Key News Insights: Recipes, Discontinuations, and School Meal Improvements

How can I make Jenny Rosenstrach’s quick sheet-pan pizza recipe?

Jenny Rosenstrach’s sheet-pan pizza recipe is designed with simplicity and convenience in mind. First, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and grease an 18×13-inch sheet pan with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Place a 16-ounce ball of fresh store-bought pizza dough in the middle of the pan and use your fingers to stretch it to the corners. This method does not require a rolling pin or tossing the dough into the air, making it very user-friendly. The recipe uses common ingredients such as mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, and thinly sliced red onion.

Once the dough is spread out evenly, add 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, followed by 1½ cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of fresh corn kernels, and ½ cup of thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle ⅛ teaspoon of garlic salt and some kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on top. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted, which should take around 15-20 minutes. Once done, garnish with fresh torn basil leaves before serving. This sheet-pan pizza recipe is noted for being quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.

Why did Whole Foods discontinue the beloved Berry Chantilly cake?

Whole Foods’ decision to discontinue the beloved Berry Chantilly cake has left many customers disappointed and puzzled. The Berry Chantilly cake, known for its almond-scented cake layers and mascarpone frosting dotted with fresh mixed berries, was a popular item at weddings, birthdays, and family gatherings. When Lisa Younes discovered its discontinuation during a visit to a Whole Foods Market in Berkeley, California, she posted a TikTok video expressing her dismay, which quickly drew over 1.5 million views. The sudden discontinuation sparked widespread speculation and misinformation on social media.

Many people wondered why Whole Foods, which has been owned by Amazon since 2017, would eliminate such a beloved item. Some speculated that the fresh berries themselves had been removed from the store’s offerings, while others were concerned that individual cake slices would no longer be available. Whole Foods has not provided a specific reason for discontinuing the cake, leading to further frustration among loyal customers. The situation created a chaotic response online as Chantilly cake enthusiasts expressed their disappointment and confusion.

How are Jeffco schools improving meal options with new recipes?

Jeffco schools have been working diligently to improve their meal options by incorporating new recipes that are healthier and more culturally responsive. This effort began after parents, like Azucena Rubio, voiced concerns about the quality and appeal of school meals. For two years, a collaborative group of over two dozen parents and district staff worked on developing new meal ideas, focusing on the needs of the largely Latino student population in Edgewater schools, near Denver. The aim was to create meals that would not only be nutritious but also reflect the cultural diversity of the students.

As a result, the district introduced 15 new recipes this fall at three schools in Edgewater, including suggestions submitted by parents. For example, Rubio’s recipes for enchiladas and fried rice were inspired by a nutrition book she uses in a health class she teaches. Other new meal options include chicken fajita bowls, pork carnitas tacos, and chicken and cheese quesadillas. Although there have been some inconsistencies in the quality of the meals served at schools, Rubio remains optimistic, noting that the district’s efforts are progressively improving the situation.

What were the social media reactions to the Berry Chantilly cake discontinuation?

The social media reactions to Whole Foods’ discontinuation of the Berry Chantilly cake were both swift and intense. When Lisa Younes released her TikTok video from the Whole Foods parking lot, it quickly amassed over 1.5 million views, highlighting the cake’s popularity and the emotional connection many customers had with it. The post ignited a wave of speculation and misinformation, with fans worried about the future availability of the cake and its ingredients. People across various social media platforms echoed their disappointment, and for more than a week, discussions ranged from disbelief to outright outrage.

Many fans used social media to express their discontent and share memories of the cake at special events. Whole Foods’ decision led to a flurry of comments, memes, and even petitions to bring the cake back. The Berry Chantilly cake had become a staple at many celebrations, making its discontinuation feel like a personal loss to numerous customers. Despite the uproar, Whole Foods has not provided a detailed explanation for the decision, resulting in an unsettled and frustrated online community.

Are school meals in Jeffco becoming more culturally responsive and healthier?

School meals in Jeffco are indeed becoming more culturally responsive and healthier, thanks to a concerted effort by parents and the district’s nutrition team. Recognizing the need for change, the district collaborated with local parents to create menus that better reflect the cultural backgrounds of the student population. With a largely Latino community in the Edgewater schools, the new recipes include traditional Latin American dishes like enchiladas and pork carnitas tacos. These changes aim to make school meals more appealing to students, encouraging them to stay on campus for lunch and eat more balanced, nutritious meals.

The process has involved taste tests and feedback sessions to ensure the new recipes meet student preferences while maintaining nutritional standards. While there have been some challenges in consistently preparing the new dishes, the effort marks a significant step toward improving school meal quality. Parents have reported that their children are beginning to notice positive changes, and the district continues to tweak and improve the recipes. The initiative demonstrates a growing awareness of the importance of cultural relevance in school nutrition programs, aiming for lasting improvements in student health and satisfaction.


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