Food and Beverage
Heart-Healthy Pita Pizzas
Last Updated on July 23, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) As the leading cause of death among Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease often results from uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight and obesity. However, a heart-healthy eating plan can help lower or control these risk factors and put you and your family on a path toward better heart health.
With back-to-school season adding stress to already busy schedules, it’s important for families to make time for healthy eating decisions. Consider these five steps recommended by The Heart Truth program of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI):
Eat Smart
One way to get started on a path toward heart-healthy eating is to change your way of thinking about how and what you eat. For example, use smaller plates to help limit portion sizes. Chew food slowly and consider the textures and flavors of different food as you eat.
Plan to Eat Heart Healthy
Put together an eating plan that offers a balance of calories and nutrients including vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy. Consider make-at-home favorites like Heart-Healthy Pita Pizzas, which include grilled chicken as a better-for-you alternative to methods such as frying.
Choose Healthy Snacks
After a full day of learning or working, it’s tempting for children and adults to grab a quick snack that may not be healthy. Swap out sugary or salty snacks and instead enjoy lower-calorie after-school treats that fit into your daily eating plan. Try options like a cup of seedless grapes, small banana, cup of cherry tomatoes, handful of unsalted nuts or half cup of low-fat or fat-free yogurt.
Find Heart-Healthy Menus
How you eat day after day can make a difference in your heart health over time. Developed through research by NHLBI, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, low-fat dairy and healthy oils to help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. DASH focuses on lowering sodium and limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, including fatty meats, full-fat dairy and tropical oils.
Stay On Track When Dining Out
It is possible to eat healthy foods in restaurants. To control portion sizes, try tactics like eating half your entree and taking leftovers home for another meal. Choose foods that are broiled, baked or roasted to limit calories. Ask for low-sodium menu options and request butter, gravy, sauces and salad dressings on the side or leave them off completely.
Visit hearttruth.gov to find more healthy eating inspiration and find DASH-friendly back-to-school recipes at healthyeating.nhlbi.nih.gov.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Heart-Healthy Pita Pizzas
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Servings: 4
- 4 whole-wheat pitas (6 1/2 inches each)
- 1 cup chunky tomato sauce
- 1 cup grilled boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced (about 2 small breasts)
- 1 cup broccoli, rinsed, chopped and cooked
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, rinsed, dried and chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Preheat oven or toaster oven to 450 F.
- On each pita, spread 1/4 cup tomato sauce and top with 1/4 cup chicken, 1/4 cup broccoli, 1/2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and 1/4 tablespoon chopped basil.
- Place pitas on nonstick baking sheet and bake 5-8 minutes until pitas are golden brown and chicken is heated through.
SOURCE:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
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Beverages
Three Legends Unite: HexClad and Still G.I.N. Drop Game-Changing Cocktail Shaker
Gordon Ramsay, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg unite for the HexClad x Still G.I.N. Cocktail Shaker. Premium design meets cultural innovation in this $99 limited-edition collaboration available now.
Last Updated on December 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Hexclad, Still G.I.N. Unveil First-Ever Collaboration, Bringing Gordon Ramsay, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg Together For A Next-Gen Cocktail Shaker
Three Legends Unite: HexClad and Still G.I.N. Drop Game-Changing Cocktail Shaker
When Gordon Ramsay Meets Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, Magic Happens
In a collaboration that nobody predicted but everyone’s talking about, HexClad and Still G.I.N. by Dre and Snoop just dropped something special: a cocktail shaker that’s equal parts precision engineering and cultural statement. This isn’t just another bar tool. It’s the first time Gordon Ramsay, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg have joined forces, bringing together HexClad’s revolutionary cookware expertise with Still G.I.N.’s modern approach to premium spirits. The result? A next-gen cocktail shaker that’s as functional as it is iconic.Design That Demands Attention
The HexClad x Still G.I.N. Cocktail Shaker was crafted by celebrated industrial designer Ini Archibong, who pulled inspiration from two distinct visual languages: the striking geometry of the Still G.I.N. bottle and HexClad’s signature hexagon pattern. The fusion creates something modern, sculptural, and unmistakably premium. But this isn’t just about looks. The shaker features:- Double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel that keeps your cocktails ice-cold without dilution
- Hex-textured exterior for a luxe grip and visual edge
- Discreet measurement markers inside the cap for precision pours every time
Where Innovation Meets Culture
“This collaboration bridges innovation, culture, and craftsmanship in a way that feels like a true expression of both brands,” said Danny Winer, HexClad CEO and Co-Founder. “Gordon, Dre, and Snoop each set their own bar for excellence, and bringing their worlds together through this product is something we’re incredibly proud of.” Patrick Halbert, CEO of By Dre and Snoop, echoed that sentiment: “What connects Still G.I.N. and HexClad is a commitment to design, innovation, and products that actually perform. We built our gin to be supremely mixable, whether you’re making classic gin cocktails or using it in something unexpected. This shaker captures that same versatility and attention to detail.”The Campaign: Cooking Meets Beats
To launch the collaboration, Gordon Ramsay and Dr. Dre will star in a dynamic commercial spot created by KODE MEDIA and directed by Peter Franklyn Banks. The ad draws clever parallels between culinary craft and musical artistry, blending humor with the shared ethos of both brands: rebellion, innovation, and excellence.Get Yours Before They’re Gone
Available exclusively at HexClad.com in both Gold and Chrome finishes for $99, the HexClad x Still G.I.N. Cocktail Shaker is now shipping to the US, Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia. Just in time for the holidays, this is the gift that’ll make any home bartender’s season. Whether you’re shaking up a classic gin martini or experimenting with modern cocktail creations, this shaker is engineered to perform while carrying the energy of three cultural icons who’ve never settled for ordinary.
Still G.I.N
About the Brands
HexClad has been redefining modern cooking since 2016 with its patented hybrid technology that combines stainless steel with nonstick performance. Named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies from 2023-2025, the LA-based brand has built a passionate global following by empowering cooks with products that break rules and challenge convention. By Dre and Snoop launched in 2024 with the innovative Gin & Juice canned cocktail line, followed by Still G.I.N., their first pure premium bottled spirit. Still G.I.N. took home Masters Medal honors at the 2025 Gin Masters Awards, proving that when legends collaborate, excellence follows. Distributed nationally by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, both products pay homage to the duo’s cultural legacy while pushing spirits innovation forward.Ready to elevate your cocktail game? Head to HexClad.com and grab this limited-edition shaker before it’s gone. Because when three legends come together, you don’t wait—you shake things up. Visit: https://dreandsnoop.com/products/still-gin
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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Community
Mr. Drain Plumbing’s “Flush Away Hunger” Drive Shows How Small Acts Create Big Impact
Mr. Drain Plumbing’s inaugural “Flush Away Hunger” food drive collected donations for the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank, proving local businesses can mobilize communities to fight food insecurity through simple, sustainable charitable initiatives.
Mr. Drain Plumbing’s “Flush Away Hunger” Drive Shows How Small Acts Create Big Impact
When a Sacramento plumbing company decided to tackle more than just clogged drains this November, they proved that community support doesn’t require grand gestures—just genuine commitment and a willingness to show up. Mr. Drain Plumbing recently wrapped up its inaugural “Flush Away Hunger” canned food drive, a three-week initiative that brought customers and employees together to support local families facing food insecurity during the Thanksgiving season. Running from November 1st through 20th, the friendly competition collected shelf-stable items for the Orangevale–Fair Oaks Food Bank, turning everyday plumbing appointments into opportunities for meaningful community impact.A Competition That Everyone Wins
The drive’s format was simple but effective: customers and team members competed to see who could donate the most non-perishable items. To sweeten the deal, Mr. Drain offered customers who donated four or more items a 10% discount on their next plumbing service—a small thank-you that encouraged participation while keeping the focus where it belonged: on helping neighbors in need. “This time of year can be especially difficult for many families, and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us in giving what they could,” said Patrick Fee, Co-Founder of Mr. Drain. “Our goal wasn’t to pat ourselves on the back, but simply to make a difference in our community. It all starts with small acts, and we’re honored to be part of that effort.”High Demand Marks “Veggies for Veterans” Event Amid SNAP Delays
Why Local Food Banks Need Year-Round Support
While Thanksgiving and the winter holidays often inspire charitable giving, food insecurity doesn’t take a vacation. The Orangevale–Fair Oaks Food Bank serves local households throughout the year, providing not just food but resources and hope to families navigating difficult circumstances. Mr. Drain’s initiative highlights an important truth: businesses have the power to mobilize their communities in ways that extend far beyond their core services. By integrating charitable giving into their everyday operations, they created a model that’s both sustainable and scalable—one that other local businesses could easily adapt.Small Acts, Lasting Impact
What makes the “Flush Away Hunger” drive particularly noteworthy isn’t just the donations collected, but the approach behind it. Rather than positioning themselves as saviors, Mr. Drain framed the initiative as a community effort—one where customers, employees, and the company itself all played a role. This kind of grassroots engagement matters. It reminds us that supporting our neighbors doesn’t require wealth or influence—just awareness, empathy, and action. Whether it’s donating canned goods during a plumbing appointment or volunteering at a local food bank, every contribution adds up.Continuing the Momentum
As the holiday season continues, Mr. Drain is encouraging Sacramento-area residents to keep supporting the Orangevale–Fair Oaks Food Bank and other local nonprofits. The need doesn’t disappear when the decorations come down, and sustained community support is what allows these organizations to fulfill their missions year-round. For businesses looking to make a difference, Mr. Drain’s approach offers a blueprint: start where you are, use what you have, and invite your community to join you. The results might surprise you.About Mr. Drain Plumbing
Mr. Drain Plumbing provides residential and commercial plumbing services throughout the Sacramento area, specializing in water heater repair, hydro-jetting, trenchless pipe replacement, and more. Their fully insured team combines advanced technology with a commitment to customer satisfaction and community engagement. To learn more about Mr. Drain Plumbing, visit mrdrainplumbers.com. For current seasonal specials and coupons, check out their coupons page.Looking for ways to support your local community this holiday season? Consider donating to the Orangevale–Fair Oaks Food Bank or reaching out to nonprofits in your area to see how you can help.
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Food and Beverage
How Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken Became a Southern California Icon
Discover the history of Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken, from its South L.A. origins to its rise through immigrant entrepreneurship and Cajun-inspired flavor.
Last Updated on December 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
How Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken Became a Southern California Icon
From a Garage to a Recipe
In 1976 Joe Dion — a Michigan native with years of fast-food experience — experimented with a Cajun batter inspired by New Orleans flavors. After perfecting a zesty, slightly spicy crust, Dion opened the first Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken near Vermont Avenue and Imperial Highway. Locals loved it; within three years there were multiple shops.
A Different Kind of Expansion
Rather than build a tightly controlled franchise system, Dion licensed his recipe and name to independent owners. That low-cost licensing model allowed rapid, grassroots expansion: stores spread across Los Angeles County and beyond, each owner tailoring service and hours to neighborhood needs.The Cambodian-American Story
During the 1980s and 1990s many Cambodian refugees and immigrants embraced the licensing model as a path to economic stability. Over time, Cambodian-American families came to own and operate many locations — and in 2009 entrepreneur Michael P. Eng formalized that legacy by purchasing the brand. For many owners, a Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken restaurant is family, community, and opportunity rolled into one.What You’ll Find Today
Menu staples remain true to the chain’s roots: Cajun-style fried chicken (fresh, not frozen), red beans and rice, fried fish and shrimp, and classic Southern sides. But because each location is independently run, you’ll also find regional variations and house specialties that reflect the neighborhood and owner’s background.Why the Story Matters
- Immigrant resilience: The chain illustrates how immigrant entrepreneurship can rebuild lives and communities.
- Community-driven business: A licensing model allowed small, independent operators to thrive.
- Cultural fusion: Louisiana flavors mixed with LA neighborhoods created a distinct regional food tradition.
Next time you bite into that Cajun-crusted chicken, remember — you’re tasting a recipe that helped build lives and neighborhoods across Southern California.
Related: More Foodie News • Cajun cuisine
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