Food and Beverage
How to Elevate Your Lunch with Comforting Staples
(Family Features) Savory and satisfying, comforting ingredients can transform simple recipes into mouthwatering meals. As temperatures fall, people look for comforting foods to warm the soul. For inspiration, consider Italian ingredients to help make homemade lunches easy and satisfying.
To get ready for weekday lunches, Kale Grilled Cheese sandwiches with Grana Padano PDO paired with hot soup and a Fall Grain Bowl with Prosciutto featuring Prosciutto di Parma PDO and filled with your favorite veggies are tasty options for discovering the possibilities of high-quality Italian ingredients.
These authentic products are Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certified, a highly esteemed classification for European foods that have been produced according to the same traditional methods in a defined geographic region for centuries.
PDO-certified foods offer a guarantee of quality and authenticity. Only products made following traditional methods within defined production areas, under strict supervision and using carefully monitored ingredients qualify for PDO certification from the European Union. Among these artisan products, you’ll find some of the world’s most delicious cheeses and cured meats.
For your comfort food cravings, on an appetizer plate, drape thinly sliced, savory Prosciutto di Parma PDO and chunks of Grana Padano PDO to complement your favorite nuts and olives. Both pair beautifully with fruity red, white or sparkling wines, though they also are enjoyable with your favorite beer or soft drink. While these tastes of Italy can be enjoyed on their own, they are also capable of transforming simple dishes into decadent meals.
Find more comforting fall meal ideas by visiting distinctlydeliciouslyeuropean.eu.
Fall Grain Bowl with Prosciutto
Servings: 1
- 1 cup baby arugula
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt, to taste
- 1 cup cooked farro
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 3/4 cup cooked squash
- 4 mozzarella bocconcini balls, halved
- 2 slices Prosciutto di Parma PDO, halved
- In mixing bowl, toss arugula, olive oil, lemon juice and salt, to taste.
- Transfer to serving bowl; if packing for lunch, transfer to plastic container.
In another bowl, combine cooked farro and pesto; toss to coat. Transfer farro to serving bowl or plastic container next to arugula. - Top farro with squash and mozzarella bocconcini balls. Drape prosciutto next to squash.
Kale Grilled Cheese
Servings: 2
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, smashed
- 4 cups (about 1/2 bunch) Tuscan kale, cut into ribbons
- salt, to taste
- 1/2 lemon, juice only
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 4 slices sourdough sandwich bread
- 2/3 cup (about 2 ounces) finely grated Grana Padano PDO cheese, divided
- 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add garlic; cook until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add kale; cook and stir until slightly wilted and dark green, 2-3 minutes. Season lightly with salt, to taste, and lemon juice. Remove to plate.
- Wipe skillet clean. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread, dividing evenly. Place two slices, buttered sides down, into skillet over medium-low heat. Onto each slice, divide half the Grana Padano; top with half the mozzarella.
- Cook until cheese is melted and bottom is golden, 6-7 minutes. Add half the kale to one slice and close sandwich. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
SOURCE:
Enjoy, It’s from Europe
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Beat the Winter Blues with a Childhood Classic
If a cold snap has you feeling blue, turn back the clock and warm up the kitchen with a kid-friendly favorite the whole family can enjoy. To make it a full-blown meal, pair Simple Skillet Mac and Cheese with grilled or pan-seared chicken to forget about the weather with time together.
Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Beat the Winter Blues with a Childhood Classic
(Feature Impact) If a cold snap has you feeling blue, turn back the clock and warm up the kitchen with a kid-friendly favorite the whole family can enjoy. Mac and cheese is a staple in households across the country, and this version with made-from-scratch sauce will leave your loved ones asking for more.
To make it a full-blown meal, pair Simple Skillet Mac and Cheese with grilled or pan-seared chicken to forget about the weather with time together.
Visit Culinary.net to find more comfort food classics.
Simple Skillet Mac and Cheese
Recipe adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
- 3 1/2 cups water, plus extra if needed
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk, divided
- 12 ounces pasta shells
- salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small chunks
- ground black pepper, to taste
- In nonstick skillet over high heat, bring water, 1 cup evaporated milk and shells to simmer. Season with salt, to taste. Cook, stirring, until pasta is tender and liquid thickens, 9-12 minutes.
- In small bowl, whisk remaining evaporated milk, cornstarch and dry mustard. Stir into skillet. Continue simmering until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in batches, adding water to adjust consistency. Stir in butter then season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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Tucson just got a taste of a New York classic.
Nathan’s Famous announced the opening of a new restaurant at 628 North 4th Avenue in Tucson, bringing its world-famous hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, and a full fast-casual menu to one of the city’s most walkable, student-heavy corridors. The spot sits steps from the University of Arizona and close to the free 4th Street streetcar stop, making it an easy grab for students, locals, and visitors moving through the historic 4th Avenue district.
What’s on the menu
The Tucson restaurant is built around the staples Nathan’s is known for—fast, familiar, and designed for groups with different cravings.
Expect the brand’s headline items, including:
- World-famous all-beef hot dogs
- Crinkle-cut fries
- Fresh Angus burgers
- Hand-breaded chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders
- Chicken wings
- NY Cheesesteaks
- Premium hand-spun shakes
In other words: it’s not just a hot dog counter. It’s the full Nathan’s fast-casual lineup, positioned to serve families, students, and anyone looking for a quick meal before a game, a night out, or a streetcar ride across town.
Why Tucson—and why 4th Avenue?
Nathan’s Famous framed the opening as a natural fit for Tucson’s energy and foot traffic.
“We’re proud to bring Nathan’s Famous to Arizona,” said Phil McCann, Vice President of Marketing at Nathan’s Famous, noting the brand’s excitement to partner with a local franchisee and bring the “Flavor of New York” to the state.
That franchisee is Michael Kramkowski, who the company says has been active in the community for more than 20 years and owns multiple properties in the area. In the announcement, Kramkowski emphasized that his goal was to bring an iconic national brand to Tucson while still complementing the independent spirit of 4th Avenue.
“I wanted to bring a brand to Tucson that has a strong, authentic heritage,” Kramkowski said. “Nathan’s Famous is an American icon, and this location is the perfect fit—close to the University, accessible by streetcar and right in the middle of Tucson’s most dynamic neighborhoods.”
The bigger picture: a century-old brand still expanding
Nathan’s Famous has been serving New York favorites for more than 100 years, and the company continues to grow its footprint through restaurants, licensing, and foodservice distribution.
For Tucson, the appeal is straightforward: a recognizable, heritage brand landing in a high-traffic neighborhood with built-in demand—students, families, and visitors exploring the entertainment district.
For more information on Nathan’s Famous locations and menus, visit https://restaurants.nathansfamous.com/.
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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Foodie News
S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition Launches Its Seventh Edition
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition invites chefs under 30 to apply between February 16 and June 9, 2026. This competition emphasizes technical skill, creativity, and personal belief, serving as a platform for mentorship and visibility in fine dining. Winners receive guidance from renowned chefs, enhancing their culinary journeys.
If you’re a chef under 30 with a dish that says something real about who you are, S.Pellegrino is officially calling.
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition has launched its seventh edition, opening applications worldwide starting February 16. The program is designed to identify and support the next generation of culinary talent—not just with a trophy at the end, but with mentorship, visibility, and a pathway into the global fine-dining conversation.
Applications are open for four months, closing June 9, 2026, through the official platform at sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.
More than a contest: a platform for young chefs
S.Pellegrino positions the Young Chef Academy as more than a competition. It’s a development pipeline—a way to help emerging chefs sharpen their voice, pressure-test their ideas, and connect with influential figures in gastronomy.
The Academy emphasizes three core judging elements throughout the process:
- Technical skill
- Creativity
- Personal belief
That last piece matters. This isn’t only about executing a perfect plate—it’s about what you stand for as a chef, and how that shows up in your food.
How the competition works
The competition divides applicants into 15 regions, with selections supported by ALMA, the International School of Italian Culinary Arts.
Here’s the flow:
- Applications open (Feb. 16 to June 9, 2026)
- Shortlisted candidates are selected within each region
- Chefs compete in 15 Regional Finals
- Regional winners advance to the Grand Finale
At the Grand Finale, finalists present their dishes to an international jury of renowned chefs.
Alongside the main title, participants can also compete for three collateral awards that recognize:
- Social responsibility
- Connection to culinary heritage
- Expression of personal belief through food
New this edition: mentorship that extends beyond the finale
One of the most interesting updates this year is a new mentorship initiative, aimed at reinforcing the Academy’s long-term commitment to supporting chefs beyond the competition cycle.
As part of that initiative, Ardy Ferguson (Global Winner of the 2024–25 edition) will complete a dedicated mentorship experience, spending three weeks working alongside two internationally recognized chefs who served on the previous jury:
- Julien Royer (Odette, Singapore)
- Jeremy Chan (Ikoyi, London)
Ferguson described the Academy as a career-shaping experience, noting that the continued learning opportunity is a way to keep pushing his craft and build on what the program offers.
Royer and Chan both emphasized what the competition is really testing: not only skill, but conviction—the ability to refine a vision and cook with individuality under pressure.
What applicants need to submit
To apply, chefs under 30 are invited to submit a signature dish that reflects:
- Personal belief
- Technical skill
- Creativity
If you’ve been building a dish that tells your story—your background, your values, your obsession, your point of view—this is the moment the competition is designed for.
Key dates and link
- Applications open: February 16, 2026
- Applications close: June 9, 2026
- Apply / learn more: https://www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com/
Source: PRNewswire
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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