Simple, Satisfying Meals for the New Year

(Family Features) While you’re easing your family back into routines in the new year, simple, wholesome meals can help you stretch your grocery dollars further and find your rhythm in the kitchen again. Satisfying and approachable recipes that come together quickly using a dependable base ingredient like beans are resonating with home cooks, helping take the pressure out of cooking. Grown, cooked and canned in America, Bush’s Recipe Beans add plant-based protein and fiber to any dish, making it easy to achieve new year’s goals while bringing flavorful meals with high-quality ingredients to the table. For a warm, colorful way to start your morning without spending extra time in the kitchen, consider this Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl, which satisfies both eyes and stomachs through a combination of black beans, eggs and sauteed vegetables. Or put a Mediterranean twist on lunch and dinner with this Greek Dense Bean Salad, a bright, fresh dish that includes chick peas and cannellini beans. Visit bushbeans.com for more meal ideas that help you cook more, spend less and gather with loved ones.

Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 2

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1          small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 2          cups cooked sweet potatoes
• 1          can (15 ounces) Bush’s Black Beans, drained
• 1          teaspoon chili powder
• 2          fried eggs
• 1          avocado, sliced
• cotija cheese, crumbled
• lime wedges, for serving

1. In large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until peppers are softened, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Add sweet potatoes, black beans and chili powder; stir to combine. Cook until potatoes and beans are warmed through, 4-5 minutes.
3. Divide bean mixture between two bowls. Top each bowl with fried egg, avocado slices and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges.

Greek Dense Bean Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes Servings: 6-8 Dressing:

• 1/4       cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2          tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1          garlic clove, minced
• 1          teaspoon dried oregano
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1/2       cup plain yogurt
• 1/4       cucumber, grated, excess water drained
• 2          teaspoons lemon juice
• 2          teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic, minced
• 2          teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Salad:

• 1          can (16 ounces) Bush’s Chick Peas, drained and rinsed
• 1          can (15 1/2 ounces) Bush’s Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1          cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2       cup red onion, diced
• 1          cucumber, seeded and diced
• 1/2       cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2       cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4       cup fresh parsley, chopped
•             Greek dressing (directions below)
• 1          cup tzatziki sauce (directions below)
• chicken skewers (optional), for serving

1. To make dressing: In food processor or blender, blend olive oil; red wine vinegar; lemon juice; Dijon mustard; garlic; oregano; and salt and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Set aside.
2. To make tzatziki sauce: In bowl, stir yogurt; cucumber; lemon juice; olive oil; garlic; dill; and salt and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Set aside.
3. To make salad: In large bowl, combine chick peas, cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, feta cheese and parsley; toss with dressing.
4. Top with tzatziki sauce and serve with chicken skewers, if desired.
5. Chef’s tip: Store leftover tzatziki sauce separate from salad.

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Last Updated on January 15, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Easy Bites for the Big Game

(Family Features) Whether you’re tailgating with friends or hosting a watch party at home, every football fan needs a game plan to crunch, dip and cheer their way through opening kickoff, halftime and right down to the final play of the game. Some of the best game day grub is hearty and savory but adding layers of flavor and texture can take recipes to the next level. For example, these Burger Bowls feature all the classic ingredients of a great burger, just without the bun. A tasty option for gluten-free guests or those who are cutting carbs, the bowls are made with Dandy Iceberg Lettuce from Duda Farm Fresh Foods, which boasts a legacy of quality, innovation and consistency in fresh produce cultivation since 1926. Pulled pork, another tailgating treasure, gets an instant upgrade with the crunch of a fresh coleslaw topper and zesty pickled celery and jalapenos on the side. The winning play is to use crisp, fresh celery for the best flavors and a satisfying crunch with every bite. Since celery is 95% water and high in fiber, it leaves fans feeling comfortably full and ready to root for their favorite team. This season, keep your snacks fresh and healthy while winning prizes like product coupons and gift cards to stock up for the next game through the Dip It to Win It Sweepstakes. Visit dudafresh.com to learn more and find additional game day recipes.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Pickled Celery and Jalapenos

Recipe courtesy of The Adventure Bite Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 hours Servings: 9-10

• 4 1/2    pounds pork shoulder or Boston butt
• 26        ounces sweet and spicy barbecue sauce
• 1/2       tablespoon garlic
• 1/2       tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper
•             fresh sandwich buns
•             Dandy Celery, cut and pickled
•             jalapenos
•             coleslaw (optional)
•             potato salad (optional)
•             baked beans (optional)

1. Place pork in slow cooker.
2. Mix barbecue sauce, garlic and pepper. Pour over pork shoulder.
3. Cook on low 8 1/2-10 hours or high 6-7 hours.
4. Shred meat and serve on buns with pickled celery and jalapenos. Top with coleslaw, if desired. Serve with potato salad or baked beans, if desired.

Burger Bowls

Recipe courtesy of Casa de Crews Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 Burger Bowls:

• 2          cups French fries, homemade or frozen
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          small yellow onion, diced
• 1          pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1          teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
• Dandy Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
• 2-3       Roma tomatoes, diced
• pickle chips or spears, chopped
• cheddar cheese, shredded

Burger Sauce:

• 1/3       cup mayonnaise
• 2          tablespoons ketchup
• 1          tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• 1          tablespoon pickle juice
• 1          teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1          teaspoon onion powder
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika

1. To make burger bowls: Cook French fries according to package directions.
2. In medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and saute until translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add ground beef to skillet, breaking up meat with spatula. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper; brown until cooked through. Drain and discard excess liquid and grease.
3. To make burger sauce: In jar, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika well to combine.
4. Assemble bowls with layer of shredded lettuce, 3-4 ounces ground beef, diced tomatoes, pickles, cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup fries.
5. Drizzle with burger sauce and mix well.
6. Tip: Burger sauce can be made in advance and stored in refrigerator in jar with airtight lid.

Easy Bites for the Big Game

SOURCE: Duda Farm Fresh Foods

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Mix a Little Luck into Your Big Game Menu

(Family Features) Picture this: Your team is down three points, but the taste of victory is just one field goal away. Sometimes, all you need is a little luck and a whole lot of guac. After all, an estimated 250 million pounds of avocados are consumed during the Big Game each year, according to Hass Avocado Board Volume Data. That’s enough to fill 30 million football helmets with guac – but filling your belly instead is a win-win for good luck and great flavor. Dip into good fortune this football season with help from Avocado From Mexico’s Guac Guru, Rob Riggle, whose visionary Good Luck Guac recipe is ready to share just in time for the Big Game. Whether you’re in it for the football, the commercials or the snacks, this recipe can score major points with your entire crew. Crafted for fans of every team, this bold, golden twist on a favorite football snack is infused with ingredients associated with good luck – edible gold flakes and pomegranate seeds – to get you through the most nail-biting moments of the game. The star ingredient is fresh, high-quality Avocados From Mexico that offer good taste, good nutrition, and good times. Beyond delicious dips, chips and lots of fun, hosting a watch party can also be a lot of work. Make sure your hosting duties don’t create interference or put you on the sidelines with these tips: Get a jumpstart on party prep. The day before the game, tidy up your space and prepare as much of the food as you can. For dishes best served fresh – like guac – take care of the ingredient prep, like chopping veggies. Create comfortable seating and viewing areas. For a watch party, you’ll want plenty of room for guests to sit comfortably where they can see the screen and have easy access to the guac. If there’s not enough space in the living room to fit everyone, consider bringing a TV to the kitchen so people can snack and watch at the same time. Know your guests. From non-alcoholic beverage options to additional entertainment like board games and kid-friendly activities, become a next-level party host by providing a setup tailored to your guests’ needs. One thing almost everyonecan agree on: Guac made with Avocados From Mexico can be the star of nearly any party’s snacking lineup. Make it your team’s lucky day with more game day recipes at AvocadosFromMexico.com/recipe.  

Good Luck Guac

Recipe courtesy of Rob Riggle on behalf of Avocados From Mexico

• 4          Avocados From Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled
• 1          tablespoon lime juice
• 1          tablespoon onion, minced
• 3          tablespoons pomegranate seeds
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1          pinch edible gold leaf flakes

1. In large bowl, mash avocados until chunky-smooth.
2. Fold in lime juice, onion, pomegranate seeds and salt until well combined.
3. Garnish with edible gold leaf flakes.

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