Last Updated on April 30, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Sustainably Sourced Staples for Family Favorites

(Feature Impact) Living sustainably might include habits like recycling or composting, but you can go above and beyond by using food ingredients that are environmentally friendly.

As a pioneer in humane and sustainable meat, Niman Ranch recently launched a Regenerative Organic Certified beef program sourced entirely from U.S. family ranches covering 105,000 acres today and with a roadmap to reach 250,000 acres by 2028.

Simply put, “regenerative” is a soil-first approach to farming that restores the earth rather than depleting it. This program bridges the gap between environmental stewardship and steakhouse-quality flavor so you can enjoy meals like a Seared Strip Loin with Linguini or Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls.

The program sets the standard for a sustainable future in several ways:

• Supporting American Ranchers: 100% U.S. grass-fed and finished, it provides a vital premium market for domestic family ranchers when over 95% of organic beef is currently imported.
• Steakhouse Quality Meets the Gold Standard: By pairing elite angus genetics with Regenerative Organic Certified’s rigorous standards, the program delivers USDA-graded Choice and Prime marbling – a flavor and tenderness rarely found in the organic market.
• Healing the Land: Through “high-frequency rotational grazing,” Niman Ranch cattle are moved across pastures in a way that restores soil health and promotes biodiversity.

Learn more by visiting NimanRanch.com.

Seared Strip Loin with Linguini

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

• 1          Niman Ranch Strip Loin Steak (6-8 ounces)
  
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste, divided
  
• 1          box (16 ounces) linguini
  
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
  
• 2          cups chopped fennel
  
• 1          teaspoon red pepper flakes
  
• 1/3       cup chopped Castelvetrano (green) olives
  
• 2          cloves garlic, chopped
  
• 1          orange, zest and juice only
  
• 1          goat cheese log (4 ounces)
  
• 1/3       cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  
• pepper, to taste

1. Pat steak dry and season generously with kosher salt. Heat grill pan or grill to medium-high heat. Grill steak until medium-rare (135-140 F), turning halfway through cooking, about 8 minutes total. Set aside.
2. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguini according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining linguini in colander.
3. In same pasta pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook fennel, red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon kosher salt over medium heat, stirring, until fennel is tender, 5-6 minutes. Add chopped olives, garlic and orange zest. Stir in orange juice and stir to combine. Set aside.
4. Return drained linguini to pot. Crumble goat cheese on top and add reserved pasta water. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
5. Serve with slices of steak on top and garnish with fresh parsley.

Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

• 1          package (8 ounces) rice vermicelli noodles

Beef:

• 2          cloves garlic, grated
  
• 1          thumb ginger, peeled and grated
  
• 2          tablespoons fish sauce
  
• 4          teaspoons light brown sugar
  
• 1          tablespoon lemongrass paste
  
• 1          tablespoon fresh lime juice
  
• 1          pound Niman Ranch ground beef
  
• 1          tablespoon vegetable oil

Dressing:

• 4          tablespoons soy sauce
  
• 4          tablespoons fresh lime juice
  
• 2          tablespoons lemongrass paste
  
• 2          tablespoons light brown sugar
  
• 2          teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
  
• 2          tablespoons vegetable oil

Salad:

• 8          ounces butter lettuce leaves
  
• 8          ounces carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
  
• 1          English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly crosswise into half-moons
  
• 1          bunch fresh mint
  
• 1          bunch cilantro
  
• chopped roasted and unsalted peanuts
  
• 1          lime, cut into wedges

1. Cook vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Set aside.
2. To prepare beef: In medium bowl, whisk garlic, ginger, fish sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass paste and lime juice until blended. Add beef and mix until well blended. Marinate 15 minutes.
3. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add beef and cook, breaking up using wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until beef is dark and caramelized, 10-12 minutes.
4. To make dressing: In small bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, lemongrass paste, brown sugar and sriracha, if desired. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Slowly stream in vegetable oil, whisking, until dressing is thickened.
5. To prepare salads: Divide noodles between four shallow bowls. Arrange caramelized beef, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, mint and cilantro in bowls then drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with peanuts. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing on top.

SOURCE:

Niman Ranch

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Bold Beverages to Elevate Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

(Feature Impact) Few things say Cinco de Mayo like festive drinks and a lively atmosphere. This year, give your glass a signature chile-lime kick and turn every sip into a celebration.

Elevating classic beverages is effortless with the bold trifecta of chile peppers, lime and sea salt – the perfectly balanced blend that delivers tangy, zesty and mildly spicy notes to take drinks from ordinary to unforgettable.

Raise a glass with these easy, at-home recipes designed to make even novice mixologists feel like pros. For a refreshing option, try a vibrant Watermelon Agua Fresca that combines the natural sweetness of fresh watermelon with the irresistible kick of Tajín’s Chamoy Sauce and a rim of its Clásico Seasoning for a craveable finish.

If you love the timeless taste of a margarita, the Spicy Jalapeno Margarita is a perfect choice, bringing bar-quality flavor to your celebration in just a few simple steps.

Both beverages feature a Tajín Clásico Seasoning rimmer that adds eye-catching color and a burst of flavor, complementing the sweetness of fresh fruit. Citrus like orange and lime, tropical options such as pineapple and mango, and melons including cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew all pair beautifully. It’s an easy, fun way to add a pop of color and make everything from orange juice to fruity mocktails feel festive and special.

With a little prep, you can turn Cinco de Mayo into a truly unforgettable fiesta. For more swoon-worthy recipes ideas, visit Tajin.com.

Watermelon Agua Fresca

• 2          cups fresh watermelon, cubed
  
• 1          ounce fresh lime juice
  
• 1/2       ounce agave syrup (optional)
  
• 1/2       cup cold water
  
•             ice

Rim:

• Tajín Chamoy Sauce
  
• Tajín Clásico Seasoning

Garnish:

• lime slice
  
• watermelon slice

1. Dip glass into Tajín Chamoy Sauce then into Tajín Clásico Seasoning.
2. In blender, blend fresh watermelon cubes; lime juice; agave syrup, if using; and cold water until smooth and well combined.
3. Fill prepared glass with ice and pour watermelon mixture into glass.
4. Sprinkle with pinch of classic seasoning on top.
5. Garnish with lime slice and watermelon slice.

Spicy Jalapeno Margarita

• 2          slices fresh jalapeno
  
• 1          ounce fresh lime juice
  
• 2          ounces blanco tequila
  
• 1          ounce orange liqueur
  
• 1/2       ounces agave syrup
  
•             ice

Rim:

• Tajín Chile Lime Sauce
  
• Tajín Clásico Seasoning
• lime wedge

Garnish:

• jalapeno slice or lime wheel

1. To rim glass, brush Tajín Chile Lime Sauce on side of glass then dip into Tajín Clásico Seasoning to coat. Set aside.
2. In shaker, muddle jalapeno slices with lime juice to release heat and flavor.
3. Add tequila, orange liqueur and agave syrup. Fill with ice and shake vigorously 10-15 seconds.
4. Fill prepared glass with ice and strain margarita into glass.
5. Garnish with lime wedge and jalapeno slice.

SOURCE:
Tajin

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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/

Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Summer snacking just got a little sweeter. Little Bites® Snacks has announced the return of its limited-edition Little Bites® S’mores Muffins, giving families a simple way to enjoy the nostalgic flavor of a classic campfire dessert without needing a fire pit.

Inspired by the familiar combination of graham cracker and chocolate, these soft-baked mini muffins are designed to capture the cozy taste of s’mores in a portable, ready-to-eat format. Made with ingredients like graham flour and milk chocolate, the muffins offer a sweet, fluffy bite that fits perfectly into busy summer routines.

According to Rielly Whims, Brand Manager for Little Bites® Snacks, the product reflects the brand’s focus on bringing joy to everyday moments. With the return of S’mores Muffins, families can enjoy a fun, convenient snack that delivers the flavor of summer in an easy, grab-and-go pouch.

A Seasonal Treat Made for On-the-Go Moments

Little Bites® S’mores Muffins are positioned as an ideal snack for the season’s most memorable moments. Whether it’s a backyard hangout, a long road trip, a day at the beach, or a quick poolside break, the muffins are designed to bring a little extra sweetness to summer activities.

Their pre-portioned pouches also make them especially appealing for families looking for convenient snack options that are easy to pack, share, and enjoy anywhere.

Available for a Limited Time

The seasonal muffins are available now at major retailers nationwide while supplies last. As part of the broader Little Bites® lineup, the returning flavor adds a playful, nostalgic twist to the brand’s portfolio of baked snacks.

For Little Bites fans, the return of S’mores Muffins is a timely reminder that some of the best summer flavors do not need a campfire to be enjoyed. With familiar ingredients, portable packaging, and limited-time availability, this seasonal snack is set to be a fun addition to summer shopping lists.

About the Brand

Little Bites® is part of the Entenmann’s® family, a well-known name in baked goods with more than a century of baking heritage. Entenmann’s® operates under Bimbo Bakeries USA, one of the leading baking companies in the country, known for its wide portfolio of household brands and large-scale national distribution.

Together, that backing gives Little Bites® strong brand recognition and broad retail reach, helping seasonal launches like S’mores Muffins find their way into stores across the U.S. just in time for summer.

Related Links

• Little Bites Official Website
• Bimbo Bakeries USA
• Entenmann’s Bakery

Source

• PR Newswire

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