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
Treat Guests to ‘Grape’ Fall Get-Togethers
‘Grape’ Fall Get-Togethers: Fall gatherings take many shapes, from special occasions with loved ones to neighborhood soirees and glamorous get-togethers. For hosts, these opportunities for entertaining to the fullest call for fresh, flavorful meals, drinks and ingredients that complement a season worth celebrating.
Last Updated on September 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Fall gatherings take many shapes, from special occasions with loved ones to neighborhood soirees and glamorous get-togethers. For hosts, these opportunities for entertaining to the fullest call for fresh, flavorful meals, drinks and ingredients that complement a season worth celebrating.
Whether you’re serving a showstopping main course, sharing small plates or playing bartender (or all three), an option like California grapes can be the versatile ingredient that elevates both dishes and drinks alike. Their juicy burst of flavor and pop of color bring fall recipes to life, such as roasted chicken, lettuce wraps or cocktails.
You can also try freezing them to replace ice cubes in drinks, serving as a topping for crostini or simply placing in glasses or bowls to enjoy as a healthy, fresh snack while breaking the ice and waiting for the meal to be served.
To find more fall entertaining tips, tricks and recipes, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.
California Grape Shallot and Thyme Roasted Chicken
Servings: 6
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 cups red and black Grapes from California
- 1/3 cup finely chopped shallots
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- Rinse chicken and pat dry; place in 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Spread butter over surface of chicken and sprinkle with salt, thyme and pepper, to taste. Roast 45 minutes.
- Add grapes, shallots and wine to pan and roast 30-40 minutes, or until grapes are softening and thighs reach internal temperature of 165 F on meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and tent with foil; let stand 15 minutes before carving. Place grapes, shallots and cooking juices in bowl and serve over slices of chicken. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 260 calories; 29 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 9 g fat (31% calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (3% calories from saturated fat); 90 mg cholesterol; 480 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.
California Grape Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
Servings: 6
Pickled Grapes:
- 1/3 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups Grapes from California, halved
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion
Beef Bulgogi:
- 1/2 pound beef round or sirloin steak
- 1/3 cup bulgogi sauce, plus additional for serving (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 12 larger hearts of romaine leaves, clean and dry
- snipped green onion tops
- To make pickled grapes: In small saucepan, stir vinegar, sugar, coriander seeds, mustard seeds and pepper flakes; bring to simmer. Remove from heat and stir to dissolve sugar; let cool to warm.
- Stir in grapes and onion and set aside to cool. Let stand 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- To make beef bulgogi: Cut beef into small, bite-size strips.
- In medium bowl, stir 1/3 cup bulgogi sauce, vinegar and sesame oil then add beef. Let marinate 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- In large skillet over medium heat, heat vegetable oil. Using slotted spoon or tongs, remove beef from marinade and add to skillet. Stir fry until beef is cooked through and golden brown, stirring constantly; let cool.
To serve: Place equal amounts beef and pickled grapes in romaine leaves and sprinkle with green onions. Serve immediately with additional bulgogi sauce, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 150 calories; 11 g protein; 20 g carbohydrates; 3.5 g fat (21% calories from fat); 1 g saturated fat (6% calories from saturated fat); 25 mg cholesterol; 65 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.
California Grape and Tamarind Whiskey Smash
Servings: 2
- 3/4 cup halved green Grapes from California
- ice
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) whiskey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
- bitters, to taste
- In medium bowl, muddle grapes until mashed and in small pieces. Transfer to two lowball glasses and add ice almost to top of glasses.
- In shaker or small bowl, combine whiskey, lemon juice and tamarind paste; shake or stir. Season with a few drops of bitters, to taste. Pour into glasses over grapes and stir briskly to chill and dilute slightly.
Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories; 0 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat (0% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat (0% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 0 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.
SOURCE:
California Table Grape Commission
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
Community
The Marco’s Pizza Foundation Donates $1 Million to Junior Achievement USA, Surpasses $1.5 Million in Total Giving
The Marco’s Pizza Foundation has surpassed $1 million donated to Junior Achievement USA, marking a major milestone for the pizza brand’s charitable organization. With the latest contribution, the Foundation says it has now delivered more than $1.5 million in total charitable giving across its partners, reinforcing a focus on education, opportunity, and community impact.
National initiative with local impact
Junior Achievement USA is one of the nation’s leading youth organizations, preparing young people for future success through hands-on learning focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. Marco’s says its partnership with JA has been powered by register-based fundraising, allowing stores across the country to raise donations at checkout that support local JA chapters near each participating location.
Giving totals to date
The Foundation shared additional milestones tied to its charitable efforts:
- More than $1 million donated to Junior Achievement USA
- $475,000 donated to No Kid Hungry
- More than $1.5 million in total charitable giving across partners
Brandon Hudson, a multi-unit franchisee and newly appointed president of The Marco’s Pizza Foundation, credited guests, franchisees, and store teams for driving the results through round-up and register donation efforts.
A personal connection to Junior Achievement
Hudson said his connection to Junior Achievement is personal: as a student in the Chicago area, he participated in JA programs from his sophomore through senior years of high school, where he developed early business plans and explored entrepreneurship. Hudson now owns and operates 13 Marco’s Pizza stores, with five more in development, and was appointed Foundation president in March 2026.
What the Foundation focuses on
Guided by its mission to help individuals be fed, educated, and equipped, the Foundation says its work centers on four pillars:
- Hunger Prevention
- School & Education
- Workforce Development
- Entrepreneurship
For more information, visit https://www.marcos.com/foundation/
🍽️ Love discovering great food and drink? Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for the latest recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and culinary stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Food
Add 2 Key Nutrients You Might Be Overlooking with an Easy Avocado Recipe
While everyone is talking about protein these days whether watching their weight or managing type 2 diabetes, fiber and healthy fats are nutrients many people are overlooking. One food that makes it easier to invest in your health, according to nutrition experts: avocados. Try this recipe for Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding for your next breakfast or snack.
Add 2 Key Nutrients You Might Be Overlooking with an Easy Avocado Recipe
(Feature Impact) While everyone is talking about protein these days whether watching their weight or managing type 2 diabetes, fiber and healthy fats are nutrients many people are overlooking.
The latest reports show most Americans already meet or exceed recommendations for protein while nearly all (about 95%) do not eat enough fiber, and many people consume too much saturated fat versus unsaturated fat, according to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Prioritizing ways to get more fiber and healthy fats on your plate could be key to managing weight and type 2 diabetes goals this summer.
One food that makes it easier to invest in your health, according to nutrition experts: avocados.
A growing body of research and materials from Avocados – Love One Today, a science-based resource, suggests fresh avocados offer weight management benefits, help with type 2 diabetes management and are good for blood sugar management. Avocados uniquely contain fiber and healthy fats in each nutrient-dense bite, which slows digestion, helping you feel satisfied and fuller longer.
To explore evidence-based avocado nutrition information, along with practical tips and easy recipes, visit Avocados – Love One Today, a leading resource for avocado nutrition information. Try this recipe for Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding for your next breakfast or snack.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding
- 1 1/2 cups plain, unsweetened soy milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted and peeled
- 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
To Serve:
- 1/3 cup granola
- 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 kiwi, chopped
- 1/2 fresh, ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and chopped
- In blender, puree soy milk, avocado, blueberries, yogurt and maple syrup until smooth. Pour mixture into storage container or bowl and add chia seeds. Whisk well to combine. Cover with lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight, until thickened.
- To serve, divide into bowls and top with granola, fresh blueberries, kiwi and avocado.
Notes: Use any milk (dairy or non-dairy) that you prefer in pudding. Use fresh blueberries or conventional frozen blueberries. Other topping options include: nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, sliced banana or strawberries, or nut butter.
SOURCE:
Looking for more bites, sips, and local dining news? Head over to STM Daily News’ Food & Drink page for more food and beverage stories: https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink-3/
