Food and Beverage
Inspire Creativity with Fun Snack Hacks
Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) School days offer nearly endless opportunities for learning and exploration in the classroom, but education doesn’t have to end with the final bell. Parents can ensure their students feel energetic, creative and confident by inspiring snack choices that are as smart as they are fun to make together.
Whether you’re whipping up a snack to send to school or your little learners need an energy boost before starting afternoon homework, creative snacking can help encourage inspiration. As a trusted ally with better-for-you and convenient whole-fruit lunchbox snacks kids can enjoy, Sun-Maid offers these easy tips and ways to embrace the fun side of snack time.
- Keep It Simple: Look for recipes with five ingredients or less so your children can show their artful nature without becoming overwhelmed. Plus, this often leads to a more budget-friendly at-home treat.
- Shop Together: Gathering ingredients and equipment is an important part of any recipe, and bringing your future chefs along helps them feel like it’s their creation from start to finish. Additionally, some important life lessons can be learned along the way, like how to navigate the store and compare costs.
- Provide Kid-Friendly Instructions: There are many ways kids can lend a hand in making their own snacks, like mixing ingredients, washing produce or arranging a plate or platter. However, some steps are best left to the adults – make sure to do any cutting, slicing or dicing before letting children take the reins, for example, then just enjoy the creative fun.
With childhood favorites like crackers, marshmallows and vanilla yogurt covered raisins, Gimme S’mores Trail Mix offers a perfect way to get young minds thinking in the kitchen. A little guidance is all it takes to teach them each step of the recipe to make a crafty, delicious treat. Plus, with only a few simple ingredients that just need to be mixed together, it’s a low-stress, low-mess way to cook up creativity.
For a healthier version of a snack time superstar, Apple Nachos combine sweet apples like Honeycrisp, peanut butter and versatile, whole-fruit Sun-Maid Raisins. Naturally made with nothing but grapes and California sunshine, these sweet raisins have been trusted as a better-for-you snack for kids and grown-up kids alike since 1912.
With zero grams of added sugars, they give parents the confidence they need to choose snacks that provide both great taste and nutrition for a happy and healthy family. As a household staple, they can be enjoyed as part of tasty recipes or as a standalone treat kids crave and parents approve.
Find more sweet ideas to inspire confidence and creativity at sunmaid.com.
Gimme S’mores Trail Mix
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
- 1/2 cup Sun-Maid Vanilla Yogurt Covered Raisins
- 3 cups graham crackers, assorted flavors
- 1 1/2 cups colored mini marshmallows
- 2 cups slivered almonds
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- In large bowl, mix raisins, graham crackers, marshmallows, almonds and chocolate chips.
- Serve immediately, or store in airtight container up to 1 week.
Apple Nachos
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute
Servings: 4
- 5 sweet apples, such as Honeycrisp
- lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/2 cup Sun-Maid California Sun-Dried Raisins
- Wash and slice apples.
- Arrange one layer of sliced apples on serving plate. To keep apples from browning quickly, squeeze lemon juice on top, if desired.
- In microwave, melt peanut butter about 30 seconds until smooth.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon peanut butter over first layer of apples. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup raisins.
- Repeat with remaining apples, peanut butter and raisins.
SOURCE:
Sun-Maid Raisins
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/category/food-and-beverage
You can also find food and beverage-related videos on our YouTube channel, where we regularly post new content and share tips, recipes, and demonstrations. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhXBupt8tVynuUhpQZMxQt4lvPmOiAtQ&si=InDwc7YaB0KIwmxy
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Child Health
5 Health Benefits of Whole Milk for Kids
5 Health Benefits of Whole Milk for Kids: With 13 essential nutrients and vitamins – including calcium, vitamin D and protein – real dairy milk is a simple, nutrient-dense staple. It’s also an easy addition to family favorites like Breakfast Cookies and Homemade Cream of Tomato Soup.
Last Updated on November 16, 2025 by Rod Washington
5 Health Benefits of Whole Milk for Kids
(Family Features) Forget the outdated nutrition advice that told parents to skip whole milk. A growing body of research is turning that idea on its head, making it time to rethink what “healthy” means for growing kids. For decades, families have been told low-fat milk is the best choice once children turn 2. However, those recommendations were largely based on data from adults, not children. Today’s evidence paints a different picture – one where whole milk supports kids’ growth, development and long-term health. “Parents are often surprised to learn whole milk isn’t just safe – it’s beneficial,” said Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, nutrition consultant and spokesperson for Dairy Farmers of America. “When we look at the latest research, whole milk provides the high-quality protein, healthy fats and essential nutrients kids need during key stages of development – without increasing risk for obesity or heart disease.” With 13 essential nutrients and vitamins – including calcium, vitamin D and protein – real dairy milk is a simple, nutrient-dense staple. It’s also an easy addition to family favorites like Breakfast Cookies and Homemade Cream of Tomato Soup. Here are five research-backed reasons to feel confident about choosing whole milk. Whole milk is not associated with higher obesity rates. Multiple large-scale studies from “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” the “International Journal of Obesity” and “Preventive Medicine Reports” show children who drink whole milk have lower or similar body fat levels compared to those drinking reduced-fat milk. Whole milk does not increase risk of heart disease. According to “Advances in Nutrition,” whole milk does not increase cardiometabolic risk in kids; in fact, it’s associated with better vitamin D levels with no adverse effects on cholesterol or glucose. It’s nutrient-dense and supports optimal growth. All types of milk, including whole, provide essential nutrients like calcium, protein and vitamins A and D – all critical for bone development and healthy growth in children, per “Nutrition Research Reviews.” Kids like the taste – and that matters. Children often prefer the taste of whole milk over low-fat versions, according to the “Journal of Dairy Science,” which can lead to more consistent consumption. Adults may benefit, too. Among adults, full-fat dairy is associated with greater satiety, improved blood sugar regulation and a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, according to a study published in “Nutrition & Metabolism,” helping reframe full-fat dairy as part of a balanced diet. Learn more at DFAMilk.com.
Breakfast Cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 12 Cookie Base:- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heat oven to 350 F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
- In large bowl, stir oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. In medium bowl, stir butter, milk, egg and vanilla until well mixed; add to oat mixture. Stir until combined and evenly moistened.
- Drop 1/4 cup dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Slightly flatten dough with hand.
- Bake 15-17 minutes, or until lightly browned, firm to touch and baked through. Move to wire rack to cool.
- Variations: Add maple syrup and crumbled bacon; sliced almonds, dried cherries and almond extract; semisweet chocolate chips and banana pieces; or peanuts and peanut butter.
Homemade Cream of Tomato Soup
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2-3 cups milk
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- In 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil; add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add tomatoes, parsley and baking soda. Cook until mixture comes to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 10 minutes. Stir in basil and honey.
- Stir in milk to reach desired consistency. Cook over medium-high heat until heated through, 2-3 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Garnish with basil leaves, if desired.
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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Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Take Taco Tuesday up a notch with these easy Taco Cups that save room on your plate for dips, salsa and sides. Whether you like them mild or spicy, lightly topped or fully loaded, they’re a perfect solution for weeknight family dinners or weekend get-togethers. Find more Cookin’ Savvy creations at Culinary.net.
Taco Cups
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1-2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 package (8 count) flour tortillas
shredded cheese
lettuce
cilantro
sour cream
salsa
guacamole (optional)
black olives (optional)
Heat oven to 350 F.
Brown ground beef with taco seasoning.
Cut tortillas in half then in half again, making four pieces. Place two pieces in each hole of muffin tin. Place browned ground beef in each hole then top with shredded cheese. Bake 15 minutes, or until tortillas reach desired crispiness.
Using knife, shred lettuce and cilantro. Top each cup with sour cream, salsa, lettuce and cilantro, as desired. Add guacamole and olives, if desired.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
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Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Master Fall Hosting with a Medley of Color
(Family Features) Make fall entertaining a breeze this year, regardless of the occasion, with warm, satisfying sides that serve a crowd. Whether you’re enjoying roasted chicken, tender turkey or grilled fish for the main course, Sheet Pan Roasted Grapes and Sweet Potatoes provide a medley of color and taste that call to mind the flavors of the season. As an effortless solution to please guests, this one-pan recipe lets the oven do the work while you enjoy the gathering and mingle with loved ones. Fresh California grapes are the star ingredient, versatile enough to headline fall recipes with their juicy burst of flavor and pop of color. Plus, roasting them intensifies their flavor as the natural sugars caramelize. They can elevate get-togethers throughout autumn, and when paired with sweet potatoes, red onion and tangy balsamic glaze, you can create a roasted treat that complements main courses all season long. Visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com to find healthy snacks, filling main dishes and more sides featuring the flavors and colors of fall.Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Sheet Pan Roasted Grapes and Sweet Potatoes
Servings: 6- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 cups red Grapes from California
- 1 pound orange sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 3/4 cup thinly sliced onion
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- snipped fresh basil
- Heat oven to 425 F. In large bowl, combine oil, vinegar, salt, grapes, sweet potatoes and onion, tossing well to coat. Place on large baking sheet and spread in single layer.
- Bake 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender, stirring halfway through cooking. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper, to taste, and fresh basil.
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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