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:
recipes
An At-Home Solution with the Taste of Takeout
Taste of Takeout: If you’re cozying up at home but takeout cravings are calling, it may just be time for a pantry refresh that brings bold flavors straight to your kitchen. To ensure convenience and flavor is on your menu, consider these Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups as an easy way to enjoy the taste of takeout from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Last Updated on May 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff
An At-Home Solution with the Taste of Takeout
(Feature Impact) If you’re cozying up at home but takeout cravings are calling, it may just be time for a pantry refresh that brings bold flavors straight to your kitchen. No matter what kind of cook you are – Bumble Bee Snackers are your new secret snack-section solution.
For unbeatable convenience and flavor, consider Bumble Bee Snackers for an at-home recipe enhancement. They’re shaking up the tuna aisle in single-serve cans with a variety of bold flavors that are perfect for snacking or light lunches, including zesty Lemon Pepper, rich and savory Hickory Smoke, tastebud-tingling Sweet Heat, spicy-sweet Thai Chili and nostalgic Tuna Salad. If you’re more of a traditionalist, classic Chunk Light Tuna is an ideal complement for crackers or veggies.
The premixed 3-ounce cans can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other favorites like celery sticks, carrots, cucumber, crackers or tortilla chips.
Snack menu shakeups are sweeping the country; in fact, 50% of Americans agree it’s hard to find snacks that meets all their needs, according to a survey conducted by Bumble Bee Seafoods and FleishmanHillard’s TRUE Global Intelligence. The survey also found hungry families are looking for more “bang for their buck,” affordability, protein and ease for eating on the go.
While value and convenience are important, great taste still tops the list – flavor remains the single biggest driver of snacking decisions. To ensure convenience and flavor is on your menu, consider these Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups as an easy way to enjoy the taste of takeout from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Visit BumbleBee.com to discover more ways to shake up snacking at home.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups
Recipe courtesy of @amateur_husband on behalf of Bumble Bee Seafoods
Sushi Rice:
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Tuna Mixture:
- 1 can (5 ounces) Bumble Bee Snackers Lemon Pepper
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon wasabi (optional)
Assembly:
- nori (seaweed sheets)
- furikake seasoning
- spicy mayo or Sriracha, for topping
- wonton crisps, for topping
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- To make sushi rice: Mix cooked rice with rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Let cool slightly.
- To make tuna mixture: In bowl, combine tuna (no draining needed), mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce and wasabi, if desired. Mix well.
- To assemble: Cut nori sheets into squares and press into cups of muffin tin to line them.
- Fill each nori-lined cup with sushi rice, pressing gently to form small nest shape.
- Sprinkle furikake over rice then top with spoonful of tuna mixture.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until heated through and edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove cups from muffin tin, drizzle with spicy mayo or Sriracha and top with wonton crisps.

SOURCE:
Bumble Bee Tuna
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/
Food and Beverage
Balance Your Plate with Produce, Protein and Whole Grains
Making health-conscious decisions with your at-home menu doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require commitment and a little more foresight at the grocery store. Simple adjustments to overall eating patterns, like building your plate around produce, powerful proteins and whole grains, can encourage better health.
(Feature Impact) Making health-conscious decisions with your at-home menu doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require commitment and a little more foresight at the grocery store. Simple adjustments to overall eating patterns, like building your plate around produce, powerful proteins and whole grains, can encourage better health.
Nutritious meal-planning can be easy, affordable and delicious – and it all starts with a little balance. Consider this advice from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, nationally sponsored by the Egg Nutrition Center, to adequately round out a healthy plate.
Fill Half Your Plate with Fruits and Veggies
Loaded with nutrients, fresh produce is a perfect place to start each plate. Fill about half your plate with combinations of bananas, strawberries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots and more of your favorites. To boost variety with each meal, look for fruit and veggie blends or step out of your usual routine and try something new.
Grocery tip: Frozen fruits and veggies are often cheaper and just as delicious as their fresh counterparts. It’s frozen right after it’s picked, locking in freshness for a longer shelf life. Just be sure to avoid products with added salt or sugar.
Carve Out a Quarter of the Plate for Powerful Proteins
Healthy food isn’t just fuel. It should be easy and nourish you, too. Look for versatile solutions that provide a protein power-up like skinless chicken breast, no-salt-added beans, low-sodium tuna, tofu or eggs.
High-quality protein from foods, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help support the muscles in your body. Eggs are an example, along with lean animal protein and some plant-based proteins. According to the American Heart Association’s guidelines, healthy people can include up to one whole egg daily, and up to seven per week, as part of a heart-healthy diet. For older adults with normal cholesterol, two eggs per day is acceptable.
Eggs deliver both protein and choline, nutrients that help support growing brains and bodies, especially early in life. In fact, many Americans don’t get enough choline, a critical nutrient for supporting brain development, memory and mood.
Grocery tip: Stock up on proteins that offer both versatility and affordability, helping you cook multiple meals per week without putting a dent in your wallet. Eggs are a perfect example as they can be used at any meal, not just breakfast – try them in wraps or omelets in the morning, hard-boil them to go with a lunchtime salad or add to a frittata at dinner.
Save a Corner for Whole Grains
Finally, fill that last quarter of the plate with ready-to-go whole grains, many of which provide dietary fiber that can support a healthy heart and healthy digestion. Conversely, most refined grains contain little or no fiber.
Examples of whole grains include barley, brown rice, corn, oatmeal, rolled or steel-cut oats, popcorn, quinoa, sorghum and wild rice, along with products labeled “whole grain” or “whole wheat” like bread or pasta.
Grocery tip: Look for whole grains that can make mealtime a cinch. Corn tortillas, instant oats and even popcorn can help you create nutritious plates and better-for-you snacks with the snap of your fingers. Try keeping packets of pre-cooked brown rice on hand to bulk up favorite dishes or toss with leftovers to round out a healthy plate.
Visit Heart.org to discover more nutrition guidance for heart-healthy meals.
3 Tips to Complement a Healthy, Balanced Plate
Nutrition isn’t just about what’s on your plate – it’s also about what’s next to it and how much is on it. Pair a balanced meal with this advice to help take healthy eating to the next level.
Stay Hydrated
If it’s not already a habit, add a glass of water to each meal. Staying hydrated helps your heart pump blood throughout the body, get rid of waste and regulate body temperature. While water is the best source of hydration, water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can also play a role.
Watch Portion Sizes
Pay attention to suggested servings from your favorite food groups. For example, one slice of whole-grain bread, 1/2 cup of cooked pasta and two ounces of cheese (about the size of a domino) are the suggested serving sizes for these popular foods.
You can serve and eat smaller portions by:
- When cooking at home, offer the proper serving size to each family member then put extra food away for leftovers.
- When dining out, skip appetizers and split your meal with a friend or partner.
- Avoid eating while watching TV or at your computer. It may be harder to control how much you’re eating if you’re not paying full attention.
- Mindfully measure out your snacks – even fruits and veggies – into appropriate portions before serving instead of helping yourself directly from the bag or box.
Limit Salt
While sodium supports vital functions like controlling your body’s fluid balance, excess sodium in your bloodstream pulls water into the blood vessels, increasing the amount of blood inside them and thus increasing blood pressure. More than 70% of the sodium people eat comes from packaged, prepared and restaurant foods due to salt added for flavoring, stabilizing, preserving and reducing bacterial risk, according to the American Heart Association.
Cutting back on sodium can help reduce the rise in blood pressure that occurs as you age, even if you don’t have high blood pressure now. It may also help reduce the risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and more.
Try cooking more meals at home where you can control sodium intake, flavoring foods with herbs and spices instead of table salt and rinsing canned beans and vegetables to wash away excess sodium.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (family preparing meal)

SOURCE:
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Food and Beverage
Tackle Your Family’s Hunger with a Touch of Heat
Busy families can revitalize mealtime with Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cups, ideal for quick dishes like Hot Honey Chicken Meatball Subs and flavorful snacks like Hot Honey Chicken Rice Crackers with various dips. Explore more recipes online.

(Family Features) It’s easy to get into a recipe rut when every day feels the same – work, kids’ activities, social events and bedtime routines make it tough to experiment in the kitchen. If your family’s meals are growing boring, all you need is a touch of heat to bring new life to the menu.
Add a delicious blend of savory, sweet and a hint of spice to mealtime with Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cups, which are ready to serve fast for busy families. Packed with flavor, they complement main courses, snacks and sides without the hassle.
With just the right balance of heat and honey, they add delicious sizzle and mouthwatering flavor to recipes like Hot Honey Chicken Meatball Subs. Perfectly toasted hoagie rolls are packed with spicy, sweet chicken meatballs and smothered in melted provolone for a tough-to-top taste. Ready in 35 minutes, the subs offer a blend of convenience and gourmet flavor, making this meal an unbeatable choice at dinner time.
Sandwiches deliver an easy way to make mealtime customizable so all your loved ones are satisfied. Try topping your subs with coleslaw for a crunchy, creamy texture or pickled vegetables for an added touch of tanginess to complement the sweet, rich meatballs. For fans of spice, turn up the heat with extra hot sauce.
Solve afternoon hunger pangs with these Hot Honey Chicken Rice Crackers and Ranch Dip, loaded with the sweet heat of hot honey chicken and baked to crispy perfection. This inventive snack is uniquely crunchy and flavorful, blending fiery sweetness with savory chicken flavor as a convenient way to shake up snack time.
For the adventurous types, these homemade crackers pair with more than just ranch. Engage your taste buds further with these suggestions:
- Spicy cheese dip: Add a little extra kick with cheese dip that’s spiced up with jalapenos or chili flakes.
- Cucumber dill yogurt: A perfect match for the sweet heat of hot honey chicken with its refreshing, cooling effect.
- Barbecue sauce: Smoky and slightly sweet, it pairs well with the honey in the crackers.
- Garlic aioli: Rich and garlicky, this dip brings a robust flavor contrast to the table.
Discover more ways to shake up mealtimes by visiting MinuteRice.com.

Hot Honey Chicken Meatball Subs
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cup
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- garlic sauce, for garnish
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
- In large bowl, mix rice; chicken; salt; cayenne, if desired; and breadcrumbs.
- Use cookie scoop or hand roll chicken mixture into balls. Place on aluminum foil-lined sheet tray, leaving small space between each ball. Bake 25 minutes, flipping meatballs halfway through.
- Slice hoagies in half, lengthwise. Remove some bread from middle to make room for meatballs. Butter inside of each hoagie and place on sheet tray.
- Once meatballs are cooked through, turn broiler on high and place buttered hoagies in oven. Cook 1 minute, or until butter is melted and hoagie has browned.
- Remove hoagies from oven, place 3-4 meatballs inside (depending on size) and cover with slice of cheese. Broil on high 30 seconds to melt cheese.
- Drizzle garlic sauce on top.
Tip: Garlic sauce can be substituted with topping of choice.

Hot Honey Chicken Rice Crackers and Ranch Dip
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 packet ranch dip seasoning
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
- Lay rice on parchment paper. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top. Use rolling pin to roll out rice into thin layer.
- Bake 20 minutes.
- In medium bowl, mix sour cream and ranch seasoning.
- Once crackers are cooked, cut into squares while still hot. Allow to cool.
- Serve crackers with ranch dip.
Tip: Ranch dip can be substituted with hummus or any flavored dip.
SOURCE:
Minute Rice
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/
