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.
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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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