Food and Beverage
Quick, Easy Recipes to Add to Your Dinner Rotation: Simple, nutritious meals to make more time for family
Making time for meals together can have a positive impact on the well-being of families, including children and adolescents.
Last Updated on July 12, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Making time for meals together can have a positive impact on the well-being of families, including children and adolescents. In fact, regular meals at home can help reduce stress and boost self-esteem, according to research published in “Canadian Family Physician.”
Mealtime conversations are also a perfect opportunity to connect with your loved ones. A study published in “New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development” showed these conversations help improve children’s vocabularies more than being read aloud to.
Making time for meals together shouldn’t require spending all night in the kitchen, however. A simple-to-prepare ingredient like eggs can help you spend less time cooking and more time with family.
For example, these heart-healthy recipes for Poached Egg Tostadas with Avocado-Tomatillo Salsa, Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs and Poblano Frittata from the Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland’s Best, are ready in 15 minutes or less. They include a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and healthy protein sources, which are recommended by the American Heart Association to help prevent heart disease and stroke.
To find more tips for family mealtimes and recipe inspiration, visit heart.org/eatsmart.
Poached Egg Tostadas with Avocado-Tomatillo Salsa
Servings: 4 (1 egg and 1/2 cup salsa per serving)
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 4 corn tortillas (6 inches each)
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 4 large eggs
Salsa:
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 1 medium Anaheim or poblano pepper, seeds and ribs discarded, diced
- 1 medium tomatillo, papery husk discarded, washed and diced
- 1/2 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange tortillas in single layer on foil. Lightly spray tortillas with nonstick cooking spray. Using fork, pierce tortillas to prevent from filling with air. Bake 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to serving plates.
- In large skillet over high heat, bring water and vinegar to boil.
- Once water is boiling, reduce heat and simmer. Break egg into cup then carefully slip egg into simmering water. Repeat with remaining eggs, avoiding eggs touching in water. Simmer 3-5 minutes, or until egg whites are completely set and yolks are beginning to set but aren’t hard. Using slotted spoon, drain eggs. Place each egg on tostada.
- To make salsa: In medium bowl, gently stir together avocado, pepper, tomatillo, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, garlic and salt. Serve with tostadas.
Nutritional information per serving: 185 calories; 11 g total fat; 2.5 g saturated fat; 3 g polyunsaturated fat; 5 g monounsaturated fat; 186 mg cholesterol; 169 mg sodium; 15 g carbohydrates; 3 g fiber; 2 g total sugars; 9 g protein.
Poblano Frittata
Servings: 4 (2 wedges per serving)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fat-free milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 medium poblano peppers, seeds and ribs discarded, chopped
- 2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed
- 2 medium green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely shredded Cotija cheese or crumbled queso fresco
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
- In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk and cilantro.
- In medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil, swirling to coat bottom of skillet. Cook poblano peppers 3 minutes, or until browning on edges, stirring frequently.
- Stir in corn and green onion. Reduce heat to medium-low and carefully pour in egg mixture. Cook, covered, 10 minutes, or until mixture is just set on edges and still soft in center. Avoid overcooking. Remove from heat.
- Sprinkle with cheese. Cut into eight wedges. Place two wedges on each plate. Top with tomatoes and sour cream.
Nutritional information per serving: 244 calories; 8.5 g total fat; 2.5 g saturated fat; 1.5 g polyunsaturated fat; 3 g monounsaturated fat; 192 mg cholesterol; 177 mg sodium; 27 g carbohydrates; 4 g fiber; 8 g total sugars; 13 g protein.
Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs
Servings: 4 (1 cup per serving)
- 2 teaspoons canola or corn oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 medium red or green bell pepper, chopped
- 2/3 cup fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- hot pepper sauce (optional)
- In pressure cooker set on saute, heat oil. Cook onion 3 minutes, or until soft, stirring frequently. Turn off pressure cooker.
- Stir in potatoes, bell pepper, broth, garlic, paprika, cumin, thyme, pepper and salt. Secure lid. Cook on high pressure 3 minutes. Quickly release pressure. Turn off pressure cooker.
- Remove pressure cooker lid. Crack one egg into small bowl. Using back of spoon, make small well in potatoes. Slip egg into well. Repeat with remaining eggs, making separate well for each egg. Secure lid with pressure vent open. Saute 2 minutes. Let stand on “keep warm” setting 2 minutes, or until eggs are cooked to desired consistency.
- Serve hash sprinkled with dash of hot pepper sauce, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 258 calories; 7.5 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 1.5 g polyunsaturated fat; 3 g monounsaturated fat; 186 mg cholesterol; 244 mg sodium; 39 g carbohydrates; 6 g fiber; 9 g total sugars; 10 g protein.
SOURCE:
American Heart Association
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Food and Beverage
Tim Hortons just turned a Toronto location into a Back to Hogwarts Harry Potter takeover — and it’s open now
Tim Hortons has transformed its 815 Caledonia Rd. Toronto location into a Back to Hogwarts Harry Potter takeover, plus new House donuts, Patronus cups and more across Canada.
If your late-summer routine includes a “Tims run” and a little wizarding-world nostalgia, Tim Hortons just gave you a reason to detour. To celebrate its new Harry Potter-inspired collaboration — complete with themed menu items, merch, limited-edition packaging, and plenty of fan-service easter eggs — Tim Hortons has transformed one Toronto restaurant into a full Back to Hogwarts-themed takeover.
The pop-up-style experience is open now at 815 Caledonia Rd. in Toronto, and it’s only around for a limited time.
A magical makeover, inside and out
The first thing you’ll notice is the exterior: the familiar Tim Hortons façade has been replaced with a bold Harry Potter x Tim Hortons design inspired by the collaboration’s limited-edition packaging.
Step inside and the theme goes even harder. The restaurant features celebratory displays inspired by moments from the Harry Potter film series, including:
- Platform 9 ¾-inspired elements
- A Hogwarts Great Hall vibe
- A Sorting Hat-themed photo opportunity for guests
Tim Hortons says the goal is to make fans feel like they’ve entered the wizarding world the moment they arrive.
“We want Harry Potter fans to be able to imagine that they have stepped into the wizarding world the moment they arrive for their Tims Run,” said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons.
The Harry Potter magic is rolling out across Canada, too
Even if you can’t make it to Toronto, Tim Hortons locations across Canada are leaning into the Back to Hogwarts energy — timed to the seasonal tradition and the 25th anniversary of the Harry Potter film brand, according to the release.
Here’s what’s available (while supplies last, and at participating locations):
Hogwarts House Donuts (pick your House)
Tim Hortons is offering four House-themed donuts:
- Gryffindor Strawberry Cheesecake Donut
- Slytherin Chocolate Pistachio Donut
- Ravenclaw Blueberry Donut
- Hufflepuff Lemon Meringue Donut
And yes, there are Golden Snitch Caramel Timbits — plus a limited-edition Golden Snitch Timbits Holder.
Colour-changing cups that reveal Patronuses
Order select cold drinks and you’ll get a temperature-activated cup that reveals a trail of Patronuses when filled.
Featured drinks include:
- Patronus Sparkling Quenchers (customizable with lemonade, protein dairy beverage, or frozen)
- Forbidden Forest Iced Tea Quenchers (available at participating restaurants where fountain beverages are served)
Collectable merch and limited-edition gift cards
In addition to the Golden Snitch Timbits Holder, participating restaurants will carry limited-edition “25 Years of Magic” gift cards.
Harry Potter Trivia Night (Aug. 28)
On Aug. 28, participating Tim Hortons restaurants will host a Harry Potter Trivia Night to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the first film and the kickoff of Back to Hogwarts.
Tims Rewards contest: win a trip to London
From Aug. 17 to Sept. 6, Tims Rewards members who order and scan (in-restaurant, in the app, or on TimShop.ca) will be entered for a chance to win one of two grand prizes: a Harry Potter VIP experience for two in London, England.
Contest details are listed at www.timhortons.ca/harrypotter.
Limited-edition packaging with easter eggs
Tim Hortons is also rolling out limited-edition Harry Potter packaging across select items, including:
- Single-item donut boxes
- Multi-pack donut boxes
- 10-pack and 20-pack Timbits boxes
- Cold beverage cups
The packaging is designed to be more than just collectible — it’s packed with hidden references for fans.
If you’re in Toronto: here’s the play
If you can swing it, the 815 Caledonia Rd. takeover is the kind of limited-time brand experience that’s built for photos, fandom, and a quick treat run that feels like an event. Between the Sorting Hat photo moment and the themed menu lineup, it’s basically a mini Back to Hogwarts celebration — with coffee.
And if you’re not in Toronto, the House donuts, colour-changing cups, trivia night, and limited-edition packaging give you plenty of ways to join the fun from your local Tims.
Source: Tim Hortons Canada
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recipes
Top Tender Chicken with a Creamy Dressing for a Light, Refreshing Meal
On those days when you’re craving something fresh and don’t feel like doing a lot of cooking, salads are the ideal solution. This Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad unites savory, sweet, tangy and creamy flavors in a single bowl.
Top Tender Chicken with a Creamy Dressing for a Light, Refreshing Meal
(Feature Impact) On those days when you’re craving something fresh and don’t feel like doing a lot of cooking, salads are the ideal solution. They’re nutritious, easy to throw together and endlessly customizable so you can make them with the ingredients you have to suit the flavor profiles you prefer.
This Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad unites savory, sweet, tangy and creamy flavors in a single bowl. Crisp lettuce and tender spinach bring leafy green nutrients to the base of each salad. The juicy, slightly charred grilled chicken is seasoned, smoky and a good source of lean protein. Avocado slices, Greek yogurt and olive oil add rich, creamy textures and healthy fats, while cucumbers make each bite refreshing. Apple slices and grapes lend natural sweetness that complement the tangy honey-mustard dressing.
Light enough for lunch but filling enough for dinner, it’s a versatile salad packed with vegetables, fruits, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Make the recipe your own by switching to a different dressing or tossing in bonus toppings like walnuts, dried cranberries or cherry tomatoes. Plant-based home chefs can adapt by swapping to a different protein like tofu, tempeh or chickpeas and using non-dairy yogurt for the dressing.
Find more light yet filling salad solutions by visiting Culinary.net.
Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad
Recipe adapted from Delish
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 romaine hearts, chopped
- 3 cups spinach
- 2 avocados, thinly sliced
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cup grapes, halved
Creamy Honey-Dijon Dressing:
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In medium bowl, sprinkle chicken with oregano, coriander and salt and pepper, to taste. Add oil then toss to coat.
- Grill chicken, covered, about 8 minutes per side, until slightly charred and registering 165 F on thermometer inserted into thickest part. Transfer to cutting board, let rest 5 minutes then thinly slice.
- Divide romaine, spinach, avocados, cucumbers, apples and grapes among bowls. Top with chicken.
- To make dressing: Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and serve.
SOURCE:
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(Feature Impact) Weeknights often feel like a race against the clock. Busy families feel the squeeze from school pickups, homework and social commitments, but dinner remains one of the few opportunities for everyone to slow down, reconnect and share important moments together at the close of a hectic day.
With a little planning and convenient ingredients like Little Potatoes – which come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough that they don’t need to be cut – families can spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table.
For example, The Little Potato Company’s new A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit serves up a favorite flavor in an easy-to-prepare side dish your whole family will love. Simply pop the steamable tray into the microwave for 5 minutes, sprinkle on the included ranch seasoning pack and enjoy without any prep or cleanup.
They’re also a perfect foundation for this easy, all-in-one Sheet Pan Chicken and Little Potatoes recipe. It’s ideal for busy weeknights as a balanced, flavorful meal that requires just 10 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup. Plus, you can customize with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest.
If you’re in search of a simple side dish that can accompany a variety of family favorites, these flavor-filled Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon are a great fit for a backyard barbecue or casual evening with your nearest and dearest.
To find more ways to bring loved ones together at the table throughout the school year, visit LittlePotatoes.com.
Sheet Pan Chicken and Little Potatoes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 1/2 pounds Little Potatoes
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2-3 teaspoons of your favorite seasoning blend
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
- lemon wedges (optional)
- Preheat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Slice Little Potatoes in half. Slice broccoli florets, bell pepper and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In mixing bowl, toss veggies with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1-1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning.
- Spread veggies evenly on baking sheet.
- In same bowl, add chicken, remaining seasoning and remaining olive oil. Toss to combine then place chicken between veggies in single layer.
- Roast 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through to internal temperature of 165 F and potatoes are tender. Flip veggies and chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Let chicken rest 2-3 minutes. Divide Little Potatoes, veggies and chicken into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 package maple bacon
- 1/2 pound fresh string beans, washed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 package A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit
- On stovetop, cook bacon until crispy, reserving 1/4 cup bacon grease. Crumble bacon and set aside.
- In same pan, add fresh string beans, bacon grease, olive oil, garlic powder and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Saute until soft.
- Peel back plastic on potatoes kit and microwave 5 minutes.
- Let potatoes cool 1-2 minutes and spread ranch seasoning over potatoes followed by bacon and string beans.
SOURCE:
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