A Medley of Garden Veggies

Thyme-Roasted Garden Veggies

• 2  zucchinis
• 2 yellow squashes
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 carrots
• avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons thyme
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oven or grill to 425 F.
2. Cut zucchinis, squashes, tomatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Place on lined baking sheet. Drizzle with avocado oil. Sprinkle with thyme and garlic then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top with Parmesan cheese.
3. Bake or grill 30 minutes until fork tender.

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/

Last Updated on November 10, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Learning to Cook Starts Here: Easy Chicken Alfredo for Beginners

If you’ve ever stared at your stove wondering “Where do I even start?”, you’re not alone. Cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating, expensive, or complicated. In fact, the more you cook, the more confidence you’ll build — and the more money you’ll save.

You don’t need fancy gadgets or culinary school training. You just need a few basic ingredients, a little time, and a willingness to learn. Let’s start with something simple, comforting, and delicious: Chicken Alfredo made with a jar of sauce and a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.

This recipe will teach you essential kitchen skills — boiling pasta, cooking chicken, and combining everything into a hearty meal that tastes like restaurant comfort food (without the $20 plate price tag).

🧂 What You’ll Need:

• 1 lb (about 2 medium) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 8 ounces fettuccine or any pasta you like
• 1 jar (14–16 oz) Alfredo sauce
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt — this makes your pasta taste better.

Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions (usually around 8–10 minutes).

Once it’s tender but not mushy, drain it and set it aside.

📝 Tip: Don’t toss the pasta water down the drain too quickly! A small splash of it can help loosen your sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel — this helps it brown instead of steam.

Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter.

When the pan is hot, lay the chicken in gently (you should hear a sizzle).

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Cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips or cubes.

📝 Tip: Cutting into the chicken right away makes the juices run out — letting it rest keeps it juicy!

Step 3: Warm the Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in your jar of Alfredo sauce.

Turn the heat to medium-low and stir until warm.

If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk or cream.

📝 Bonus Tip: You can add minced garlic or a small handful of shredded cheese to make your sauce taste more “homemade.”

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add your cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the pan of Alfredo sauce.

Stir everything together until coated evenly and heated through.

Top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if you have it.

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Congratulations — you just made Chicken Alfredo from start to finish!

💡 Cooking Confidence Tip:

Cooking at home is one of the best ways to save money. A single restaurant plate of Chicken Alfredo can cost $15–$20. Making it yourself? Around $3–$4 per serving.

The more often you cook, the less you’ll rely on takeout — and soon you’ll be tweaking recipes, experimenting with flavors, and eventually creating your own dishes from scratch.

🥦 Make It Your Own:

Once you’re comfortable with this recipe, try adding your own twist:

• Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
• Mix in spinach or red pepper flakes for color and flavor.

🍴 Final Thoughts:

Cooking isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. Start simple, learn the basics, and grow from there.

Today, you made Chicken Alfredo. Tomorrow, you might be making your own homemade sauce. And one day, you’ll look back and realize: You taught yourself how to cook.

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 8, 2025 by Daily News Staff

As the federal government shutdown stretches on, millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are feeling the impact. With funding frozen and contingency reserves covering only partial benefits, families across the country are facing uncertainty at the grocery checkout line.

While federal agencies work to find a resolution, community support has never been more important. If you’re wondering what you can do to help—or if you’re affected yourself—here are a few practical ways to take action and make a difference.

1.

Stay Informed and Share Reliable Updates

Misinformation spreads fast during a crisis. Always rely on trusted sources like the USDA, your state’s human services department, or local news outlets for updates on benefit distribution.

You can also visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap to track official announcements.

Sharing verified information with friends, family, or local community groups helps ensure that no one misses critical updates about their benefits or local resources.

2.

Support Local Food Banks and Pantries

Food banks and community pantries are stepping up to fill the gap left by delayed SNAP benefits—but many are stretched thin.

If you’re able, consider:

• Donating food staples: rice, pasta, canned protein, and shelf-stable milk are always needed.

• Making a financial contribution: even small donations go further than you think.

• Volunteering your time: help with food distribution, delivery, or sorting donations.

Organizations like Feeding America, local churches, and community centers are coordinating extra outreach right now.

3.

Advocate for Your Community

Reach out to your elected officials—local, state, and federal. Let them know how the shutdown and benefit delays are affecting families in your area.

You can call, email, or attend town hall meetings. Clear, compassionate stories from everyday citizens carry weight and remind leaders that policy delays have real human costs.

4.

Check on Neighbors and Friends

Sometimes, the best help comes through small, personal actions.

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If you know someone who relies on SNAP—especially seniors, single parents, or those without reliable transportation—offer to share a meal, give them a ride to a food pantry, or help them apply for local relief programs.

5.

Explore Temporary Assistance and Discounts

While federal aid is limited during the shutdown, some grocery stores, delivery apps, and local organizations are stepping in to help.

Several retailers and food delivery services are offering temporary discounts or grocery credit for affected families. You can check People.com’s list of offers for more information.

6.

If You’re Affected: Plan Conservatively

If your SNAP allotment for November was reduced or delayed, it’s important to stretch existing resources:

• Use what’s already on your EBT card before new funds arrive.

• Cook simple, low-cost meals that make the most of pantry staples.

• Look for “community meals” at local schools, senior centers, or nonprofits.

• Avoid large bulk purchases until you know your next benefit date.

7.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

Millions of Americans are in this together. The shutdown is a national issue, but local communities have the power to soften its impact through compassion, awareness, and action.

Until Washington resolves its impasse, small efforts—like volunteering, sharing accurate information, or helping a neighbor—can make a big difference.

Related links:

• Map Shows States Covering SNAP Benefits Amid Funding Lapse (Newsweek)

• USDA SNAP Program Updates

• How to Get Free Food From Delivery Services if You Lose SNAP Benefits (People)

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