(Family Features) Starting the morning on the right foot can set the tone for a productive day. Even when crunched for time before work or school, eating a filling breakfast before heading out the door is an important part of setting yourself up for success.

Between work, kids and making it to that early morning workout session, finding time to prepare a quick and tasty meal can be a real challenge. For a flavorful and easy breakfast that can be on the table in just 8 minutes when you’re in a rush, try this Quick Breakfast Skillet. With crispy bacon, scrambled eggs and rich cheddar cheese, it’s a perfect way to fuel your morning.

The secret, convenient ingredient: fluffy Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cups. Ready in just 60 seconds to fit into the day with no hassle, this versatile and flavorful ingredient is perfectly portioned in a BPA-free cup and features a delicious blend of familiar flavors to liven up breakfast.

Or try something new and delicious with this One-Pot Rice Shakshuka. A dish with origins in the Middle East and Northern Africa, shakshuka is traditionally made with a base of tomatoes, vegetables and seasonings, such as cumin and paprika. Then eggs are cracked on top and cooked in the sauce.

This version takes it a step further with the addition of Minute Instant White Rice, which provides a heartier texture to keep you feeling satisfied longer. Simply precooked and dried – nothing added but convenience – you can enjoy its light, fluffy texture after just 5 minutes in the microwave or on the stove. Plus, it works for those with dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian.

Find more breakfast inspiration to keep you energized and ready to conquer the day at minuterice.com.

Quick Breakfast Skillet

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1          Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cup
• 1          slice bacon, chopped
• 1          egg
• 1/4       cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• cracked black pepper

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. Heat medium frying pan over medium heat and add bacon. Cook about 4 minutes, or to desired doneness.
3. Scramble egg and add to frying pan. Cook 1 minute, or to desired doneness.
4. In bowl, mix rice, egg and bacon mixture and cheese. Top with cracked black pepper.

Tips: Breakfast sausage or breakfast potatoes can be substituted for bacon. Add favorite hot sauce for a little heat.

One-Pot Rice Shakshuka

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          onion, diced
• 1          red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1          teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1          can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes with garlic and herbs
• 2          cups water
• 1 1/2    cups Minute Instant White Rice
• 6          eggs
• 1          tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

1. Heat oven to 400 F.
2. In high-sided, ovenproof skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, bell pepper, cumin and smoked paprika; saute 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. Add tomatoes and water to skillet. Bring to boil. Stir in rice and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 3-5 minutes, or until most water is absorbed.
4. Using spoon, create six small wells in rice mixture. Crack one egg into each well. Transfer skillet to oven; cook 12-15 minutes, or until rice is tender, egg whites are set and yolks are runny, or until cooked as desired.
5. Garnish shakshuka with parsley before serving.

Tip: For spicy eggs, stir 1 tablespoon harissa paste into rice mixture before adding eggs. Or serve shakshuka with hot sauce.

SOURCE:
Minute Rice

Game Day Treats

(Family Features) From kickoff to the final whistle, game day is all about spending time with friends and family while rooting for your favorite team. When it’s your turn to host, you can bring all the fun of a tailgate party to the comfort of your couch with the proper plan for hosting.

Show Your Team Spirit
Make your guests feel excited from the moment they walk through the door – or as soon as they pull in the driveway – by decking out your space in team colors and memorabilia. Use football- or team-themed banners, flags, balloons, coasters and tablecloths to set the mood.

Wear your favorite jersey and create a stadium-like atmosphere with fun props like foam fingers or pom-poms for guests to use and cheer on their team.

Prep Ahead of Time to Score Big
Avoid a rush before kickoff by making a checklist of everything you’ll need. Ensure your TV and sound systems are working correctly and that you have access to the right channel or streaming platform.

Make a store run at least a day in advance to grab everything you’ll need for your watch party: dishes, snacks, drinks, tablecloths, trash bags and some household essentials like Finish Ultimate Dishwasher Detergent. Finish Ultimate tackles dish cleanup in the kitchen like a pro, so hosts can enjoy all the fun parts of game day without the worry.

If possible, pack your coolers the night before – just as you would for tailgating at the stadium – and prep and cook any dishes you can ahead of time, so you can enjoy the action with minimal interruptions.

Feed the Fans
Football fans are often foodies, too. A buffet-style food setup allows guests to help themselves to their favorite snacks and dishes throughout all four quarters.

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Review your game plan ahead of kickoff to make sure your game day menu offers a variety of finger foods, such as wings, sliders and nachos. Then, take your menu to the next level with unique eats like this new saucy, cheesy creation – the TRUFF Hot Honey Bacon Cheddar Dip with Pretzel Bites – to add a spicy twist.

To complete the roster of game day eats, include a veggie tray or charcuterie board and a variety of beverages, including water, soda and juice. To stay on theme, consider serving cake or brownies in the shape of a football for dessert or topping cupcakes with icing in the team’s colors.

Tackle Cleanup
All those delicious snacks your guests are enjoying are sure to make a mess. For hosts tackling cleanup during the game, don’t miss out on all the on-screen action–turn to the star player to make cleanup a breeze: Finish Ultimate Dishwasher Detergent.

Finish Ultimate tackles tough game day messes, even without pre-rinsing, leaving hosts more time to cheer on their team and less time in the kitchen cleaning up.

Create the Perfect Viewing Environment
Ensure everyone has an unobstructed view by arranging your seating strategically. Use a combination of couches, chairs and floor cushions to accommodate your guests. Scatter small tables throughout the area within easy reach for guests to place their drinks and snacks while the action is live.

To ensure fans never miss a moment of the action, turn the TVs in other rooms to the game as well; just ensure the sound is down in case the main screen is ahead or behind of the secondary viewing options.

Consider Downtime Entertainment to Keep the Energy High
While the main event is watching the action, you can keep the excitement going during halftime and commercial breaks with fun activities like cornhole, football trivia, bingo, mascot matching or an old-fashioned game of catch. Also have some board games, card games or video games on hand for those who might want to take a break from watching or children who aren’t as engaged in the on-screen action.

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For the ultimate game day recipe and to find more ways to tackle dish cleanup in the kitchen on game day, visit finishdishwashing.com/truff-hot-honey-bacon-cheddar-dip.

Hot Honey Bacon Cheddar Dip with Pretzel Bites

Recipe courtesy of Finish
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

• 5          slices bacon
• 1/2       cup honey
• 2          tablespoons TRUFF Original Hot Sauce
• 16        ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2/3       cup lager-style beer
• 1/4       cup Dijon mustard
• 24        ounces cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2       cup fresh scallions, chopped
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• 1          teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2       teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 24        ounces frozen pretzel bites, baked according to package instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
2. Evenly space bacon in 13-by-9-inch dishwasher-safe ceramic or glass baking dish.
3. Bake bacon 10 minutes.
4. Microwave honey 15-20 seconds. Add hot sauce and whisk to combine.
5. Remove bacon from oven and carefully pat dry with paper towels.
6. Brush bacon with hot honey and return to oven. Set aside any remaining hot honey for later use.
7. Bake bacon 10-15 minutes until brown and crisp. Set bacon aside to cool.
8. Chop bacon into small, bite-sized pieces.
9. Pour bacon pan drippings into bowl and discard once cool.
10. In bowl, whisk softened cream cheese, beer and mustard to combine.
11. Add grated cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Stir until thoroughly combined.
12. Spread mixture evenly in 13-by-9-inch dishwasher-safe ceramic or glass baking dish.
13. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
14. Remove from oven and rest 5 minutes.
15. Sprinkle top of dip with chopped bacon and drizzle with remaining hot honey.
16. Serve dip alongside baked pretzel bites.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (football fans)

SOURCE:
Finish

(Culinary.net) Step into Southern tradition as the calendar flips. Black-eyed peas are considered a good luck charm for the new year, and you can join in on the prosperity with this one-pan version that adds bacon and rice for extra charm.

Visit Culinary.net to find more family recipe inspiration throughout 2025.

Savory Good Luck Black-Eyed Peas

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 6-8

• 1/2 pound bacon
• 5 large collard leaves
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (10 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black-eyed peas
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) long grain and wild rice
• cornbread

1. Using kitchen shears, cut bacon into pieces then fry in skillet. Drain and set aside.
2. Wash and devein collard leaves. Roll and cut into extra-small pieces. In same frying pan used to cook bacon, add butter, garlic powder and onion powder. Over medium heat, saute collard greens. Add broth and tomatoes.
3. Drain and rinse black-eyed peas. Add to pan with cooked bacon.
4. Cook rice according to package instructions.
5. Place black-eyed peas mixture on try and spread rice around it. Serve with cornbread.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

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