Food and Beverage
Healthy Everyday Recipes for Real Life: Nutritious, Energy-Boosting, Egg-Inspired Breakfasts That Save Time
Egg-Inspired Breakfasts: When planning meals, particularly breakfasts, there are a few critical factors many families consider: taste, simplicity and nutrition. By choosing ingredients like eggs, which are easy to use and versatile, you can make healthy living fit into your life at the breakfast table as part of a balanced diet with recipes like Turkey Bacon and Spinach Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust, Broccoli and Cheese Egg White Scramble on Whole-Wheat English Muffins or Egg “Muffin” Cups with Turkey Sausage and Mushrooms.
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Healthy Everyday Recipes for Real Life: Nutritious, Energy-Boosting, Egg-Inspired Breakfasts That Save Time
(Family Features) When planning meals, particularly breakfasts, there are a few critical factors many families consider: taste, simplicity and nutrition. Eating healthier doesn’t have to be complicated or out of reach. With the right inspiration, healthy food can be delicious, nutritious and convenient.
By choosing ingredients like eggs, which are easy to use and versatile, you can make healthy living fit into your life at the breakfast table as part of a balanced diet. For example, these egg-inspired recipes are part of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland’s Best.
In addition to the social and emotional benefits of dining together, shared family meals can help promote healthier choices at the table. Backed by expert nutrition guidance, recipes such as Turkey Bacon and Spinach Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust are wholesome, flavorful and fast, perfect for busy weekdays or anytime you need a nutritious boost. The sweet potato crust offers a better-for-you twist on ready-made or traditional crusts made with butter, and it can be served with slices of honeydew or berries for an added touch of sweetness.
For a protein-rich dish any day of the week, Broccoli and Cheese Egg White Scramble on Whole-Wheat English Muffins can help you solve the morning rush. Or for a true timesaver, these Egg “Muffin” Cups with Turkey Sausage and Mushrooms can be made over the weekend and frozen or refrigerated for quick, go-to meals throughout the week.
Remember, healthy eating isn’t just about one food – it’s about a combination of wholesome ingredients to make well-rounded meals. For example, eggs can be included as part of a heart-healthy diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds, whole grains, lean protein and fish, according to the American Heart Association. Eating eggs alongside foods high in saturated fat – like bacon – is different than eggs eaten with steamed veggies, whole grains or a side of fruit.
To find more healthy eating tips and recipes that help you eat smart, move more and live healthier, visit Heart.org.
Turkey Bacon and Spinach Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust
Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association with support from Eggland’s Best
Servings: 5
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled
- 1 teaspoon canola or corn oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 6 slices uncured, nitrate-free turkey bacon, thinly sliced
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 3/4 teaspoon dried dillweed, crumbled
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 4 large egg whites
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fat-free milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fat-free feta cheese
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly spray 9-inch pie pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In medium bowl, using box grater, grate sweet potato. Measure out 2 cups. Gently press sweet potato on bottom and up sides of pan, forming crust. Sweet potato will be loose but will hold together once cooked.
- Bake 20 minutes, or until crust is cooked. Remove from oven. Let stand to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F.
- In medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat bottom. Cook onion 6 minutes, or until almost translucent, stirring frequently. Add turkey bacon. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until onion and bacon begin to brown, stirring frequently. Add spinach, dillweed, salt and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes, or until water from spinach is released. Remove from heat. Transfer mixture into sweet potato crust.
- In medium bowl, whisk egg whites, eggs and milk. Pour over mixture in crust. Sprinkle feta over top.
- Bake 35-40 minutes, or until knife inserted into center comes out clean. Transfer to cooling rack. Let cool 10 minutes before cutting into wedges.
Broccoli and Cheese Egg White Scramble on Whole-Wheat English Muffins
Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association with support from Eggland’s Best
Servings: 4
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen broccoli florets, thawed if frozen
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 extra-large egg whites
- 1/2 cup fat-free milk
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
- 2 whole-wheat, low-sodium English muffins
- Lightly spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Cook broccoli and water 4-5 minutes, or until broccoli is tender. Remove from heat. Transfer broccoli to dish. Using paper towels, wipe skillet clean.
- In large bowl, whisk egg whites, milk and pepper until combined.
- Lightly spray skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Pour in egg white mixture. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until almost firm, stirring constantly with spatula. Stir in broccoli and cheddar cheese. Remove from heat.
- Just before serving, split and toast English muffins. Transfer to plates. Spoon egg mixture onto muffins.
Egg “Muffin” Cups with Turkey Sausage and Mushrooms
Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association with support from Eggland’s Best
Servings: 6
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1/2 tablespoon canola or corn oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 package (8 ounces) sliced white mushrooms
- 1 package (6.4 ounces) frozen, cooked, nitrate-free turkey sausage links, thawed
- 7 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fat-free milk
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In medium nonstick pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook onions and mushrooms 10 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally.
- Warm turkey sausage according to package directions. Chop turkey into bite-size pieces. Stir into onion mixture until well blended. Spoon into muffin cups.
- In small bowl, whisk eggs, milk and pepper. Pour egg mixture into muffin cups. Top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake 25 minutes, or until eggs are set. Remove from oven. Let cool slightly. To easily remove muffins from pan, run knife around edges of each muffin.
SOURCE:
American Heart Association
Link: https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/
Food and Beverage
Treat Guests to ‘Grape’ Fall Get-Togethers
‘Grape’ Fall Get-Togethers: Fall gatherings take many shapes, from special occasions with loved ones to neighborhood soirees and glamorous get-togethers. For hosts, these opportunities for entertaining to the fullest call for fresh, flavorful meals, drinks and ingredients that complement a season worth celebrating.
Last Updated on September 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Fall gatherings take many shapes, from special occasions with loved ones to neighborhood soirees and glamorous get-togethers. For hosts, these opportunities for entertaining to the fullest call for fresh, flavorful meals, drinks and ingredients that complement a season worth celebrating.
Whether you’re serving a showstopping main course, sharing small plates or playing bartender (or all three), an option like California grapes can be the versatile ingredient that elevates both dishes and drinks alike. Their juicy burst of flavor and pop of color bring fall recipes to life, such as roasted chicken, lettuce wraps or cocktails.
You can also try freezing them to replace ice cubes in drinks, serving as a topping for crostini or simply placing in glasses or bowls to enjoy as a healthy, fresh snack while breaking the ice and waiting for the meal to be served.
To find more fall entertaining tips, tricks and recipes, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.
California Grape Shallot and Thyme Roasted Chicken
Servings: 6
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 cups red and black Grapes from California
- 1/3 cup finely chopped shallots
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- Rinse chicken and pat dry; place in 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Spread butter over surface of chicken and sprinkle with salt, thyme and pepper, to taste. Roast 45 minutes.
- Add grapes, shallots and wine to pan and roast 30-40 minutes, or until grapes are softening and thighs reach internal temperature of 165 F on meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and tent with foil; let stand 15 minutes before carving. Place grapes, shallots and cooking juices in bowl and serve over slices of chicken. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 260 calories; 29 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 9 g fat (31% calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (3% calories from saturated fat); 90 mg cholesterol; 480 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.
California Grape Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
Servings: 6
Pickled Grapes:
- 1/3 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups Grapes from California, halved
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion
Beef Bulgogi:
- 1/2 pound beef round or sirloin steak
- 1/3 cup bulgogi sauce, plus additional for serving (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 12 larger hearts of romaine leaves, clean and dry
- snipped green onion tops
- To make pickled grapes: In small saucepan, stir vinegar, sugar, coriander seeds, mustard seeds and pepper flakes; bring to simmer. Remove from heat and stir to dissolve sugar; let cool to warm.
- Stir in grapes and onion and set aside to cool. Let stand 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- To make beef bulgogi: Cut beef into small, bite-size strips.
- In medium bowl, stir 1/3 cup bulgogi sauce, vinegar and sesame oil then add beef. Let marinate 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- In large skillet over medium heat, heat vegetable oil. Using slotted spoon or tongs, remove beef from marinade and add to skillet. Stir fry until beef is cooked through and golden brown, stirring constantly; let cool.
To serve: Place equal amounts beef and pickled grapes in romaine leaves and sprinkle with green onions. Serve immediately with additional bulgogi sauce, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 150 calories; 11 g protein; 20 g carbohydrates; 3.5 g fat (21% calories from fat); 1 g saturated fat (6% calories from saturated fat); 25 mg cholesterol; 65 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.
California Grape and Tamarind Whiskey Smash
Servings: 2
- 3/4 cup halved green Grapes from California
- ice
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) whiskey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
- bitters, to taste
- In medium bowl, muddle grapes until mashed and in small pieces. Transfer to two lowball glasses and add ice almost to top of glasses.
- In shaker or small bowl, combine whiskey, lemon juice and tamarind paste; shake or stir. Season with a few drops of bitters, to taste. Pour into glasses over grapes and stir briskly to chill and dilute slightly.
Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories; 0 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat (0% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat (0% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 0 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.
SOURCE:
California Table Grape Commission
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
Community
The Marco’s Pizza Foundation Donates $1 Million to Junior Achievement USA, Surpasses $1.5 Million in Total Giving
The Marco’s Pizza Foundation has surpassed $1 million donated to Junior Achievement USA, marking a major milestone for the pizza brand’s charitable organization. With the latest contribution, the Foundation says it has now delivered more than $1.5 million in total charitable giving across its partners, reinforcing a focus on education, opportunity, and community impact.
National initiative with local impact
Junior Achievement USA is one of the nation’s leading youth organizations, preparing young people for future success through hands-on learning focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. Marco’s says its partnership with JA has been powered by register-based fundraising, allowing stores across the country to raise donations at checkout that support local JA chapters near each participating location.
Giving totals to date
The Foundation shared additional milestones tied to its charitable efforts:
- More than $1 million donated to Junior Achievement USA
- $475,000 donated to No Kid Hungry
- More than $1.5 million in total charitable giving across partners
Brandon Hudson, a multi-unit franchisee and newly appointed president of The Marco’s Pizza Foundation, credited guests, franchisees, and store teams for driving the results through round-up and register donation efforts.
A personal connection to Junior Achievement
Hudson said his connection to Junior Achievement is personal: as a student in the Chicago area, he participated in JA programs from his sophomore through senior years of high school, where he developed early business plans and explored entrepreneurship. Hudson now owns and operates 13 Marco’s Pizza stores, with five more in development, and was appointed Foundation president in March 2026.
What the Foundation focuses on
Guided by its mission to help individuals be fed, educated, and equipped, the Foundation says its work centers on four pillars:
- Hunger Prevention
- School & Education
- Workforce Development
- Entrepreneurship
For more information, visit https://www.marcos.com/foundation/
🍽️ Love discovering great food and drink? Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for the latest recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and culinary stories delivered straight to your inbox.
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/
