Food and Beverage
Serve Plant-Based Sweets This Holiday Season

(Family Features) Make this year’s festivities truly memorable by adding a touch of sweetness to holiday celebrations with this delightful combination of fluffy cupcakes, creamy frosting and a heavenly caramel drizzle.
These Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cupcakes are a perfect cold weather confection that’ll have everyone reaching for more. Made using Country Crock Plant Butter and Plant Cream, which are 100% dairy free, you can ensure there’s something delicious for everyone at the table to enjoy.
As easy 1-for-1 swaps in favorite holiday recipes, Plant Butter and Plant Cream can be used in the same amounts as dairy butter and dairy heavy whipping cream. They cook and bake like their dairy counterparts, so your guests won’t even know you’ve made the swap. Whether you or your guests are lactose-intolerant, vegan or simply trying to enjoy more plant-based ingredients, all can savor these rich, creamy flavors at your holiday table.
Find more holiday dessert ideas by visiting CountryCrock.com.
Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cupcakes
Prep time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Salted Caramel:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks with Avocado Oil, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup Country Crock Plant Cream, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks with Avocado Oil, at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup Country Crock Plant Cream
Vegan Caramel Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks with Avocado Oil, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, plus additional, if necessary
- 2 teaspoons caramel sauce, at room temperature
- Country Crock Plant Cream, as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons caramel
- salt flakes (optional)
- caramel cubes (optional)
- To make caramel: In medium, light-colored saucepan over medium heat, stir sugar constantly until evenly melted.
- Remove pan from heat and add Plant Butter, Plant Cream, coconut oil and salt.
- Return mixture to medium heat, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Turn heat to low, stir and cook until mixture is thick and smooth. If caramel separates, whisk vigorously until it’s back together.
- Pour caramel into heat-proof bowl, passing through fine mesh strainer to remove crystallized sugar. Cover and cool completely in fridge.
- To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line cupcake pan with liners; set aside.
In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside. - In bowl of stand mixer, using whisk attachment, cream together Plant Butter, powdered sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and cooled caramel, whisking on medium speed until combined.
- Slowly add flour mixture, Plant Cream, scraping down sides of bowl until combined. Divide batter evenly into liners, filling each 3/4 full.
- Bake until tops spring back when touched or toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 18-20 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to wire rack and cool 5 minutes then remove from pan. Allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature.
- To make frosting: In bowl of stand mixer, mix Plant Butter on medium-high speed about 1 minute.
- Add powdered sugar and Plant Cream together about 1 minute then add caramel sauce and mix until fully combined.
- Add vanilla then Plant Cream as necessary, 1 teaspoon at a time, while mixing to desired consistency.
- Pipe frosting onto cupcakes, drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with salt flakes, if desired. Garnish with caramel cubes, if desired.
SOURCE:
Country Crock Plant Cream
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/category/food-and-beverage
You can also find food and beverage-related videos on our YouTube channel, where we regularly post new content and share tips, recipes, and demonstrations. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhXBupt8tVynuUhpQZMxQt4lvPmOiAtQ&si=InDwc7YaB0KIwmxy
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Food and Beverage
Flavorful Snacks Packed with Lean Protein
Cooking flavorful and nutritious meals can enhance health and happiness. Following Mintel’s trends, popular flavors include sweet, sour, smoky, and spicy. Quick recipes like Tuna Stuffed Avocado and Chili Lime Tuna Dip promote healthy eating for families.

(Family Features) Living a happier, healthier life often begins in the kitchen. From lunches on the go to sit-down family meals, keeping flavor at the center of your meal planning is key to maintaining healthy habits.
Based on Mintel’s 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends, experts predict that sweet, sour, smoky and spicy flavors will continue to rise in popularity among families in the United States this year. Show your family how much you care with delicious and nutritious dishes that don’t skimp on flavor. After all, it’s easier to stick to healthy eating when you find joy in the foods you share.
Next time you’re at the grocery store, stock up on pantry staples that deliver flavor and nutrition – without extra time in the kitchen. Whether you’re grabbing a snack on your way out the door or looking for ways to add protein to your next meal, Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna Packets are convenient and flavorful, delivering key nutrients.
Each packet is 100 calories or less and ready to eat with high-quality, responsibly sourced protein made with MSC-certified tuna, allowing you to dive into a world of deliciously seasoned, lean protein.
Your go-to wild caught tuna paired with the iconic blend of 18 herbs and spices, Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Packet with Old Bay Seasoning is a match made in seafood heaven. Perfect for when you’re on the go, the unique combination of flavor, convenience and value helps fight that pesky midday hump, recover from a tough workout or reminisce about a favorite childhood recipe.
For a quick bite when you’re looking for an easy solution, this Tuna Stuffed Avocado recipe is simple yet satisfying and full of flavor. The protein from the tuna and healthy fat from the avocado help to power you through your day and keep you feeling satiated longer. Now on shelves, you can enjoy lean protein with a mix of classic seafood seasoning in recipes like this one.
With the help of the flavor experts at McCormick, Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna Packet with Chili Lime is a convenient protein-packed snack. The joyful zing of lime and chili spice takes this next recipe to another level and can help add a burst of flavor to any meal.
If you’re hosting a crowd or preparing a snack for loved ones, Better-For-You Chili Lime Tuna 7-Layer Dip lets you indulge in fun recipes without ditching health goals. For an extra nutritious touch, serve with chopped vegetables.
Make mouthwatering flavor the right decision for your body and mind with additional better-for-you recipe ideas at ChickenOfTheSea.com.
Tuna Stuffed Avocado
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna with Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/4 cup whole kernel cooked corn
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- 1 avocado
- lemon wedges, for serving
- In bowl, combine tuna, corn and minced parsley.
- Halve avocado and carefully remove seed.
- Divide tuna mixture between avocado halves.
- Serve with lemon wedges.

Better-For-You Chili Lime Tuna 7-Layer Dip
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10
- 15 ounces canned beans (pinto, black, red, etc.), drained
- 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup pico de gallo or salsa
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 packets (2 1/2 ounces each) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna with McCormick Chili Lime
- sliced or chopped jalapenos or Serrano chilies (optional)
- lime wedges, for serving
- vegetables or tortilla chips, for serving
- In 2-quart casserole dish, layer beans in single layer.
- Add remaining layers: Greek yogurt, guacamole, pico de gallo or salsa, black olives, cheese and tuna.
- Add additional layer of sliced jalapenos or Serrano chilies, if desired.
- Serve dip with tortilla chips or sliced vegetables.
SOURCE:
Chicken of the Sea
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Food and Beverage
Save Time with the Skillet

(Family Features) A warm, cozy meal may seem like a burden to make after busy winter days, but Skillet Lasagna lets you skip the craziness of home cooking with an easy, one-pot solution. Discover more comforting recipes that let you reclaim evenings with loved ones by visiting Culinary.net.

Skillet Lasagna
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 44 ounces marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- bread, for serving
- Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
- In large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef with onion power, garlic powder and salt and pepper, to taste. Drain excess grease. Mix in marinara sauce, heavy whipping cream, ricotta and spinach.
- Break up lasagna noodles and add to skillet. Cover and let set over medium heat 10 minutes. Stir and top with mozzarella cheese. Cover and let set 10 minutes.
- Serve with bread and top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Food and Beverage
Start the Day by Sharing a Heartwarming Breakfast

(Family Features) A cozy morning at home sharing a delicious breakfast – for many families, it’s a picture of perfection. Whether your brunch favorites include pastries and pancakes or fruits and French toast, enjoying a meal together is a heartwarming way to start the day.
Now, you can savor all your favorite flavors inspired by wish kids. These Bananas Foster French Toast and Peanut Butter and Apple breakfast recipes are made with the freshness and irresistibly soft texture of Butterbread from Nature’s Own, which partnered with Make-A-Wish on a $500,000 donation to highlight and support wish kids through 2026.
Since 1980, the global nonprofit has granted more than 375,000 wishes in the U.S. to children with critical illnesses, helping them build the strength and hope needed to fight their illnesses. Granted wishes can be life-changing, bringing a sense of normalcy to families that can impact entire communities.
To celebrate the partnership, the Slice of Hope Campaign was launched, introducing in-store displays as well as a digital “Well Wish Wall” where shoppers can submit their well wishes for kids to see.
Special-edition bread loaf packaging also highlights the collaboration by sharing inspiring stories from three wish kids: Addison, who fulfilled her dream of experiencing the wonders of Pearl Harbor; Aden, who ventured out for an epic fishing trip; and Joanna, born with an adventurous spirit that wouldn’t rest until she learned to surf the breathtaking shores of Hawaii.
“We are truly honored to partner with Make-A-Wish on this meaningful two-year journey, committing to help grant life-changing wishes,” said Krystle Farlow, senior director of brand management for Nature’s Own. “Together, we hope to continue to inspire and spread goodness, one wish at a time.”
To learn more about the campaign, visit naturesownbread.com/make-a-wish.
Bananas Foster French Toast
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
French Toast:
- 4 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 stick butter
- 1 loaf Nature’s Own Butterbread
Bananas Foster Sauce:
- 1/2 stick butter
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 bananas, sliced lengthwise and quartered
- To make French toast: In mixing bowl, combine eggs, half-and-half, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. Beat until well blended.
- On nonstick griddle or griddle pan on medium heat, melt butter.
- Dip each bread slice into egg mixture until fully coated (two times each). Place on griddle and cook until each side is slightly brown.
- To make bananas foster sauce: Melt butter and brown sugar together; add cinnamon. Once melted into caramel, add sliced bananas.
- Continue spooning sauce over bananas in pan.
- Plate French toast and spoon bananas with sauce on top of each French toast stack.

Peanut Butter and Apple
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 slice Nature’s Own Butterbread
- 1/2 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Spread peanut butter on one side of bread.
- Arrange apple slices on top of peanut butter.
- Drizzle honey over apple slices.
SOURCE:
Nature’s Own
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Urbanism1 year ago
Signal Hill, California: A Historic Enclave Surrounded by Long Beach
-
News2 years ago
Diana Gregory Talks to us about Diana Gregory’s Outreach Services
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years ago
The Absolute Most Comfortable Pickleball Shoe I’ve Ever Worn!
-
STM Blog2 years ago
World Naked Gardening Day: Celebrating Body Acceptance and Nature
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years ago
ACE PICKLEBALL CLUB TO DEBUT THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED INDOOR PICKLEBALL FRANCHISES IN THE US, IN EARLY 2023
-
Travel2 years ago
Unique Experiences at the CitizenM
-
Automotive2 years ago
2023 Nissan Sentra pricing starts at $19,950
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years ago
“THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS OF PICKLEBALL” – VOTING OPEN