Food
Expert Entertaining Advice for Hosting Summer Soirees
Hosting Summer Soirees: For summer hosts across the country, few pairings are as timeless and crowd-pleasing as wine and cheese. Approachable, easy to find and naturally complementary, these warm-weather favorites are a perfect fit for a variety of occasions.
Expert Entertaining Advice for Hosting Summer Soirees
(Feature Impact) For summer hosts across the country, few pairings are as timeless and crowd-pleasing as wine and cheese. Approachable, easy to find and naturally complementary, these warm-weather favorites are a perfect fit for a variety of occasions.
At the end of the day, summer entertaining is about good food, good wine and creating a space where people feel welcome, according to sommelier Sam Capaldi, whose mission is to make wine fun and approachable.
“My ideal celebration is pretty simple: a few loved ones gathered on the patio, cheese boards in the center of the table, bottles of wine chilling on ice, music playing in the background and a card game that somehow gets way more competitive than anyone expected,” Capaldi said.
Whether it’s a backyard gathering with friends, a solo night watching reality TV or a spontaneous evening, Capaldi wants hosts to remember that the best pairings aren’t just what’s in the glass and on the board – it’s the people, moments and memories that come with them.
In partnership with Cracker Barrel Cheese, Capaldi is sharing simple tips for hosts looking to elevate their summer soirees without the hassle.
Make Entertaining Simple and Fun
The pressure to create the perfect tablescape, prepare an impressive meal and uncork an expensive bottle of wine can feel overwhelming. Instead, a simple text that says “Come over, I have wine and snacks,” can mean the world to a close friend or loved one.
One of Capaldi’s favorite reminders for hosts is they don’t need five different wines to serve alongside a cheese board. Instead, one or two are often more than enough. The key is choosing versatile wines that pair well with a variety of flavors and textures.
Create Memorable, Crowd-Pleasing Pairings
Elevate any gathering with some of Capaldi’s favorite approachable wine and Cracker Barrel Cheese pairings such as:
- A refreshing white wine, Sharp White Cheddar drizzled with spicy honey and potato chips. The bright acidity of the wine cuts through the salty chips and rich, savory cheese, creating a fresh and balanced bite.
- A fruity rosé, Extra Sharp Yellow and Sharp White Cheddar, garlic naan crackers, slices of prosciutto and a spoonful of strawberry jam. Rosé is incredibly versatile and plays well with the different flavors on the board, making it a perfect match for several different cheeses.
- Pinot grigio, pretzels and Vermont Sharp White Cheddar. The citrus notes and the bright acidity of pinot grigio cut through the richness of sharp cheddar, while its crisp finish keeps your palate refreshed between bites. Salty pretzels also help highlight the wine’s fruit notes, making every sip taste a little brighter.
Use Seasonal Additions for a Special Touch
Summer offers an abundance of fresh produce and seasonal flavors that can elevate any gathering without overcomplicating the occasion. Capaldi recommends adding frozen fruit to wine, such as strawberries, peaches or mangos to whites and rosés. The fruit helps keep the wine cold without watering it down and adds a subtle burst of fruit flavor.
When it comes to cheese spreads, a jar of spicy honey can quickly become a go-to ingredient. For a sweet-and-salty combination, try drizzling spicy honey over cheese then pair with potato chips or pretzels so your snack board offers a little bit of everything.
For more summer entertaining inspiration, visit CrackerBarrelCheese.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (wine and cheese plates)
SOURCE:
Cracker Barrel Cheese
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food & 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!
Food
Add 2 Key Nutrients You Might Be Overlooking with an Easy Avocado Recipe
While everyone is talking about protein these days whether watching their weight or managing type 2 diabetes, fiber and healthy fats are nutrients many people are overlooking. One food that makes it easier to invest in your health, according to nutrition experts: avocados. Try this recipe for Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding for your next breakfast or snack.
Add 2 Key Nutrients You Might Be Overlooking with an Easy Avocado Recipe
(Feature Impact) While everyone is talking about protein these days whether watching their weight or managing type 2 diabetes, fiber and healthy fats are nutrients many people are overlooking.
The latest reports show most Americans already meet or exceed recommendations for protein while nearly all (about 95%) do not eat enough fiber, and many people consume too much saturated fat versus unsaturated fat, according to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Prioritizing ways to get more fiber and healthy fats on your plate could be key to managing weight and type 2 diabetes goals this summer.
One food that makes it easier to invest in your health, according to nutrition experts: avocados.
A growing body of research and materials from Avocados – Love One Today, a science-based resource, suggests fresh avocados offer weight management benefits, help with type 2 diabetes management and are good for blood sugar management. Avocados uniquely contain fiber and healthy fats in each nutrient-dense bite, which slows digestion, helping you feel satisfied and fuller longer.
To explore evidence-based avocado nutrition information, along with practical tips and easy recipes, visit Avocados – Love One Today, a leading resource for avocado nutrition information. Try this recipe for Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding for your next breakfast or snack.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding
- 1 1/2 cups plain, unsweetened soy milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted and peeled
- 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
To Serve:
- 1/3 cup granola
- 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 kiwi, chopped
- 1/2 fresh, ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and chopped
- In blender, puree soy milk, avocado, blueberries, yogurt and maple syrup until smooth. Pour mixture into storage container or bowl and add chia seeds. Whisk well to combine. Cover with lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight, until thickened.
- To serve, divide into bowls and top with granola, fresh blueberries, kiwi and avocado.
Notes: Use any milk (dairy or non-dairy) that you prefer in pudding. Use fresh blueberries or conventional frozen blueberries. Other topping options include: nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, sliced banana or strawberries, or nut butter.
SOURCE:
Looking for more bites, sips, and local dining news? Head over to STM Daily News’ Food & Drink page for more food and beverage stories: https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink-3/
Food
Hellmann’s Calls the Plays for Game Day Food With New Football Campaign
Hellmann’s is kicking off football season with “Call for Hellmann’s,” a new campaign combining the language of the gridiron with burgers, chicken tenders and other game day favorites.
Football season is back, and for many fans, what’s on the table can be almost as important as what’s happening on the field.
Hellmann’s Kicks Off Football Season With New Game Day Food Campaign
Hellmann’s is leaning into that connection between football and food with “Call for Hellmann’s,” a new fall campaign built around burgers, chicken tenders, sliders and the familiar language of the sidelines.
Announced September 2, the campaign puts a football spin on game-day cooking, positioning Hellmann’s mayonnaise and flavored condiments as part of the playbook for tailgates, watch parties and Sunday afternoon spreads.
Turning Game Day Food Into a Football Play
The campaign takes familiar football terminology and applies it to another game-day ritual: deciding what everyone is going to eat.
Two advertising spots anchor the campaign.
In “Make the Call,” Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise is paired with a classic burger, while “Chicky Tenders” features chicken tenders served with Hellmann’s Chipotle and Spicy varieties.
The commercials use coach-inspired direction, football language and original music influenced by classic football movies. The result is a combination of sports nostalgia, humor and plenty of food imagery.
“Football and food have always gone hand in hand and Hellmann’s has a natural place in so many of the dishes that fans reach for on game day,” Jessica Grigoriou, SVP Marketing, Condiments at Unilever North America, said in the announcement.
Grigoriou said the campaign is designed to have fun with language football fans already recognize while celebrating the foods and traditions that bring people together throughout the season.
Hellmann’s Heads to the Stadium
The campaign isn’t staying on television and social media.
Hellmann’s plans to bring its Manny Mayo mascot and food truck to several NFL stadiums during September and October, serving sliders while offering trivia, giveaways and other activities.
Scheduled appearances include:
- September 13 — MetLife Stadium
- September 20 — MetLife Stadium
- October 4 — Lincoln Financial Field
- October 11 — Gillette Stadium
The activation complements Hellmann’s existing football partnerships, which span both the professional and college games.
The brand has relationships with the New York Giants, New York Jets, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans, along with the Big Ten Conference and college programs including Alabama, Florida, Arkansas, Texas and Georgia.
Game Day Is Also Food Day
The campaign taps into something football fans have known for generations: watching the game is often a food event of its own.
Burgers, wings, chicken tenders, nachos, dips, sliders and sandwiches have become staples of football weekends, whether fans are tailgating outside the stadium or watching from the couch.
That makes condiments particularly easy territory for a food brand to connect itself with football culture. Rather than introducing an entirely new game-day tradition, Hellmann’s is putting its products into foods many fans are already preparing.
And the campaign arrives just as kitchens, grills and backyard patios across the country are getting ready for another season of football gatherings.
What’s on Your Game Day Menu?
Maybe it’s burgers hot off the grill. Maybe it’s a giant plate of wings. Perhaps your football tradition involves nachos, chili, sliders or a bowl of homemade dip that disappears before halftime.
Whatever your starting lineup looks like, Hellmann’s wants a spot on the roster this season.
The “Call for Hellmann’s” campaign will run throughout football season across national television, streaming platforms and social media.
For football fans, meanwhile, there is another important call to make:
What are we eating during the game?
Official Hellmann’s resources:
Hellmann’s Game Day Recipe Ideas
Hellmann’s Game Day Recipes
Hellmann’s Game Day Dip Recipes
Source: Hellmann’s/PRNewswire, September 2, 2026.
About STM Daily News Food & Drink
From new products and restaurant news to recipes, food trends and the stories behind what we eat, STM Daily News Food & Drink serves up something worth coming back for. Check back for more food news, recipes and ideas for your next meal.
Entertainment
M&M’S Brews Up ‘Practical Magic 2’ Movie Night Hype With Limited-Edition Amas Veritas Spell & Snack Packs
M&M’S is leaning hard into spooky-season nostalgia ahead of Practical Magic 2, teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures on a limited-edition release designed for Halloween movie nights. The brand announced the M&M’S Amas Veritas Spell & Snack Pack, a collectible add-on built around the iconic “Amas Veritas” love charm from the original 1998 film—timed to the sequel’s theatrical release date: September 10, 2026 (in theaters only).
The pack features custom-designed M&M’S candies printed with eight whimsical symbols inspired by the original spell, plus an “extended verse” of four new symbols that the company says hint at mysteries in the sequel. The drop is positioned as part fan-service, part snackable merch—something you bring to a watch party, but also something collectors will want to grab before it disappears.
Availability is limited and online-only. The Spell & Snack Pack is offered exclusively atMMS.com/Practical-Magic as a gift with purchase when fans buy an M&M’S Milk Chocolate Fun Size Sharing Bag, while supplies last. In a nod to the film’s midnight vibe, there are two timed drops at 12:00 a.m. ET: September 3, 2026 and September 14, 2026.
To push the nostalgia even further, M&M’S is also partnering with actress Camilla Belle—who played young Sally Owens in the original film—to recreate her spell scene with an M&M’S twist in social content on Instagram and TikTok. For Halloween hosting, the brand also flagged seasonal staples rolling out nationwide, including its Fun Size Halloween Variety Pack and Halloween Blend options in both Milk Chocolate and Peanut.
Source
- PRNewswire / Mars, Incorporated press release (Sept. 2, 2026): “M&M’S® Brews Up Movie Night Magic This Halloween Season With Limited-Edition ‘Amas Veritas’ Spell & Snack Packs…”
Related links
- Limited-edition pack page: https://www.mms.com/Practical-Magic
- Mars, Incorporated: https://www.mars.com/
- M&M’S (main site): https://www.mms.com/
- Warner Bros. Pictures: https://www.warnerbros.com/
🎬🍿 Lights, camera, entertainment! From must-see movies and TV to music, celebrities, events, and the latest pop culture buzz, STM Daily News keeps you in the know. 💬 Join the conversation, share your take in the comments, and 📬 subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss the next big story!
