Save Time, Tackle Dinner with Quick, Convenient Recipes

(Family Features) If hectic weeknights leave you feeling like time is constantly slipping away, saving a few extra minutes in the kitchen can begin with alternative cooking methods and easy recipes without all the fuss. Rather than waiting for the oven to preheat, you can tackle family dinners by stir-frying and air-frying your way to delicious meals. For a fast and flavorful dinner, this Simple Chicken Stir-Fry is packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies and savory soy sauce to hit the spot without calling for takeout. It delivers on both taste and ease with the addition of Minute Sticky Rice Cups. Ready in 1 minute, they provide a perfect sticky texture to complement bold flavors. In just 15 minutes, you’ll plate a delicious recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. Endless customization is another benefit of stir-frying, allowing you to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu while mixing and matching your loved ones’ favorite veggies. Drizzle it with sauces like teriyaki or sriracha for an added flavor boost, serve with spring rolls or wontons for extra crunch or pair with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed edamame for light, refreshing contrast. Delivering the same set-it-and-forget-it convenience of baking but typically with a shorter preheating wait, air-frying is another solution for creating tasty family meals while taking back precious time. Loaded with rice, vegetables and melted cheese, these Air Fryer Veggie Rice Bites make for an easy, cheesy snack or light meatless meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, they’re ready in less than 10 minutes with Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cups serving as a rich and savory base that complements the mixed veggies and ooey-gooey cheddar. Don’t forget, you can take them to the next level with flavorful dipping sauces like:

• Ranch dressing: A classic choice that adds a creamy, herby flavor.
• Barbecue sauce: Adds a sweet and smoky touch.
• Sriracha mayo: This spicy, tangy dip is a great match for those who like a bit of heat.
• Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy combination that’s complementary to the mix of flavors.
• Garlic aioli: Rich and garlicky to enhance overall taste.

To find more fast, family-friendly meal ideas, visit MinuteRice.com.  

 

Simple Chicken Stir-Fry

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 2-4

• 2          Minute Sticky Rice Cups
• 2          tablespoons sesame oil
• 1          pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
• 1          cup mixed vegetables
• 3          tablespoons soy sauce
• 2          green onions, chopped
• 1          tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, heat sesame oil. Add chicken and saute 6 minutes until chicken is evenly browned and cooked through.
3. Add mixed vegetables to skillet and stir-fry 4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
4. Add cooked sticky rice to skillet. Pour in soy sauce and mix thoroughly, ensuring rice is evenly coated and heated through.
5. Remove from heat, stir in chopped green onions; garnish with sesame seeds, if desired; and serve hot.
6. Tips: Chicken can be substituted for shrimp or tofu. Frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh; cook 5 minutes, or until cooked through.

 

 

Air Fryer Veggie Rice Bites

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 9 minutes Servings: 1-2

• 1          Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cup
• 1/4       cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1          egg
• 1/4       cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8       teaspoon salt
•             barbecue sauce or ranch dressing (optional)

1. Preheat air fryer to 390 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In blender, roughly chop vegetables.
3. In bowl, combine vegetables, egg, cheddar cheese, garlic powder and salt. Freeze 5 minutes to slightly firm up.
4. Divide rice mixture into four portions and hand form into mounds.
5. Air-fry 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with barbecue sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.

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/

With Loco Rewards and a Refreshed Menu

Ojos Locos Sports Cantina is starting 2026 with a clear message for fans of big games and bold flavors: come hungry, come often, and get rewarded for it. The culturally-rooted sports cantina just announced a new loyalty program—Loco Rewards—plus a round of menu and beverage upgrades aimed at delivering more authentic Latin flavor, stronger value, and a better overall guest experience across its Southwest footprint.

Loco Rewards: A loyalty program built for regulars

At the center of the update is Loco Rewards, Ojos Locos’ new points-based program designed to recognize frequent guests. Here’s how it works:

• 250 bonus points when you join
• 5 points for every $1 spent
• Rewards with no minimum purchase required
• Ability to redeem multiple rewards at once
• Access to members-only offers and early alerts on specials and menu updates

Destinee Rollins, CMO of Ojos Locos Sports Cantina, says the program is an extension of what the brand has always been about—community, food, and sports—while giving loyal guests “real value” and a deeper connection to the culture and hospitality behind the concept.

January perk: A shot at 2026 World Cup tickets

To celebrate the launch, Ojos Locos is tying its loyalty push directly to its sports DNA. Guests who sign up for Loco Rewards in January will be entered to win two free tickets to the 2026 World Cup—a timely hook as soccer fans begin looking ahead to the biggest tournament on the planet.

Menu upgrades: More Latin technique, more scratch-made detail

Alongside the loyalty rollout, Ojos Locos is refining core menu items with upgraded ingredients and preparation methods that lean further into classic Latin cooking techniques. A few highlights from the refreshed lineup include:

• Elote Loco: roasted and charred, finished with crema, queso fresco, Valentina, and chile en polvo
• Birria de Res: reimagined with slow-cooked brisket
• Fresh churros: made daily by a Dallas-based Mexican bakery
• Hand-pressed tortillas: now pressed daily in the cantinas

Alex Sadowsky, Director of Culinary and Beverage, says the updates focus on preparation, presentation, and ingredient pairings—keeping the menu approachable while letting the ingredients “stand on their own” in a lively game-day environment.

Built for groups: New platters and $10-and-under Especiales

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon (and group dining likely to spike), Ojos Locos is also leaning into shareable options. Starting in January, the brand is introducing:

• A larger taco platter designed for sharing
• Expanded late-night food offerings
• A broader rollout of daily Especiales, many priced at $10 or less

One standout value play: a Late-Night Taco Platter featuring 10 tacos for $10.

Behind the bar: Updated cocktails and an expanded tequila program

The refresh isn’t just happening in the kitchen. Ojos Locos is also rolling out a revamped 2026 beverage lineup featuring:

• Reworked cocktail recipes
• An expanded high-end tequila program
• Trend-forward flavors built for game-day energy

New and featured drinks include:

• Milagro Mexican Martini
• Cadillac Margarita
• Horchata Sin Dolor

Plus a mixed-shot lineup with returning favorites like Paleta and new options like Mexican Candy and Spicy Mango.

A growing brand across the Southwest

Ojos Locos currently operates 35 locations across Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, and says these January updates reflect continued investment in quality, hospitality, and the communities it serves. For guests ready to join, Loco Rewards is available through the Ojos Locos app on the App Store or Google Play.

• Learn more about Loco Rewards: https://ojoslocos.com/rewards
• Explore the brand: www.ojoslocos.com

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 January 5, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Healthy Breakfast Recipe: Sweetpotato Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

(Family Features) Whether you’re preparing to power through workouts or recharging for a day of play, a filling, satisfying breakfast is a fitting way to start the morning. Shaking off the sleepiness can begin with the meal of your dreams, one that’s loaded with complex carbohydrates, electrolytes, antioxidants and protein. For a healthier form of “carb loading,” turn to Sweetpotato Blueberry Baked Oatmeal for a quick, nutritious, better way to kickstart the day. It offers complex carbohydrates through oats and sweetpotatoes, providing a perfect base for adding yogurt, peanut butter or pairing with eggs for a protein boost. Plus, anthocyanins found in blueberries pack an antioxidant punch to take breakfast to the next level. Don’t let their sweet nature fool you – sweetpotatoes are a wholesome option for children, adults and anyone interesting in a nutritional boost. They’re used in cuisines all over the world as a satisfying and versatile vegetable, with many surprised to learn a medium sweetpotato contains about 100 calories when baked in the skin, along with 2 grams of protein and 25 grams of carbohydrates. Their carbs may have a bad reputation, but they’re made up of complex carbohydrates (which provide energy) that are released at a steady pace. Furthermore, they include a myriad of health-promoting antioxidants – like vitamins A and C – that play a role in immunity, skin health and eye health. Plus, sweetpotatoes are a good source of fiber, which helps you feel “full” and can aid in digestion, and potassium. To learn more and discover better-for-you recipes for the new year, visit ncsweetpotatoes.com.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Sweetpotato Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe courtesy of Sarah Schlichter on behalf of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 6

• Butter, oil or nonstick cooking spray
• 2 cups uncooked rolled or old-fashioned oats
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups 1% milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mashed sweetpotato
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/3 cup maple syrup, plus more for drizzling
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Coat inside of 2-quart baking dish with butter, oil or nonstick cooking spray.
3. Mix oats, cinnamon, salt and baking powder.
4. Beat in milk, eggs, sweetpotato, butter, 1/3 cup maple syrup and vanilla extract.
5. Mix together, saving blueberries for last to prevent staining or crushing, and spread inside dish.
6. Bake 30-35 minutes until oats are tender and moisture has been absorbed.
7. Drizzle with maple syrup, to taste.

SOURCE: North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

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/