Food and Beverage
Handy Hacks to Take the Stress Out of Holiday Hosting
(Family Features) Hosting is a big responsibility, especially during the holidays when the pressure is on to create a magical and memorable experience. Planning a menu and decorating for the occasion is just the start.
Hosting also means ensuring all dishes are cooked to perfection and kept warm until serving time, guests’ dietary needs are considered and table conversation topics are ready. Then, of course, there’s the post-dinner cleanup.
This holiday season, consider these tips to help tackle your hosting duties with grace and create an event you can enjoy, too.
Request RSVPs
Planning a party is even more complicated when you don’t know how many guests you’ll be entertaining. If you create a guest list and ask invitees to let you know their plans, you’ll have a better idea whether you should double your favorite dishes. You’ll also know who has special dietary needs and be able to plan a seating chart that puts everyone at ease. Be sure to include a date that gives guests a specific RSVP deadline and plenty of time for you to adjust your plans before the big day.
Meal Prep as Much as Possible
Get as much of the food preparation out of the way ahead of time as you can. Some dishes can be prepared and even cooked ahead of time so you’re just reheating, but you can also save a lot of time by organizing ingredients for the dishes that must be prepared the day of the event. A good rule of thumb: If it doesn’t have to wait until the day of the party, do it before. That frees up your time so you can handle any unexpected hiccups that arise without piling on more stress.
Simplify the Cleanup Situation
Rely on tried-and-true products that do the heavy lifting for you when it’s time to clean up after the meal. An option like Finish Ultimate Dishwashing Detergent cleans dishes in tough conditions, even without pre-rinsing, so you can focus on what matters during this time of year: spending more time with your loved ones. It removes tough stains like grease and cheese, as well as common holiday dishes like apple pie and mac and cheese. An added bonus: Since you don’t need to pre-rinse, you’ll save up to 20 gallons of water per dishwasher load.
Create Designated Spaces
Guests are likely to arrive with items in hand that need a place to go, like coats, shoes, handbags and gifts. Avoid clutter by determining ahead of time where you want to put these items. If you have a coat closet with space, that’s a good solution, but a nearby bedroom may also be an option. Especially if you’re hosting a potluck meal, be sure to plan ahead for where each course should go, with appetizer bars, dessert tables and a countertop with protective pads for warm foods.
Send Guests Off with a Parting Gift
A memorable event can be made even more so when guests have a token to take with them. Send everyone home on a happy note with a simple gift like a prewrapped holiday treat. Be sure to tuck these away someplace near the door so they’re a pleasant surprise you can access easily when guests begin to make their exits.
Find more ways to tackle holiday messes and make hosting duties a breeze by visiting finishdishwashing.com.
Post-Party Cleaning Tips
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially from your partner or children.
- Prep your table the night before. Get sparkling dishes and glassware by using a product such as Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid, which assists in drying and helping your dishes shine when used in the rinse cycle.
- Start by collecting trash and clutter. Throw trash away and create piles of items that need returned to their proper places. Remember that taking a few extra minutes to organize things like seasonal decor as you go can help make next year’s event easier.
- Complete each job before moving to the next. Some prefer to tackle a room at a time while others prefer to finish a specific chore, like sweeping the floors throughout the house, before moving on.
Be realistic about what must be done before you sleep. Some tasks really do need immediate attention, like collecting and emptying glasses that could be spilled and safely storing leftover food. The rest can likely wait until after you get some rest.
Jalapeno Cornbread Mac and Cheese
Jalapeno Cornbread:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted, plus additional for greasing pan
- 1 cup medium grind cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup corn
- 1/2 cup chopped jalapeno (about 2 large jalapenos)
Mac and Cheese:
- 1/2 pound dry macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter, plus additional for greasing pan
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 12 ounces shredded cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- pepper, to taste
- To make jalapeno cornbread: Preheat oven to 400 F. Butter 8-by-8-inch baking pan.
- In mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, corn and jalapeno.
- Add half the liquid ingredients to dry mixture, stirring just until blended. Add rest of liquid and stir until just blended. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30-35 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
- To make mac and cheese: Bring large pot of water to boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions. Drain under cold water and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter 9-by-9-inch square baking dish.
- In heavy saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add flour and whisk over low heat 3-5 minutes, making sure not to brown.
- Whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, whisking often until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in mustard and cheese. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Add macaroni and stir until noodles are coated with cheese mixture. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Use back of spoon or spatula to even out mixture in pan.
- Bake 25 minutes until mixture is bubbly.
- Remove from oven, turn oven to broil and place rack on second from top. Break up about 1/3-1/2 of the cornbread into small pieces; place even layer of broken-up cornbread over top of mac and cheese. Put mac and cheese under broiler until lightly browned. Serve immediately with remaining cornbread or make ahead and warm before serving.
Tip: For spicier cornbread, keep some jalapeno seeds intact
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock (woman serving meal and family dining together)
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Finish
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.
(Feature Impact) Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend morning with the family or savoring those last few moments before rushing out the door, a filling, healthy breakfast is a perfect way to begin the day. Easy recipes that take less than 30 minutes (and can even be prepared the night before) make busy mornings a breeze.
Sheet Pan Pancakes are simple to whip up any day of the week – no flipping required – while Healthy Sausage Breakfast Muffins let you put protein on the menu in a kid-friendly package. When shopping for these delicious breakfasts, look for the Healthy Family Project and Produce for Kids logos to choose healthier foods and make a difference locally.
“Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful – a quick, balanced meal can help kids stay full, focused and energized for the day ahead,” said Tony Castillo, contributing registered dietitian at Healthy Family Project. “For growing kids, a protein-rich breakfast can help support energy, satiety and the building blocks they need as they develop. The best breakfast is one that’s simple, satisfying and realistic for busy mornings because consistency matters more than perfection.”
The versatility of these pancakes allows for endless customization and experimentation with different toppings, from fresh fruit and nuts to savory options like cheese and spinach, making them an ideal fit for the whole family. They also freeze well, so you can pop them in the toaster to have breakfast ready in a flash when hectic schedules interfere with your morning routine.
For another on-the-go solution, these breakfast muffins are made with just five ingredients, including protein pancake mix to help fuel the day. The savory combination of turkey sausage and cheddar cheese is complemented by the sweetness of onion, giving them the flavor your family desires.
To find more ways to put a nutritious breakfast on the family table, visit HealthyFamilyProject.com.
Sheet Pan Pancakes
Recipe courtesy of the Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 425 F. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
- Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet and smooth into even layer that covers pan. Top with strawberries, blueberries and chocolate chips.
- Bake 5-7 minutes, or until cooked and golden brown. Let cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Healthy Sausage Breakfast Muffins
Recipe courtesy of the Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 23 minutes
Servings: 12
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 pound turkey sausage
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup protein pancake mix
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
- Spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
- In prepared skillet over medium heat, cook onion until translucent. Add turkey sausage and cook until no longer pink. Remove from heat.
- In large mixing bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add shredded cheese, pancake mix and sausage and onion mixture; mix well.
- Fill prepared muffin cups about 3/4 full with mixture.
- Bake 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
SOURCE:
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/
recipes
An At-Home Solution with the Taste of Takeout
Taste of Takeout: If you’re cozying up at home but takeout cravings are calling, it may just be time for a pantry refresh that brings bold flavors straight to your kitchen. To ensure convenience and flavor is on your menu, consider these Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups as an easy way to enjoy the taste of takeout from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Last Updated on May 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff
An At-Home Solution with the Taste of Takeout
(Feature Impact) If you’re cozying up at home but takeout cravings are calling, it may just be time for a pantry refresh that brings bold flavors straight to your kitchen. No matter what kind of cook you are – Bumble Bee Snackers are your new secret snack-section solution.
For unbeatable convenience and flavor, consider Bumble Bee Snackers for an at-home recipe enhancement. They’re shaking up the tuna aisle in single-serve cans with a variety of bold flavors that are perfect for snacking or light lunches, including zesty Lemon Pepper, rich and savory Hickory Smoke, tastebud-tingling Sweet Heat, spicy-sweet Thai Chili and nostalgic Tuna Salad. If you’re more of a traditionalist, classic Chunk Light Tuna is an ideal complement for crackers or veggies.
The premixed 3-ounce cans can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other favorites like celery sticks, carrots, cucumber, crackers or tortilla chips.
Snack menu shakeups are sweeping the country; in fact, 50% of Americans agree it’s hard to find snacks that meets all their needs, according to a survey conducted by Bumble Bee Seafoods and FleishmanHillard’s TRUE Global Intelligence. The survey also found hungry families are looking for more “bang for their buck,” affordability, protein and ease for eating on the go.
While value and convenience are important, great taste still tops the list – flavor remains the single biggest driver of snacking decisions. To ensure convenience and flavor is on your menu, consider these Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups as an easy way to enjoy the taste of takeout from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Visit BumbleBee.com to discover more ways to shake up snacking at home.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups
Recipe courtesy of @amateur_husband on behalf of Bumble Bee Seafoods
Sushi Rice:
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Tuna Mixture:
- 1 can (5 ounces) Bumble Bee Snackers Lemon Pepper
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon wasabi (optional)
Assembly:
- nori (seaweed sheets)
- furikake seasoning
- spicy mayo or Sriracha, for topping
- wonton crisps, for topping
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- To make sushi rice: Mix cooked rice with rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Let cool slightly.
- To make tuna mixture: In bowl, combine tuna (no draining needed), mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce and wasabi, if desired. Mix well.
- To assemble: Cut nori sheets into squares and press into cups of muffin tin to line them.
- Fill each nori-lined cup with sushi rice, pressing gently to form small nest shape.
- Sprinkle furikake over rice then top with spoonful of tuna mixture.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until heated through and edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove cups from muffin tin, drizzle with spicy mayo or Sriracha and top with wonton crisps.
SOURCE:
Bumble Bee Tuna
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/
Food and Beverage
Balance Your Plate with Produce, Protein and Whole Grains
Making health-conscious decisions with your at-home menu doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require commitment and a little more foresight at the grocery store. Simple adjustments to overall eating patterns, like building your plate around produce, powerful proteins and whole grains, can encourage better health.
(Feature Impact) Making health-conscious decisions with your at-home menu doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require commitment and a little more foresight at the grocery store. Simple adjustments to overall eating patterns, like building your plate around produce, powerful proteins and whole grains, can encourage better health.
Nutritious meal-planning can be easy, affordable and delicious – and it all starts with a little balance. Consider this advice from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, nationally sponsored by the Egg Nutrition Center, to adequately round out a healthy plate.
Fill Half Your Plate with Fruits and Veggies
Loaded with nutrients, fresh produce is a perfect place to start each plate. Fill about half your plate with combinations of bananas, strawberries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots and more of your favorites. To boost variety with each meal, look for fruit and veggie blends or step out of your usual routine and try something new.
Grocery tip: Frozen fruits and veggies are often cheaper and just as delicious as their fresh counterparts. It’s frozen right after it’s picked, locking in freshness for a longer shelf life. Just be sure to avoid products with added salt or sugar.
Carve Out a Quarter of the Plate for Powerful Proteins
Healthy food isn’t just fuel. It should be easy and nourish you, too. Look for versatile solutions that provide a protein power-up like skinless chicken breast, no-salt-added beans, low-sodium tuna, tofu or eggs.
High-quality protein from foods, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help support the muscles in your body. Eggs are an example, along with lean animal protein and some plant-based proteins. According to the American Heart Association’s guidelines, healthy people can include up to one whole egg daily, and up to seven per week, as part of a heart-healthy diet. For older adults with normal cholesterol, two eggs per day is acceptable.
Eggs deliver both protein and choline, nutrients that help support growing brains and bodies, especially early in life. In fact, many Americans don’t get enough choline, a critical nutrient for supporting brain development, memory and mood.
Grocery tip: Stock up on proteins that offer both versatility and affordability, helping you cook multiple meals per week without putting a dent in your wallet. Eggs are a perfect example as they can be used at any meal, not just breakfast – try them in wraps or omelets in the morning, hard-boil them to go with a lunchtime salad or add to a frittata at dinner.
Save a Corner for Whole Grains
Finally, fill that last quarter of the plate with ready-to-go whole grains, many of which provide dietary fiber that can support a healthy heart and healthy digestion. Conversely, most refined grains contain little or no fiber.
Examples of whole grains include barley, brown rice, corn, oatmeal, rolled or steel-cut oats, popcorn, quinoa, sorghum and wild rice, along with products labeled “whole grain” or “whole wheat” like bread or pasta.
Grocery tip: Look for whole grains that can make mealtime a cinch. Corn tortillas, instant oats and even popcorn can help you create nutritious plates and better-for-you snacks with the snap of your fingers. Try keeping packets of pre-cooked brown rice on hand to bulk up favorite dishes or toss with leftovers to round out a healthy plate.
Visit Heart.org to discover more nutrition guidance for heart-healthy meals.
3 Tips to Complement a Healthy, Balanced Plate
Nutrition isn’t just about what’s on your plate – it’s also about what’s next to it and how much is on it. Pair a balanced meal with this advice to help take healthy eating to the next level.
Stay Hydrated
If it’s not already a habit, add a glass of water to each meal. Staying hydrated helps your heart pump blood throughout the body, get rid of waste and regulate body temperature. While water is the best source of hydration, water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can also play a role.
Watch Portion Sizes
Pay attention to suggested servings from your favorite food groups. For example, one slice of whole-grain bread, 1/2 cup of cooked pasta and two ounces of cheese (about the size of a domino) are the suggested serving sizes for these popular foods.
You can serve and eat smaller portions by:
- When cooking at home, offer the proper serving size to each family member then put extra food away for leftovers.
- When dining out, skip appetizers and split your meal with a friend or partner.
- Avoid eating while watching TV or at your computer. It may be harder to control how much you’re eating if you’re not paying full attention.
- Mindfully measure out your snacks – even fruits and veggies – into appropriate portions before serving instead of helping yourself directly from the bag or box.
Limit Salt
While sodium supports vital functions like controlling your body’s fluid balance, excess sodium in your bloodstream pulls water into the blood vessels, increasing the amount of blood inside them and thus increasing blood pressure. More than 70% of the sodium people eat comes from packaged, prepared and restaurant foods due to salt added for flavoring, stabilizing, preserving and reducing bacterial risk, according to the American Heart Association.
Cutting back on sodium can help reduce the rise in blood pressure that occurs as you age, even if you don’t have high blood pressure now. It may also help reduce the risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and more.
Try cooking more meals at home where you can control sodium intake, flavoring foods with herbs and spices instead of table salt and rinsing canned beans and vegetables to wash away excess sodium.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (family preparing meal)
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