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Make Nutrition the Focus of School Day Meals

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Last Updated on September 1, 2025 by Daily News Staff

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Make Nutrition the Focus of School Day Meals

(Family Features) When planning for school days, “quick and easy meals” may be the first goals on your list, but as any busy parent knows, nutrition is also a top priority. The best meal choices for back-to-school season balance convenience with wholesome ingredients to help kids stay fueled and focused all day long.

If you’re looking for a nutritious, quick recipe to help your family make it through the morning this Pumpkin Pie Kefir Smoothie will be your go-to this fall. Made with Maple Hill’s Vanilla Kefir, it’s a wholesome and tasty way to serve up 100% grass-fed, organic dairy that’s free from GMOs, hormones and antibiotics.

At dinner time, turn to practical and satisfying solutions like grilled chicken paired with Greek yogurt and pesto, which lets you savor those delicious flavors of grilled fare with a better-for-you marinade that takes chicken to the next level. For a well-rounded meal, serve with whole-wheat pasta and sun-dried tomatoes.

Staples like Maple Hill’s 100% grass-fed organic dairy – rich in nutrients, free from GMOs, hormones, and antibiotics – make it easier to build meals that check all the boxes: convenient, nourishing and delicious. Plus, each product comes from farms that prioritize regenerative practices as nature intended. Consider this: 100% grass-fed organic dairy provides a 50% healthier ratio of omega 3:6 and 40% higher levels of CLA fatty acids compared to traditional organic dairy so you can always feel good about what you’re feeding your family.

To find more information about 100% grass-fed organic dairy and recipes fit for family nutrition throughout the school year, visit MapleHill.com.

School Day Meals

Pumpkin Pie Kefir Smoothie

  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup Maple Hill Creamery Vanilla Kefir, plus additional for serving
  • 20 grams unflavored collagen peptides
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 cup ice
  • ground cinnamon, to taste
  1. In high-speed blender, blend banana, pumpkin puree, 1 cup vanilla kefir, collagen peptides, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and ice until smooth.
  2. In glass, add drizzle of additional vanilla kefir then layer smoothie on top. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon, to taste.

 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

 

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Maple Hill

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Serve a Plate of Pasta Salad to Round Out Spring Picnics

If clear skies and bright sunshine have you dreaming of a fresh meal outdoors, a picnic may be just the solution. Rounding out your spread of sandwiches and cold refreshments doesn’t have to be a trick – instead, treat yourself to a light, simple side like this Picnic Pasta Salad.

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If clear skies and bright sunshine have you dreaming of a fresh meal outdoors, a picnic may be just the solution. Rounding out your spread of sandwiches and cold refreshments doesn’t have to be a trick – instead, treat yourself to a light, simple side like this Picnic Pasta Salad.

(Feature Impact) If clear skies and bright sunshine have you dreaming of a fresh meal outdoors, a picnic may be just the solution. Rounding out your spread of sandwiches and cold refreshments doesn’t have to be a trick – instead, treat yourself to a light, simple side like this Picnic Pasta Salad.

Cooked rotini is mixed with fresh veggies, tossed with Italian dressing and topped with crumbled feta cheese for a zesty complement to your favorite al fresco meals.

Visit Culinary.net to find more ways to round out a perfect picnic lunch.

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Picnic Pasta Salad

Recipe adapted from “Budget Bytes

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Servings: 10

  • 1          pound rotini pasta
  • 1          English cucumber
  • 2          bell peppers
  • 10        ounces grape tomatoes
  • 1/2       red onion
  • 2          tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/4       cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1          bottle (16 ounces) Italian dressing
  • 1/4       teaspoon salt
  • 1/4       teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain in colander and rinse with cool water; drain well.
  2. Slice cucumber into half-moons, chop bell peppers, halve tomatoes, thinly slice red onion and chop parsley. Set vegetables and parsley aside.
  3. Transfer drained pasta to large bowl. Add chopped vegetables, parsley and feta cheese.
  4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss until evenly coated. Add salt and pepper then refrigerate until ready to eat.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

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Culinary.net

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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Recipe of the Week

Dive Into Healthy Eats with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes

Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes: Inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, the aptly named Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on nourishing foods long touted as some of the healthiest by dietitians and health organizations.

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Dive Into Healthy Eats with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes

(Feature Impact) The warm weather season offers a perfect opportunity for a meal reset. Inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, the aptly named Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on nourishing foods long touted as some of the healthiest by dietitians and health organizations.

Inclusive of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and other legumes, as well as low-fat or fat-free dairy products, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts, poultry and fish – such as Genova Wild Caught Yellowfin Tuna – Mediterranean-focused dishes fit beautifully into a colorful, healthy diet. The Mediterranean Diet has also been associated with many benefits, as it includes key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids that support brain, eye and heart health. Because this way of eating also prioritizes fiber and lean protein, it also can support a healthy weight, which can fuel overall health and well-being for years to come.

Packed with protein and omega-3s, Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil is wild-caught and inspired by the flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean. Free from additives and preservatives, this convenient protein makes an easy and delicious addition to meals inspired by the region’s fresh, vibrant ingredients.

A simple, elegant Flatbread Nicoise lets tuna take center stage, melding together fresh, foolproof ingredients like baby potatoes, green beans, baby arugula, kalamata olives and red onion on top of a warm, doughy crust. Or take the taste of the Mediterranean further at lunch time with this Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad. It combines the big, bright flavors and textures of arugula, cucumber, feta, fresh dill, lemon and tuna to give your tastebuds a happy zing and keep you satisfied until dinner.

For more information, including recipes, serving suggestions and a product locator, visit GenovaSeafood.com.

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Flatbread Nicoise

Total time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 4          ounces baby potatoes, well-scrubbed
  • 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1          pound store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2          ounces green beans or haricot verts, trimmed
  • 1          can (5 ounces) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
  • 1 1/2    teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2       cup baby arugula
  • 1/2       cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4       cup pitted kalamata or nicoise olives, halved
  • 1/4       small red onion, thinly sliced
  1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Using mandolin, thinly slice potatoes.
  2. Drizzle 9-by-13-inch baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread pizza dough to edges. Shingle potatoes over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
  3. Bake pizza until cooked through and crust is golden, about 25 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
  4. Bring small saucepan of salted water to boil. Add green beans and cook until bright green and crisp tender, about 3 minutes. Strain, rinse with cool water and drain well. Transfer to work surface and cut each bean into thirds on bias.
  5. Strain oil from tuna can into small bowl and whisk vinegar into oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  6. Sprinkle slightly cooled pizza with arugula, tuna, tomatoes, olives, green beans and red onion. Drizzle with vinegar dressing then slice and serve warm.
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Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 3          cups arugula
  • 1          cup cherry tomatoes, each cut in half
  • 1/2       English cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1/2       cup feta cheese chunks
  • 1/4       cup sliced red onion
  • 2          tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill, plus additional for topping (optional)
  • 2          cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil

Dressing:

  • 2          tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1          tablespoon fresh chopped dill
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/4       teaspoon ground black pepper
  1. In large bowl or on platter, lay arugula. Place cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, red onion and dill over arugula. Top with tuna; reserve oil from cans.
  2. To make dressing: In small bowl, combine lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Whisk in reserved olive oil from tuna cans until mixture is well blended.
  3. Before serving, drizzle dressing over salad and top with additional chopped dill, if desired.
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Genova Tuna

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Food and Beverage

Easy, Creamy Spring Goodness

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Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Rod Washington

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(Family Features) For a soup that smells as divine as it tastes, warm up your home with the fresh scents and flavors of Creamy Asparagus Soup. Pair with chicken salad croissants for a simple weeknight meal without the hassle then visit Culinary.net to discover more spring soup solutions.

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Creamy Asparagus Soup

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 4-6

  • 2 asparagus bundles
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 3 cups broth of choice, divided
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons celery salt
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • chicken salad croissants, for serving
  1. Chop asparagus into bite-size pieces. In large pot, place asparagus, butter, onion powder, garlic powder and 1 cup broth. Cook over medium heat until asparagus gets tender.
  2. Transfer to blender with 1 cup broth and blend until smooth. Transfer back to pot and, over medium heat, mix in cream cheese, remaining broth and Parmesan cheese. Add celery salt and Italian seasoning. Cook while stirring, blending seasonings in well, then add heavy cream.
  3. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with chicken salad croissants.

 

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