recipes
Tasty Twists on a Traditional Holiday Treat: 3 red velvet variations of seasonal sweets

(Family Features) Embrace the color and flavor of tradition this holiday season with new twists on red velvet desserts. These variations on the classic cake can take your celebrations to new heights by throwing it back to childhood with a little bite of the past.
Traditional Holiday Ideas
Take a trip down memory lane with “Cookin’ Savvy” and her delicious takes on tradition: Red Velvet Bundt Cake, Red Velvet Cake Balls and Red Velvet Cookie Cutouts, all of which make it easy for the entire family to join together for some fun (and rich homemade flavor) in the kitchen.
Find more “Cookin’ Savvy” recipes at Culinary.net.
Red Velvet Bundt Cake
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
- 1 red velvet cake mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 stick melted butter
Frosting:
- 1 stick softened butter
- 1 package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- white sanding sugar (optional)
- In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.
- Grease bundt pan with butter and pour in batter. Bake according to package instructions for bundt cakes then add 10-15 minutes. Let cool before icing.
- To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
- Ice entire bundt cake or place frosting in piping bag and pipe with back and forth “drip” motion. Sprinkle sanding sugar for sparkly snow appearance, if desired.

Red Velvet Cake Balls
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
- 1 red velvet cake mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 stick melted butter
Frosting:
- 1/2 stick softened butter
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/8 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, plus additional for rolling, divided
- Heat oven to 350 F.
- In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.
- Grease 9-by-13-inch pan and pour in batter. Bake 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and use fork to crumble cake then place in large bowl.
- To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar. Mix frosting into bowl with cake.
- Form cake mixture into balls then roll in powdered sugar.

Red Velvet Cookie Cutouts
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
- 1 red velvet cake mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 stick melted butter
Frosting:
- 1 stick softened butter
- 1 package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- white sanding sugar (optional)
- Heat oven to 350 F.
- In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.
- Cover two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Pour half the mixture onto each sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes.
- Let cookies cool then freeze 1 hour. Use cookie cutters to make desired shapes.
- To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
- Using knife or piping bag, frost cookies. Sprinkle with sanding sugar for sparkly snow appearance, if desired.
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.
recipes
Serve a Plate of Pasta Salad to Round Out Spring Picnics
If clear skies and bright sunshine have you dreaming of a fresh meal outdoors, a picnic may be just the solution. Rounding out your spread of sandwiches and cold refreshments doesn’t have to be a trick – instead, treat yourself to a light, simple side like this Picnic Pasta Salad.

(Feature Impact) If clear skies and bright sunshine have you dreaming of a fresh meal outdoors, a picnic may be just the solution. Rounding out your spread of sandwiches and cold refreshments doesn’t have to be a trick – instead, treat yourself to a light, simple side like this Picnic Pasta Salad.
Cooked rotini is mixed with fresh veggies, tossed with Italian dressing and topped with crumbled feta cheese for a zesty complement to your favorite al fresco meals.
Visit Culinary.net to find more ways to round out a perfect picnic lunch.
Picnic Pasta Salad
Recipe adapted from “Budget Bytes”
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Servings: 10
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 English cucumber
- 2 bell peppers
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian dressing
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain in colander and rinse with cool water; drain well.
- Slice cucumber into half-moons, chop bell peppers, halve tomatoes, thinly slice red onion and chop parsley. Set vegetables and parsley aside.
- Transfer drained pasta to large bowl. Add chopped vegetables, parsley and feta cheese.
- Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss until evenly coated. Add salt and pepper then refrigerate until ready to eat.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash

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/
Recipe of the Week
Dive Into Healthy Eats with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes
Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes: Inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, the aptly named Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on nourishing foods long touted as some of the healthiest by dietitians and health organizations.

Dive Into Healthy Eats with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes
(Feature Impact) The warm weather season offers a perfect opportunity for a meal reset. Inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, the aptly named Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on nourishing foods long touted as some of the healthiest by dietitians and health organizations.
Inclusive of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and other legumes, as well as low-fat or fat-free dairy products, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts, poultry and fish – such as Genova Wild Caught Yellowfin Tuna – Mediterranean-focused dishes fit beautifully into a colorful, healthy diet. The Mediterranean Diet has also been associated with many benefits, as it includes key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids that support brain, eye and heart health. Because this way of eating also prioritizes fiber and lean protein, it also can support a healthy weight, which can fuel overall health and well-being for years to come.
Packed with protein and omega-3s, Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil is wild-caught and inspired by the flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean. Free from additives and preservatives, this convenient protein makes an easy and delicious addition to meals inspired by the region’s fresh, vibrant ingredients.
A simple, elegant Flatbread Nicoise lets tuna take center stage, melding together fresh, foolproof ingredients like baby potatoes, green beans, baby arugula, kalamata olives and red onion on top of a warm, doughy crust. Or take the taste of the Mediterranean further at lunch time with this Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad. It combines the big, bright flavors and textures of arugula, cucumber, feta, fresh dill, lemon and tuna to give your tastebuds a happy zing and keep you satisfied until dinner.
For more information, including recipes, serving suggestions and a product locator, visit GenovaSeafood.com.
Flatbread Nicoise
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
- 4 ounces baby potatoes, well-scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 ounces green beans or haricot verts, trimmed
- 1 can (5 ounces) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup baby arugula
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pitted kalamata or nicoise olives, halved
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Preheat oven to 450 F. Using mandolin, thinly slice potatoes.
- Drizzle 9-by-13-inch baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread pizza dough to edges. Shingle potatoes over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
- Bake pizza until cooked through and crust is golden, about 25 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Bring small saucepan of salted water to boil. Add green beans and cook until bright green and crisp tender, about 3 minutes. Strain, rinse with cool water and drain well. Transfer to work surface and cut each bean into thirds on bias.
- Strain oil from tuna can into small bowl and whisk vinegar into oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Sprinkle slightly cooled pizza with arugula, tuna, tomatoes, olives, green beans and red onion. Drizzle with vinegar dressing then slice and serve warm.

Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 3 cups arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, each cut in half
- 1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup feta cheese chunks
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill, plus additional for topping (optional)
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- In large bowl or on platter, lay arugula. Place cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, red onion and dill over arugula. Top with tuna; reserve oil from cans.
- To make dressing: In small bowl, combine lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Whisk in reserved olive oil from tuna cans until mixture is well blended.
- Before serving, drizzle dressing over salad and top with additional chopped dill, if desired.
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Food and Beverage
Easy, Creamy Spring Goodness
Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Rod Washington

(Family Features) For a soup that smells as divine as it tastes, warm up your home with the fresh scents and flavors of Creamy Asparagus Soup. Pair with chicken salad croissants for a simple weeknight meal without the hassle then visit Culinary.net to discover more spring soup solutions.

Creamy Asparagus Soup
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
- 2 asparagus bundles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 3 cups broth of choice, divided
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons celery salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- chicken salad croissants, for serving
- Chop asparagus into bite-size pieces. In large pot, place asparagus, butter, onion powder, garlic powder and 1 cup broth. Cook over medium heat until asparagus gets tender.
- Transfer to blender with 1 cup broth and blend until smooth. Transfer back to pot and, over medium heat, mix in cream cheese, remaining broth and Parmesan cheese. Add celery salt and Italian seasoning. Cook while stirring, blending seasonings in well, then add heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with chicken salad croissants.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
