (or, you know, regular lunch)
- Beanies, bucket hats, and T-shirts: Wearable Craver pride for the fashion-forward fast-food fan
- Beach towels and bathing suits: Because White Castle goes to the beach, apparently
- Pint glasses and tumblers: Perfect for toasting holiday cheer or your next Slider feast
- Tote bags: Practical, portable, and proudly Crave-forward
- Friendship bracelets: A sweet way to commemorate your fellow Cravers
Why White Castle’s White Elephant Strategy Works
Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle, put it perfectly: “White Elephant exchanges are where personality really shines. The House of Crave has dozens of items designed to bring a smile, spark a laugh or make someone feel like the Craver they truly are.” And that’s the secret sauce. White Castle isn’t just selling merchandise—they’re selling personality. These gifts work because they’re fun, affordable, and totally unexpected. Nobody walks into a White Elephant exchange expecting to leave with White Castle Crocs, but once they’re on the table? Game on.How to Shop White Castle’s House of Crave
Ready to snag your White Elephant gift? Head over to White Castle’s House of Crave online store and browse the full collection. With dozens of items to choose from, you’ll find something that fits your budget and your sense of humor. Pro tip: White Castle is offering free shipping on all House of Crave merchandise on December 10. Mark your calendar and save on shipping while you stock up on gifts.The Bottom Line: White Elephant Gifts That Actually Deliver
White Elephant exchanges are supposed to be fun, and White Castle’s House of Crave delivers exactly that. Whether you’re going for laughs, nostalgia, or something genuinely useful, this lineup has you covered. So skip the generic candles and boring gift cards. This year, bring the Crocs. Bring Willis the Dragon. Bring the casserole dish. Bring something that’ll make people smile, laugh, and fight over who gets to take it home. Ready to win your White Elephant exchange? Visit White Castle’s House of Crave and find your perfect gift today. Don’t forget—free shipping on December 10!About White Castle White Castle is America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, serving hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business operates about 340 restaurants and has earned accolades including “Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time magazine. Known for passionate fans (Cravers) and legendary team engagement, White Castle has been Great Place to Work® Certified for five consecutive
Source: White Castle Press Release – PRNewswire
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
