Food and Beverage
Simple, Convenient, Time-Saving Snacks for Busy Families
Simple, Convenient, Time-Saving Snacks for Busy Families
(Feature Impact) When every afternoon feels like a race to the dinner table and weekends are a blur of activities, there’s only one way to keep loved ones from getting “hangry”: easy, delicious appetizers and snacks. Keeping a few must-have ingredients in the pantry can help you avoid those dreaded moments between meals when stomachs are growling and a meal feels so close, yet so far away.
If you’re craving a quick, savory bite, look no further than these Cheesy Mexican Rice Bites. They’re prepared in just 20 minutes – but don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a second batch afterward. Featuring a touch of heat from Minute Jalapeno Rice Cups that are conveniently pre-portioned and ready in one minute, you can enjoy minimal cleanup while staving off hunger.
Classic Porcupine Meatballs offer another versatile solution as a make-ahead snack before busy weekends. For first-timers, here’s a secret: meatballs aren’t as tricky to make as they might look. Just mix the ingredients, form meatballs by hand and cook in a pot until ready to enjoy, or refrigerate then reheat once you’re home from Saturday’s soccer games.
Since these are “porcupine” meatballs, that means they’re made with Minute Instant White Rice rather than traditional breadcrumbs. Known for its light fluffiness and easy prep, it’s ready in just 5 minutes. With this dish, however, it’s simply added to the meatballs straight from the box.
Visit MinuteRice.com to find more convenient snack ideas that save time and trouble in the kitchen.
Cheesy Mexican Rice Bites
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 Minute Jalapeno Rice Cup
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- nonstick cooking spray
- salsa (optional)
- sour cream (optional)
- Preheat air fryer to 375 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
- In large mixing bowl, combine rice, diced onions, cumin and Mexican cheese blend. Mix well.
- Add beaten egg to rice mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Using hands, shape about 2 tablespoons rice mixture into ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Roll rice balls in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Lightly coat air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place rice bites in single layer in air fryer basket, leaving space between each for even cooking. Work in batches, if necessary. Spray tops of each ball with nonstick cooking spray to help with browning.
- Cook 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Allow to cool slightly and serve with salsa or sour cream, if desired.
Porcupine Meatballs
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup Minute White Rice, plus additional for serving, cooked
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 packet (1 1/2 ounces) meatloaf seasoning
- 1 1/4 cups water, divided
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- grated Parmesan cheese
- In 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onions and cook, stirring, until starting to soften.
- In large bowl, combine onions, beef, 1 cup uncooked rice, egg, seasoning and 1/4 cup water; mix gently by hand until well blended. Shape mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
- Pour pasta sauce and remaining water into same 3-quart saucepan. Stir and bring to boil. Add meatballs and return to boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer 15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve meatballs and sauce over extra cooked rice and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Substitution: Ground turkey, chicken or meatless ground can be used in place of beef.
SOURCE:
Economy
Feeding the Economy Report Says U.S. Food, Agriculture Add $10.4 Trillion
The 2026 Feeding the Economy report says U.S. food and agriculture industries generate $10.4 trillion in economic value and support 48.7 million jobs.
New Feeding the Economy Report Highlights Food, Agriculture Industry Strength
America’s food and agriculture industries generated more than $10.4 trillion in economic value in 2026, accounting for nearly 20% of the U.S. economy, according to the 10th annual Feeding the Economy report released by 35 food and agriculture groups. The new farm-to-fork study also found the sector supports 48.7 million jobs nationwide, including 24.3 million direct jobs across farming, food manufacturing, processing, distribution, retail, and foodservice.
The report points to continued resilience despite inflation, trade uncertainty, and ongoing pressure on farmers and producers. It found food and agriculture generate more than $3 trillion in wages and $1.35 trillion in tax revenue, while U.S. exports totaled $177.3 billion. At the same time, the study flagged softer areas to watch, including flat direct employment in production agriculture and food manufacturing, along with a year-over-year decline in exports. For the food and beverage industry, the report reinforces just how deeply agriculture remains tied to jobs, supply chains, and broader economic stability.
Source:
Tenth Annual “Feeding the Economy” Report Demonstrates Strength and Resilience of the American Food and Agriculture Industries Amid Ongoing Economic Pressures — Feeding the Economy via PR Newswire
Further information:
Feeding the Economy
View the original press release on PR Newswire
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
Foodie News
Fresh Brothers Pizza Launches U.S. Franchise Expansion
California-based Fresh Brothers Pizza has launched franchise expansion plans, targeting new U.S. markets with support from Craveworthy Brands.
California’s Fresh Brothers Pizza Opens Franchise Opportunities Nationwide
Fresh Brothers Pizza is taking its next step beyond Southern California, opening franchise opportunities nationwide with backing from Craveworthy Brands. For Foodie News readers, the story is less about another pizza chain expanding and more about how a California-born concept is trying to stand out in one of America’s most crowded food categories: by leaning hard into ingredient quality, hospitality, and menu flexibility.
Founded in Los Angeles in 2008 by Scott Goldberg and his family, Fresh Brothers has grown to more than 20 locations across California. The brand says its appeal starts with handmade dough produced daily, vine-ripened tomato sauce, 100 percent pure mozzarella, and a menu that goes beyond pizza to include salads, baked wings, knots, sliders, pastas, and sandwiches. It also built an early reputation for inclusive options, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices at a time when many pizzerias were slower to adapt. That positioning helped Fresh Brothers earn a spot on Pizza Marketplace’s 2026 “Top 100 Movers & Shakers” list.
Now, with operational support from Craveworthy Brands, Fresh Brothers is targeting growth markets including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and Texas. According to the company, franchisees will receive support in real estate, training, supply chain, marketing, technology, and operations. The brand is also showcasing its model at the 2026 International Pizza Expo and Conference in Las Vegas from March 24 to 26. For restaurant watchers, this is one to keep an eye on: Fresh Brothers is betting that a quality-first, Midwest-style pizza concept can travel well beyond its California base.
Source:
Fresh Brothers Bakes Franchise Opportunity, Bringing a Fresh Take on America’s Favorite Food Across The U.S. — Craveworthy Brands via PR Newswire
Further information:
Fresh Brothers Pizza
Craveworthy Brands
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/
Foodie News
Take to the Outdoors with a Fresh, Picnic-Friendly Sandwich
When the weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic-Friendly Sandwich.
Take to the Outdoors with a Fresh, Picnic-Friendly Sandwich
(Feature Impact) When the weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic Party Sandwiches, perfect for a filling lunch that provides the energy you need for kicking around a soccer ball, playing tag or flying a kite.
Find more lunch ideas fit for enjoying the sunshine by visiting Culinary.net.
Picnic Party Sandwiches
Recipe adapted from “Crunch Time Kitchen”
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1 large fresh baguette
- 1/4 cup fig preserves
- 6-8 ounces cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami and capocollo
- 6 ounces brie cheese, sliced
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- Mash together room temperature butter with fresh parsley. Set aside.
- Cut fresh baguette length-wise and smear bottom half of the baguette with herbed butter. Top with fig preserves.
- Layer on cured meats followed by slices of brie cheese. For brie, cut off any large pieces of rind.
- In small bowl, toss arugula with lemon juice and salt. Add arugula to sandwich followed by top half of baguette.
- Cut baguette into four even sandwiches and eat immediately or wrap each one tightly in paper or plastic wrap.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
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/
