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Food and Beverage

Set the Menu for a Successful Year

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Last Updated on July 7, 2024 by Daily News Staff

MISSION, Kan., Jan. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — (Family Features) If your goals for 2024 include a healthier lifestyle and added nutrition, your mission is likely to start with a refreshed menu. Add a few newfound favorites to this year’s rotation like wraps, salads and smoothies to power each day and propel yourself toward wellness success.

Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Spinach Salad
Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Spinach Salad

These easy-to-make, better-for-you recipes offer simple solutions to keep your goals on track without taking flavor off the table. Begin busy days with an energy boost from a Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie then tackle lunchtime cravings or make family dinner a cinch with BLT Wraps with Avocado Spread. For a hearty salad to pair with favorite meals or enjoy all on its own, this Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Spinach Salad is an ideal way to make 2024 your best year yet.

Visit Culinary.net to discover more nutritious solutions in the new year.

Wrap Your Way to a Nutritious Year

Planning and executing a more nutritious menu can often be thwarted by lunchtime cravings or busy weeknights that leave little time to cook at home. Rather than giving in to those takeout temptations, turn to easy recipes you can create yourself with just a few simple, on-hand ingredients.

Grab tortillas out of the pantry and a few favorites from the refrigerator to make these BLT Wraps with Avocado Spread, which are perfect for meal-prepping weekday lunches or whipping up at a moment’s notice for a family dinner. Bacon, a nearly unanimous favorite, teams up with a homemade avocado spread, lettuce and tomatoes for fresh taste without the hassle.

For a satisfying meal without leaving behind health goals, serve with a hearty salad or Spanish rice and banana peppers on the side.

BLT Wraps with Avocado Spread
Servings: 4

8          slices bacon
1          avocado, peeled and pitted
1/4       cup sour cream
1          lime, juice only
1/2       teaspoon hot sauce
1/2       teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4       teaspoon salt
4          flour tortillas
4          large red leaf lettuce leaves
2          large tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
            Spanish rice (optional)
            banana peppers (optional)

In large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.

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In medium bowl, mash avocado, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and salt with fork until combined and smooth.

Spread thin layer of avocado mixture over tortillas. Layer with lettuce leaves, tomatoes and bacon. Fold sides up and roll.

Serve with Spanish rice and banana peppers, if desired.

Fresh Flavors for the New Year

If you’re among those looking to set goals and wellness intentions for the new year, it’s important to equip yourself with the right tools, whether information or inspiration, to help support you on your journey toward a healthier lifestyle. That can start with something as easy as elevating your menu and the ingredients you keep on-hand.

For example, Fresh Express offers more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-to-eat salads, including the French Blue Cheese Salad Kit, which combines a nutrient-dense salad mix of fresh baby spinach, spring mix, red cabbage and carrots, and is enhanced with aromatic blue cheese, crunchy garlic brioche croutons and a savory French blue cheese dressing. Available in the refrigerated produce department, the kit can be paired with better-for-you ingredients like roasted cauliflower and seasoned potatoes to make this Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Spinach Salad in less than an hour.

Visit freshexpress.com to discover more recipes and find a store near you.

Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Spinach Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

1          small head cauliflower, cut into florets
3          tablespoons olive oil, divided
2          teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
1/2       teaspoon salt, divided
1          pound fingerling potatoes, quartered
1          package (8 ounces) Fresh Express French Blue Cheese Salad Kit

Heat oven to 425 F.

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In large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon salt; mix well. Arrange in single layer on sheet pan.

Bake cauliflower 30-40 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until tender and lightly charred. Cool.

In bowl, toss potatoes with remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with remaining Italian seasoning and salt; mix well. Arrange in single layer on sheet pan.

Bake potatoes 20 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Cool.

Place greens from salad kit in large bowl; add roasted vegetables. Drizzle with dressing from salad kit; mix well. Top with croutons and blue cheese from salad kit.

Start Each Day Strong

Giving your mornings a delicious boost doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be just as easy as it is delicious with a fresh, fruity smoothie ready in a matter of minutes.

Just six blended ingredients are all you need to make this Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie, a creamy solution that makes for a nutritious, refreshing and filling breakfast before heading out the door.

Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie

1/2       cup rolled oats
1          banana
14        frozen strawberries
1          cup soy milk
1 1/2    teaspoons sugar
1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract

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In blender, grind oats. Add banana, strawberries, soy milk, sugar and vanilla extract then blend until smooth. Pour into glass or to-go container and serve.

SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate

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

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Food and Beverage

Oven-Baked Hash Brown Potatoes — Crispy & Flavorful Every Time

Learn how to make crispy oven-baked hash brown potatoes with simple ingredients. A golden, easy breakfast or brunch side dish ready in under 40 minutes.

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healthy dish with sliced avocados. Learn how to make crispy oven baked hash brown potatoes with simple ingredients. A golden, easy breakfast or brunch side dish ready in under 40 minutes.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com


Oven-Baked Hash Brown Potatoes

If you love golden, crispy hash browns without the grease of a skillet, this oven-baked version delivers all the flavor with less fuss. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting side, these potatoes turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside — every time.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups shredded potatoes (fresh or frozen — thawed & squeezed dry)
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional add-ins: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.

2. Prep the Potatoes

  • Fresh potatoes: Rinse shredded potatoes under cold water, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel.
  • Frozen hash browns: Thaw completely and press dry before seasoning.

Getting the water out is the secret to crispy hash browns!

3. Season & Toss

In a large bowl, combine the drained potatoes with olive oil (or melted butter), salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika.

4. Spread & Bake

Spread the potatoes in a thin, even layer on the baking sheet. For patties, press small mounds into rounds.

Bake for 18–25 minutes, then use a spatula to flip. Continue baking another 10–15 minutes until the edges are perfectly golden brown.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Once crisp and golden, transfer to a plate, add your favorite toppings — think sour cream, chives, or cheese — and serve hot.


Pro Tips for Perfect Crispiness

  • Dry is key: The drier the potatoes, the crispier they get.
  • Don’t crowd the pan: Give them space so they roast, not steam.
  • High heat wins: 425°F ensures a crunchy outside and a tender inside.

Serving Suggestions

These hash browns pair beautifully with:

  • Eggs any style
  • Grilled sausages or bacon
  • Avocado and salsa for a breakfast bowl twist
  • A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out more comfort classics and kitchen tips right here on STM Daily News.

🍽️ Happy cooking from STM Daily News!

Food and Drink

Authors

  • Daily News Staff
  • Rod Washington

    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

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Food and Beverage

Stop the Sniffles with Sick Day Soup

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Last Updated on March 5, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Stop the Sniffles with Sick Day Soup

(Feature Impact) Coughs and sniffles don’t have to derail you for long – not with a fresh, homemade stockpot full of Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup. Loaded with rotisserie chicken, celery and carrots, it’s sure to warm you from the inside-out as a warm, comforting meal. Plus, with eight servings, this dish can help solve dinnertime dilemmas throughout the week by storing leftovers in the refrigerator and reheating on the stove.

Warm up your winter meals with more comforting ideas available at Culinary.net.

17786 SickDaySoup detail embed

Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup

Recipe adapted from Tastes Better from Scratch

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8

  • 1/2       tablespoon butter
  • 2          ribs celery, diced
  • 3-4       large carrots, diced
  • 1          clove garlic, minced
  • 10        cups chicken stock or broth
  • 1/8       teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/8       teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8       teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • chicken bouillon cubes (optional)
  • 4          cups dry egg noodles
  • 3          cups cooked rotisserie chicken
  1. In large stockpot over medium-high heat, saute butter, celery and carrots 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  2. Add chicken stock or broth and season with rosemary, thyme and crushed red pepper. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Taste and add chicken bouillon cubes, if desired, for flavor.
  3. Bring to boil. Add noodles and cook until al dente. Remove from heat once noodles are tender.
  4. Add chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

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Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

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/


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Food and Beverage

Savory, Satisfying Ideas for Lunch and Dinner

Lunch or Dinner. During cold and flu season, enhance meals with versatile pearl couscous, which elevates comfort food offerings. Try recipes like Italian Penicillin Soup and Simple Lemon Butter Couscous for hearty, satisfying dishes.

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Last Updated on March 3, 2026 by Daily News Staff

17783 detail intro

(Family Features) When cold and flu season calls for savory and satisfying meals, remember you don’t have to be sick to enjoy the best this time of year has to offer. Skip the same old soups and stews, though, and level up your comfort food cache with the flavor and versatility of pearl couscous.

Distinguished from traditional Moroccan couscous by its slightly larger and rounder shape, plus its less dense, firmer consistency, pearl couscous is thoroughly versatile and a perfect fit for cold weather classics. With Success Boil-in-Bag Pearl Couscous, you get high-quality semolina wheat pearl couscous made just right. After the water boils, it’s ready in under 7 minutes and prepared similarly to pasta.

It features a slightly nutty flavor on its own but can absorb any flavors of soups and salads while retaining its density and chewy texture. You can use it in your family’s meals to complement a range of greens, veggies, fish, meats and stews, making it a pantry staple to keep on hand throughout the year.

A hearty solution, this Italian Penicillin Soup is ideal for those feeling under the weather or simply craving a filling meal after a chilly day. It’s loaded with rotisserie chicken, tender veggies and pearl couscous simmered in broth then finished with fresh lemon, Parmesan cheese and parsley for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is appetizing.

Elegant in its simplicity, this Simple Lemon Butter Pearl Couscous is a perfect partner for grilled seafood, chicken or vegetables. Easy to serve as a standalone dish or a savvy side that practically cooks itself, you can add this highly versatile grain to your family’s menu any day of the week – whether you’re cooking for a crew or just two – and enjoy steamy leftovers for a light lunch.

Don’t let the cold sap your creativity in the kitchen; turning to versatile, flavorful ingredients can make winter meals a cinch. Discover more pearl couscous-inspired dinner ideas by visiting SuccessRice.com.

17783 detail embed1

Italian Penicillin Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 2          bags Success Pearl Couscous
  • 4          cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1          cup carrots, sliced
  • 1          cup celery, sliced
  • 2          cloves garlic, minced
  • 1          cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 1          teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1          teaspoon salt
  • 1/2       teaspoon pepper
  • 4          lemon wedges
  • shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  1. Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions.
  2. In large pot, bring broth to boil. Add carrots, celery and garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
  3. Add chicken and Italian seasoning; simmer 5 minutes. Add pearl couscous and cook 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Ladle soup into four bowls and squeeze fresh lemon wedge into each bowl. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley.
17783 detail embed2

Simple Lemon Butter Pearl Couscous

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 1          bag Success Pearl Couscous
  • 3          lemons, juice only, plus 1 teaspoon zest
  • 2          tablespoons butter
  • 1          small shallot, finely diced
  • 1          tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  1. Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions, adding lemon juice to water.
  2. In small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and lemon zest. Cook 3 minutes. Stir pearl couscous into pan.
  3. Divide pearl couscous into four bowls and top with parsley.

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SOURCE:

Success Rice

https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/


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