Food and Beverage
Mix Up the Everyday: New Ways to Elevate At-Home Cooking
This article explores innovative approaches to enhance at-home cooking, encouraging families to integrate new techniques and ideas into their culinary routines. Suggestions include meal prepping, joining cookbook clubs, simplifying cleanup with advanced detergents, incorporating meatless meals, and starting a garden, all aimed at refreshing family cooking traditions.
Last Updated on April 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Mix Up the Everyday: New Ways to Elevate At-Home Cooking
(Feature Impact) Most families know and love their tried-and-true family traditions, especially when it comes to the secret sauces, time-tested techniques and recipes that deserve to be passed down from generation to generation. No matter how legendary the home cooks, though, there’s always room for new tricks, whether it’s a fresh spin on a classic dish or a smarter tool that makes the after-dinner cleanup effortless.
Incorporating new techniques and fresh ideas can invigorate your everyday cooking in unexpected ways. Consider these grandma-approved twists on tradition from the experts at Finish, who offer winning ways to enhance cleanup no matter what techniques you turn to in the kitchen.
Plan Ahead
If you’re used to throwing together dinner at the last minute, learning to meal prep can help with trying new recipes. Take a look at what you have on hand before scouring a few cookbooks (or cooking websites) for appetizing dishes to try then head to the store to fill in the missing ingredients. Meal planning may save you time, money and, perhaps, a little sanity – and potentially help you branch out your menu, too.
Club It Up
Joining a cookbook club allows you to flex your social muscles and sample new recipes and techniques from different cultures with fellow foodies. For example, this savory, meat-free Lubiyeh recipe just may become a new household favorite. Featuring stewed green beans simmered in a vegan broth with the added kick of Aleppo pepper and sweet red pepper paste, it’s both bright and rich, and pairs well with rice, lavash or thin pita with a smattering of raw onions for a little extra punch.
Simplify Cleanup
Once the cookbooks have been shelved and the plates have been cleared, tackle the cleaning jobs with an option like the new Finish Ultimate Quantum – their breakthrough dishwashing detergent with Finish’s most advanced formula yet – offering an unbeatable clean even on tough stains in hard water (220 PPM). This grandma-approved technique can help you conquer clean dishes, so it makes sense to switch.
Veg Out
If meat is in constant rotation at your house, consider rotating in a Meatless Monday meal like pasta primavera, or celebrate your own version of Taco Tuesday with bean- or lentil-based tacos instead of chicken, pork or beef. Opting for vegetarian or vegan meals utilizing hearty veggies like squash, eggplant and potatoes can help you save money at the grocery store and nourish your body with heart-healthy nutrients.
Grow a Garden
Starting a garden may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can begin with a few herbs growing on a windowsill before embarking on a bigger outdoor gardening project, where transforming a small patch of earth for growing vegetables, herbs or berry bushes can be just the thing to elevate eating at home.
To learn more, visit finishdishwashing.com.
Lubiyeh
(Lebanese Green Beans Stewed with Tomatoes and Garlic)
Recipe courtesy of Jeanette Chawki and the League of Kitchens on behalf of Finish
Servings: 4-6
- 2 pounds string beans or flat green beans
- 1/8 pound garlic (about 18 medium cloves)
- 7 1/2 cups water, divided
- 1 1/4 pounds plum tomatoes (about 5)
- 1 tablespoon sweet red pepper paste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/2-1 teaspoon crushed Aleppo pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 large white or yellow onion, for serving
- thin pita, lavash or another flatbread, for serving (optional)
- Trim ends of string beans or flat green beans. Put beans in bowl. Use hands to break beans into 2-3 pieces about 1 1/2 inches long.
- Peel garlic. Trim rough or damaged root ends and cut large cloves in half lengthwise.
- In medium saucepan, bring 6 cups water to boil. Once boiling, carefully add plum tomatoes and cook just until skins begin to break, 4-5 minutes. Turn off heat and drain. When tomatoes are cool enough to handle, remove and discard skin.
- Cut tomatoes into rough 1/2-inch chunks, removing any white or green parts near stem. Put tomato chunks in bowl. In separate small bowl, stir sweet red pepper paste, tomato paste, white sugar, crushed Aleppo pepper flakes and 1/2 cup water until paste is dissolved into liquid; set aside.
- In large wok or skillet with deep sides over high heat, heat extra-virgin olive oil.
- Add garlic and fry, shaking pot occasionally, until cloves lightly brown, about 90 seconds. Add green beans and stir with wooden spoon. Turn heat to medium-low and stir in kosher salt. Add 1 cup water and stir. Raise heat to high to bring water back to simmer then lower to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, just until beans are cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes and pepper paste mixture, increase heat to high and cook until liquid boils. Cover pot, keeping lid slightly ajar, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until tomatoes are soft, sauce has thickened slightly and garlic is tender, about 20 minutes. Taste for salt and add if needed. Keep warm until ready to serve.
- Put down clean dish towel and place onion on top. Smash onion with heavy cutting board 2-5 times then peel it.
- Squeeze whole onion over sink between hands to remove some juices. Wash onion under cold running water, squeeze it between hands again then pull it apart into pieces, removing roots and any stem, and put it on small serving plate.
- If using pita, separate circles into two thin pieces. Bake or toast thin pita, lavash or other flatbread until crispy or blackened in spots. For sandwiches, warm bread.
- Serve stewed green beans and raw onion with pita, lavash or other flatbread, either open-faced or rolled into sandwich.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (women in kitchen)
SOURCE:
Visit the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for the latest food news, beverage trends, restaurant stories, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and community-driven lifestyle coverage.
Food and Beverage
Balance Your Plate with Produce, Protein and Whole Grains
Making health-conscious decisions with your at-home menu doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require commitment and a little more foresight at the grocery store. Simple adjustments to overall eating patterns, like building your plate around produce, powerful proteins and whole grains, can encourage better health.
(Feature Impact) Making health-conscious decisions with your at-home menu doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require commitment and a little more foresight at the grocery store. Simple adjustments to overall eating patterns, like building your plate around produce, powerful proteins and whole grains, can encourage better health.
Nutritious meal-planning can be easy, affordable and delicious – and it all starts with a little balance. Consider this advice from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, nationally sponsored by the Egg Nutrition Center, to adequately round out a healthy plate.
Fill Half Your Plate with Fruits and Veggies
Loaded with nutrients, fresh produce is a perfect place to start each plate. Fill about half your plate with combinations of bananas, strawberries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots and more of your favorites. To boost variety with each meal, look for fruit and veggie blends or step out of your usual routine and try something new.
Grocery tip: Frozen fruits and veggies are often cheaper and just as delicious as their fresh counterparts. It’s frozen right after it’s picked, locking in freshness for a longer shelf life. Just be sure to avoid products with added salt or sugar.
Carve Out a Quarter of the Plate for Powerful Proteins
Healthy food isn’t just fuel. It should be easy and nourish you, too. Look for versatile solutions that provide a protein power-up like skinless chicken breast, no-salt-added beans, low-sodium tuna, tofu or eggs.
High-quality protein from foods, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help support the muscles in your body. Eggs are an example, along with lean animal protein and some plant-based proteins. According to the American Heart Association’s guidelines, healthy people can include up to one whole egg daily, and up to seven per week, as part of a heart-healthy diet. For older adults with normal cholesterol, two eggs per day is acceptable.
Eggs deliver both protein and choline, nutrients that help support growing brains and bodies, especially early in life. In fact, many Americans don’t get enough choline, a critical nutrient for supporting brain development, memory and mood.
Grocery tip: Stock up on proteins that offer both versatility and affordability, helping you cook multiple meals per week without putting a dent in your wallet. Eggs are a perfect example as they can be used at any meal, not just breakfast – try them in wraps or omelets in the morning, hard-boil them to go with a lunchtime salad or add to a frittata at dinner.
Save a Corner for Whole Grains
Finally, fill that last quarter of the plate with ready-to-go whole grains, many of which provide dietary fiber that can support a healthy heart and healthy digestion. Conversely, most refined grains contain little or no fiber.
Examples of whole grains include barley, brown rice, corn, oatmeal, rolled or steel-cut oats, popcorn, quinoa, sorghum and wild rice, along with products labeled “whole grain” or “whole wheat” like bread or pasta.
Grocery tip: Look for whole grains that can make mealtime a cinch. Corn tortillas, instant oats and even popcorn can help you create nutritious plates and better-for-you snacks with the snap of your fingers. Try keeping packets of pre-cooked brown rice on hand to bulk up favorite dishes or toss with leftovers to round out a healthy plate.
Visit Heart.org to discover more nutrition guidance for heart-healthy meals.
3 Tips to Complement a Healthy, Balanced Plate
Nutrition isn’t just about what’s on your plate – it’s also about what’s next to it and how much is on it. Pair a balanced meal with this advice to help take healthy eating to the next level.
Stay Hydrated
If it’s not already a habit, add a glass of water to each meal. Staying hydrated helps your heart pump blood throughout the body, get rid of waste and regulate body temperature. While water is the best source of hydration, water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can also play a role.
Watch Portion Sizes
Pay attention to suggested servings from your favorite food groups. For example, one slice of whole-grain bread, 1/2 cup of cooked pasta and two ounces of cheese (about the size of a domino) are the suggested serving sizes for these popular foods.
You can serve and eat smaller portions by:
- When cooking at home, offer the proper serving size to each family member then put extra food away for leftovers.
- When dining out, skip appetizers and split your meal with a friend or partner.
- Avoid eating while watching TV or at your computer. It may be harder to control how much you’re eating if you’re not paying full attention.
- Mindfully measure out your snacks – even fruits and veggies – into appropriate portions before serving instead of helping yourself directly from the bag or box.
Limit Salt
While sodium supports vital functions like controlling your body’s fluid balance, excess sodium in your bloodstream pulls water into the blood vessels, increasing the amount of blood inside them and thus increasing blood pressure. More than 70% of the sodium people eat comes from packaged, prepared and restaurant foods due to salt added for flavoring, stabilizing, preserving and reducing bacterial risk, according to the American Heart Association.
Cutting back on sodium can help reduce the rise in blood pressure that occurs as you age, even if you don’t have high blood pressure now. It may also help reduce the risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and more.
Try cooking more meals at home where you can control sodium intake, flavoring foods with herbs and spices instead of table salt and rinsing canned beans and vegetables to wash away excess sodium.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (family preparing meal)
SOURCE:
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Food and Beverage
Tackle Your Family’s Hunger with a Touch of Heat
Busy families can revitalize mealtime with Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cups, ideal for quick dishes like Hot Honey Chicken Meatball Subs and flavorful snacks like Hot Honey Chicken Rice Crackers with various dips. Explore more recipes online.
(Family Features) It’s easy to get into a recipe rut when every day feels the same – work, kids’ activities, social events and bedtime routines make it tough to experiment in the kitchen. If your family’s meals are growing boring, all you need is a touch of heat to bring new life to the menu.
Add a delicious blend of savory, sweet and a hint of spice to mealtime with Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cups, which are ready to serve fast for busy families. Packed with flavor, they complement main courses, snacks and sides without the hassle.
With just the right balance of heat and honey, they add delicious sizzle and mouthwatering flavor to recipes like Hot Honey Chicken Meatball Subs. Perfectly toasted hoagie rolls are packed with spicy, sweet chicken meatballs and smothered in melted provolone for a tough-to-top taste. Ready in 35 minutes, the subs offer a blend of convenience and gourmet flavor, making this meal an unbeatable choice at dinner time.
Sandwiches deliver an easy way to make mealtime customizable so all your loved ones are satisfied. Try topping your subs with coleslaw for a crunchy, creamy texture or pickled vegetables for an added touch of tanginess to complement the sweet, rich meatballs. For fans of spice, turn up the heat with extra hot sauce.
Solve afternoon hunger pangs with these Hot Honey Chicken Rice Crackers and Ranch Dip, loaded with the sweet heat of hot honey chicken and baked to crispy perfection. This inventive snack is uniquely crunchy and flavorful, blending fiery sweetness with savory chicken flavor as a convenient way to shake up snack time.
For the adventurous types, these homemade crackers pair with more than just ranch. Engage your taste buds further with these suggestions:
- Spicy cheese dip: Add a little extra kick with cheese dip that’s spiced up with jalapenos or chili flakes.
- Cucumber dill yogurt: A perfect match for the sweet heat of hot honey chicken with its refreshing, cooling effect.
- Barbecue sauce: Smoky and slightly sweet, it pairs well with the honey in the crackers.
- Garlic aioli: Rich and garlicky, this dip brings a robust flavor contrast to the table.
Discover more ways to shake up mealtimes by visiting MinuteRice.com.
Hot Honey Chicken Meatball Subs
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cup
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- garlic sauce, for garnish
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
- In large bowl, mix rice; chicken; salt; cayenne, if desired; and breadcrumbs.
- Use cookie scoop or hand roll chicken mixture into balls. Place on aluminum foil-lined sheet tray, leaving small space between each ball. Bake 25 minutes, flipping meatballs halfway through.
- Slice hoagies in half, lengthwise. Remove some bread from middle to make room for meatballs. Butter inside of each hoagie and place on sheet tray.
- Once meatballs are cooked through, turn broiler on high and place buttered hoagies in oven. Cook 1 minute, or until butter is melted and hoagie has browned.
- Remove hoagies from oven, place 3-4 meatballs inside (depending on size) and cover with slice of cheese. Broil on high 30 seconds to melt cheese.
- Drizzle garlic sauce on top.
Tip: Garlic sauce can be substituted with topping of choice.
Hot Honey Chicken Rice Crackers and Ranch Dip
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 packet ranch dip seasoning
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
- Lay rice on parchment paper. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top. Use rolling pin to roll out rice into thin layer.
- Bake 20 minutes.
- In medium bowl, mix sour cream and ranch seasoning.
- Once crackers are cooked, cut into squares while still hot. Allow to cool.
- Serve crackers with ranch dip.
Tip: Ranch dip can be substituted with hummus or any flavored dip.
SOURCE:
Minute Rice
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 May 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Second Nature Brands has issued a voluntary recall for certain 10-ounce pouches of SECOND NATURE KETO CRUNCH SMART MIX™ after discovering the product may contain undeclared cashews, pistachios, and cherries. For anyone with allergies or severe sensitivities—especially to tree nuts like cashews and pistachios—this is a serious safety issue.
The company says the affected product was distributed nationwide, both in retail stores and through online orders.
Why this matters
Undeclared allergens are one of the most urgent types of food safety alerts because consumers rely on labels to avoid ingredients that can trigger reactions. Second Nature Brands warns that people with allergies or severe sensitivity to cashews, pistachios, other tree nuts, or cherries could face serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the recalled product.
As of the announcement, no illnesses have been reported.
How to identify the recalled product
Check your pantry (and any recent online snack orders) for the following details:
- Product: SECOND NATURE KETO CRUNCH SMART MIX™
- Size: 10-ounce pouch
- UPC: 077034013405
- Best if used by date: 2/12/2027 (printed on the backside of the pouch)
Only pouches with the “Best if used by 2/12/2027” date are included. Other Best if used by dates are not affected, according to the company.
What happened
Second Nature Brands says the recall began after it was discovered that product containing cashews, pistachios, and cherries was placed into packaging that did not disclose those allergens. The company reports that a follow-up investigation indicates the issue was caused by a temporary breakdown in production and packaging processes.
The recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What consumers should do right now
If you have the affected product:
- Do not consume it.
- Keep the pouch (and take a photo of the UPC and Best if used by date if helpful).
- Contact Second Nature Brands for a full refund.
Contact information for refunds and questions
Second Nature Brands says consumers can reach them by phone or email:
- Phone: +1.800.651.7263
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM ET
- Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM ET
- Email: recall@secondnaturebrandsus.com
Health & fitness note: “Keto” doesn’t equal “risk-free”
Keto-friendly snacks can be convenient for people managing carbs, training schedules, or busy workdays—but this alert is a reminder that label accuracy is non-negotiable, especially for anyone balancing nutrition goals with medical dietary restrictions.
If you or someone in your household has a tree nut or cherry allergy, consider doing a quick sweep of:
- Snack drawers at home and work
- Gym bags and travel kits
- Recent bulk orders or subscription deliveries
Bottom line
If you have a 10-ounce pouch of SECOND NATURE KETO CRUNCH SMART MIX™ with UPC 077034013405 and Best if used by 2/12/2027, do not eat it. Contact Second Nature Brands for a refund and share the alert with anyone who may have purchased the product—especially those with tree nut or cherry allergies.
Source
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
