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Make Weeknight Meals a Breeze

Weeknight Meals: Embrace busy weeknights with quick, nutrient-rich meals like Pork Chops in Creamy Mustard-Peppercorn Sauce or Roasted Chicken and Zucchini Tostadas, perfect for enjoying family time and celebrating daily achievements.

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Last Updated on September 1, 2024 by Daily News Staff

Weeknight Meals

Weeknight Meals

(Family Features) After a long day in the classroom or at the office, it’s tough to top bringing the family together with a home-cooked meal. When evenings are busy with homework and activities, however, there might be little time left for complicated dishes.

Take those schedules on with a menu of delicious recipes that require 30 minutes or less so you can focus on celebrating the day’s accomplishments with loved ones. These simple yet flavorful ideas from Milk Means More call for limited instructions and ingredients lists fueled by dairy favorites that provide nutrients to recharge the entire family.

Pork Chops in Creamy Mustard-Peppercorn Sauce feature the sharp yet balanced taste of mustard and cracked black peppercorns as an easy way to dress up pork chops. For a tasty twist on Taco Tuesday, “beat the clock” with Roasted Chicken and Zucchini Tostadas by crisping corn tortillas under the broiler then topping with a tangy yogurt spread, cumin-seasoned chicken, veggies and shredded cheese.

Turn your hectic weeknights into cause for celebration with more quick and easy recipe ideas at MilkMeansMore.org.

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Pork Chops in Creamy Mustard-Peppercorn Sauce

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary Dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 3/4 cup evaporated 2% milk
  • 3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard or Dijon mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon coarsely cracked black peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
  • 4 boneless pork loin chops (1 1/4 pounds), cut 3/4-inch thick
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • cooked noodles or rice (optional)
  • chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  1. In bowl, whisk milk, mustard, peppercorns and flour. Set aside.
  2. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides of chops with salt.
  3. In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook pork chops 3-4 minutes, or until browned. Turn and cook 3-4 minutes, or until thermometer inserted in thickest part of chops reads 145 F. Transfer chops to serving platter. Loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
  4. Add garlic to drippings in skillet. Cook 15 seconds. Stir in broth. Cook, stirring constantly, until most liquid evaporates. Stir in milk mixture and any accumulated juices from cooked pork. Cook and stir until just boiling. Immediately remove from heat and spoon sauce over chops.
  5. Serve with noodles or rice, if desired. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Weeknight Meals

Roasted Chicken and Zucchini Tostadas

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary Dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 12 street taco-size corn tortillas
  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 5%)
  • 3 teaspoons lime juice, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded or chopped rotisserie-roasted chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup seeded and chopped tomato
  • 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  1. Heat oven to broil.
  2. Line large baking sheet or 18-by-13-by-1-inch baking pan with foil. Arrange tortillas in single layer on pan. Lightly spray tortillas with nonstick cooking spray. Broil about 5 inches from heat 4-6 minutes, or until beginning to brown on one side. Remove from broiler. Carefully turn tortillas over.
  3. In medium bowl, stir yogurt, 1 teaspoon lime juice and garlic powder. Set aside. In another bowl, toss chicken, tomato, zucchini, remaining lime juice, olive oil, cumin and cayenne pepper.
  4. Spread yogurt mixture on unbrowned sides of tortillas. Top with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil about 5 inches from heat 2-3 minutes, or until hot and cheese melts. Serve immediately.

Photo courtesy of Jenny Struik of “Jenny with the Good Eats” (Pasta with Yogurt Sauce)

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeaturesMake Weeknight Meals a Breeze
SOURCE:
United Dairy Industry of Michigan

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

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    Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington

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Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington

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A Sweet, Seasonal Spice Cake

Pumpkin spice may be all the rage this time of year, but don’t forget another fruit that’s sure to please: sweet, delicious apples. For an ooey-gooey breakfast, office snack or potluck dessert, turn to this Apple Spice Cake.

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A Sweet, Seasonal Spice Cake

A Sweet, Seasonal Spice Cake

(Family Features) Pumpkin spice may be all the rage this time of year, but don’t forget another fruit that’s sure to please: sweet, delicious apples. For an ooey-gooey breakfast, office snack or potluck dessert, turn to this Apple Spice Cake that looks and tastes like it’s made for the season. Visit Culinary.net to discover more recipe inspiration. 17702 AppleSpiceCake detail embed

Apple Spice Cake

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
  • 2          apples
  • 3          tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1          tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1          tablespoon flour (optional)
  • 1          box spice cake mix
  • 1          stick butter, melted
  • 4          eggs
  • 1          cup milk
Glaze:
  • 1 1/2    cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3       tablespoons milk
  • 1          cup chopped pecans
  1. Heat oven to 350 F.
  2. Peel, core and chop apples into bite-sized pieces. In bowl, mix apples with brown sugar, cinnamon and flour, if desired, which helps keep apples from sinking to bottom. Set aside.
  3. In large mixing bowl, mix spice cake mix, butter, eggs and milk. Mix in apples and pour into 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  4. Let cool.
  5. To make glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk; pour over cooled cake.
  6. Top with pecans.
collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Culinary.net
The fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCal
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Recipe of the Week

Holiday Desserts Just Got a Dairy-Forward Upgrade

Holiday Desserts: From festive cookies to indulgent dips, these delicious desserts bring people together to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking to impress guests, Santa Cookies are the ultimate treat. For a unique twist, try Gingerbread Dip, featuring vanilla Greek yogurt made with 100% grass-fed organic milk.

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Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Rod Washington

Holiday Desserts Just Got a Dairy-Forward Upgrade

Holiday Desserts Just Got a Dairy-Forward Upgrade

(Family Features) Holiday desserts set the stage for seasonal delight and add a touch of joy to gatherings. From festive cookies to indulgent dips, these delicious desserts bring people together to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking to impress guests, Santa Cookies are the ultimate treat. Made with Maple Hill Salted Butter, they’re rich, soft and full of festive spirit. For a unique twist, try Gingerbread Dip, featuring vanilla Greek yogurt made with 100% grass-fed organic milk. Whether you’re hosting or deciding what to bring to the potluck, Maple Hill’s 100% grass-fed organic dairy makes it easy to whip up desserts that are as wholesome as they are delicious. Rich in nutrients and free from GMOs, hormones and antibiotics, each product comes from farms that prioritize regenerative practices as nature intended. With a 40% healthier ratio of omega 3:6 and 40% higher levels of CLA fatty acids compared to traditional organic dairy, you can feel good about sweet treats at the holiday table. To find more recipes, visit MapleHill.com. 17445 detail embed1

Santa Cookies

Yield: 14 cookies
  • 1          cup (2 sticks) Maple Hill Salted Butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2       cup brown sugar
  • 1          tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1          large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 1/4    cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4       teaspoon salt
  • 1          teaspoon red food coloring
  • mini chocolate chips
  • mini red chocolate-coated candies
Frosting:
  • 1/2       cup (1 stick) Maple Hill Salted Butter, at room temperature
  • 4          ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2    cups powdered sugar
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat until combined. Add flour and salt; mix until dough begins to form ball.
  3. Remove 1 cup dough and set aside. Add red food coloring to remaining dough.
  4. From red cookie dough, make one 1-inch ball and five 1/2-inch balls. From plain cookie dough, make one 3/4-inch ball and five 1/4-inch balls.
  5. On prepared baking sheet, place red 1-inch ball and gently flatten until 1/2-inch thick. Attach four red 1/2-inch balls for arms and legs. Attach plain 3/4-inch ball for head and gently flatten until 1/2-inch thick. Attach plain 1/4-inch balls for hands and feet. Shape remaining red 1/2-inch ball into triangle for hat and attach. Repeat with remaining dough, arranging cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Add chocolate candies for eyes and buttons.
  6. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  7. To make frosting: In medium bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; mix until combined.
  8. To decorate: Place half of frosting in piping bag with small tip to line Santa’s arms and legs. Place other half in second piping bag with small star tip to add Santa’s beard, hat and hands. Put small dot of icing between eyes and beard and place red mini chocolate-coated candy on face for nose.
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Gingerbread Dip

Servings: 8-12
  • 4          ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/4       cup brown sugar
  • 1/4       cup powdered sugar
  • 3          tablespoons molasses
  • 1          container (16 ounces) Maple Hill Vanilla Greek Yogurt
  • 1          teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1          teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1          teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2          cups whipped cream
  • graham crackers
  • fruit
  1. In medium bowl using electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and sugars about 1 minute. Add molasses and mix until combined.
  2. Add Greek yogurt, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg; beat until combined. Fold in whipped cream and mix until fully incorporated. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving or overnight.
  3. Serve with graham crackers and fruit.
collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Maple Hill

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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Food and Beverage

Usher in Cool Weather with Easy Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin may be a classic fall flavor, but there’s no reason you can’t satisfy your craving for savory comfort foods all year long. Its smooth, creamy texture is a go-to ingredient for a variety of recipes, including this heartwarming and simple easy Pumpkin Soup.

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Usher in Cool Weather with Easy Pumpkin Soup

(Family Features) Pumpkin may be a classic fall flavor, but there’s no reason you can’t satisfy your craving for savory comfort foods all year long. Forget spiced latte; with its wholesome nutrition and plenty of earthy flavor, pumpkin is the perfect ingredient for all kinds of flavorful dishes. It may inspire a warm, fall feeling but it’s much more than a seasonal product. Pumpkin puree can be enjoyed all year long mixed into your favorite baked goods, stirred into chilis or even scooped into your morning smoothie. The smooth, creamy texture of Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin, made in the United States with premium quality in mind, is a go-to ingredient for a variety of recipes, including this heartwarming and simple Pumpkin Soup. Simply simmer the pumpkin puree with coconut cream, vegetable stock, garlic and ginger for a soup that is comfort in a bowl. Explore new ways to enjoy seasonal recipes at greengiantvegetables.com.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

17568 VID Pumpkin Soup detail image embed Pumpkin Soup Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4
  • 1 can (15 ounces) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • coconut rice, for serving (optional)
  • bread, for serving (optional)
  1. In saucepan over medium heat, combine pumpkin, coconut cream, vegetable stock, garlic, ginger and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir until well incorporated, cook 10 minutes.
  2. Serve over coconut rice or with bread, if desired.
Notes: For an elegant garnish, top with toasted pepitas, pumpkin seeds or swirl of coconut milk. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months. Thaw frozen coconut ginger pumpkin soup in fridge then reheat in microwave or saucepan on stovetop. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Green Giant Pumpkin
The fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCal
Link: https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/

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