McDonald's is set to shut down three CosMc's outlets while simultaneously launching two new ones.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. McDonald's plans to shutter three locations of its spinoff brand, CosMc's, and open two more restaurants in Texas. The company said smaller locations work better for the test, which led to the decision. McDonald's introduced CosMc's as its strategy to tap into the expanding market for "afternoon beverage pick-me-up occasions." McDonald's will shutter three locations of its drinks-focused spinoff brand, CosMc's. To test the concept, the fast-food giant opened its first CosMc's location more than a year ago in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook, followed by six more in Texas. McDonald's has converted larger namesake restaurants into CosMc's, in addition to building smaller prototype locations. The company announced on Thursday that the smaller stores have proven to be more effective for testing purposes. Consequently, McDonald's plans to shut down three of its larger CosMc's locations while launching two additional small restaurants in Texas. While the specific sites for the openings and closures have not been revealed, CosMc's website indicates that a new store is on the way to Allen, Texas. On Thursday, McDonald's revealed additional insights from their pilot program. The most popular food item, available at all hours, is the savory hash browns, closely followed by McPops, which are the chain's small filled doughnuts. The leading beverages include the Island Pick Me Up Punch, Churro Cold Brew Frappe, and Sour Energy Burst. The company has stated that the CosMc's test will persist for the "foreseeable future." McDonald's introduced CosMc's as its strategy to tap into the expanding market for "afternoon beverage pick-me-up occasions." While CosMc's menu features some McDonald's classics, it also offers a host of new items playing off other beverage and snacking trends, like its iced turmeric spiced lattes, tropical spiceade and pretzel bites. Starbucks, Dutch Bros. and bubble tea chain Kung Fu Tea have found success with younger consumers by offering customizable cold drinks. The new brand takes its name from CosMc, a character from McDonaldland that featured in commercials during the late 1980s and early 1990s. CosMc is an extraterrestrial being with a strong desire for McDonald's cuisine. Although the extent of McDonald's growth plans for CosMc's remains uncertain, it currently represents a tiny fraction of the fast-food giant's extensive presence in the United States, which boasts over 13,500 restaurants. Nonetheless, McDonald's aims to gain deeper insights into the preferences of its CosMc's clientele; to this end, the company launched a dedicated loyalty program for CosMc's customers last year.
Experts share their top tips for shoveling snow safely and efficiently, including an unexpected hack using cooking oil to help prevent injuries.
Clearing snow can be a tough task – landscaping experts share their top tips for efficient snow shoveling while minimizing the risk of injury. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Getty Images / galinast) Snow accumulates, obstructing paths, entrances, and driveways, and during the heart of winter, it’s essential to remove it all to keep things accessible. If you don't have a snow blower on hand, you need to get hands-on and shovel all the snow. However, this can put a lot of strain on your back. Shoveling snow is a common domestic cause of painful back injuries. I consulted with landscaping experts regarding the most effective strategies for snow shoveling, and they shared numerous tips on how to do it quickly, effortlessly, and, most crucially, safely. 1. How to shovel snow safely and effectively View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image courtesy of Kathleen Finlay / Image Source / Getty Images) Shoveling snow causes thousands of back injuries every year, so it's crucial to know how to do it safely. Thankfully, the right technique is easy. If you've ever had to do manual handling training, you probably already know the basics. Outdoor expert Steven Mena says 'As someone who works outdoors, I know it can be hard to deal with snow. To keep things easy on your body, make sure to face the area you're working on and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for better balance. Instead of bending at your waist, try squatting down by bending your knees and hips. Use your leg muscles to lift the snow. This way helps reduce the strain on your lower back. When you're throwing snow, try not to twist your torso. Instead, just turn your whole body in the direction you want to toss it.' Snow expert Lorne Chadnick agrees and says 'In my experience, the safest and most efficient way to shovel snow involves thinking of it like working out - your stance matters. Make sure to bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs - not your back. Additionally, try pushing the snow instead of lifting it when you can, as this also helps you avoid hurting yourself.' You can also make snow shoveling much safer by wearing proper clothing. Yard expert Jeremy Yamaguchi says 'One of the most important safety steps for shoveling is preparing and protecting your body ahead of time. For example, put on boots with good traction so that you don’t slip, put on gloves so your hands don’t blister, and put on a brace if you have a bad back.' View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Steven Mena serves as the CEO of AAA Fence and Deck, a premier provider of top-notch fencing and decking solutions in Raleigh, NC. With three decades of experience, the company excels in the professional installation of various types of fences, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain-link, composite, and pool fences, catering to residential, commercial, and industrial clients. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Lorne established IceTrek following a challenging winter in 2022, during which he had a mishap on an icy porch that worsened a previous injury. In response to this experience, he created IceTrek Rubber Snow Melting Mats to help people move safely over slippery surfaces. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Jeremy is a gardening expert who advises on a range of gardening matters. As the CEO of Lawn Love, Jeremy helps homeowners find quality, reliable lawn care. 2. Tips for Efficient Snow Shoveling View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image courtesy of ReMa / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images) To maximize efficiency while shoveling snow, it's important to save time and minimize the chance of injury. Although it may seem illogical, regularly shoveling smaller amounts of snow tends to be the most effective approach. Jeremy Yamaguchi advises, "Even during heavy snowfall, it's better to go outside and shovel every 2-3 inches that build up, instead of waiting for all the snow to fall and trying to tackle it in one go." Removing lighter snow is simpler, so tackling it before it settles into dense, hard-packed snow saves you significant effort later on when the snowfall has ceased. Certainly, this may not be feasible if it snows during the night. However, if you find yourself waking up to a thick blanket of snow, there are several choices available to you. According to Steven Mena, when tackling thick or heavy snowfall, it's advisable to begin from the top and gradually move downwards. Handling dense layers can be challenging, so it's wise to divide them into smaller portions to prevent excessive strain. Regardless of your approach, the most effective way to clear snow is to direct it towards the perimeter of your yard. This method allows snow to accumulate in drifts along the edges, preserving clear areas for driveways and walkways. Additionally, it ensures that you won't spend unnecessary time removing snow from the sides of the yard. Steven advises, "When clearing your driveway, it's most effective to start from the center and work your way outwards towards the sides. This approach will help you conserve both time and effort." 3. Tips for Choosing the Perfect Snow Shovel View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Getty Images / RyersonClark) Various types of snow packs and areas necessitate the use of different shovels. The three primary categories are ergonomic shovels, push shovels, and standard shovels. Steven Mena states, "Choosing the appropriate shovel can significantly impact the efficiency and safety of your work. Ergonomic shovels are particularly beneficial as they are designed to reduce the strain on your back and joints." Steven mentions, "For those with larger driveways or pathways, a push shovel is highly effective." Push shovels, as the name implies, are made for pushing snow aside instead of lifting and tossing it. The top models resemble wheelbarrows, featuring a single wheel behind the blade that facilitates the snow-pushing process. This design is generally easier on your back, although it may struggle with heavy, compacted snow, and they usually come at a higher price point compared to traditional snow shovels. If these options seem excessive, a regular snow shovel will do the trick, but keep in mind the tips mentioned earlier. Lifting snow the wrong way can lead to significant back injuries. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. True Temper Ergonomic Trail Blazer This basic snow shovel features a bent shaft design to facilitate the lifting of heavy snow. It's one of Steven's top recommendations; he notes, "The curved handle significantly improves posture, making it ideal for both pushing and lifting snow." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Snow Joe Shovelution Snow Clearing Tool This shovel comes equipped with an additional handle near the blade, allowing for better leverage when dealing with heavy snow. According to Steven, "It includes a spring-assisted second handle that reduces the strain on your lower back. It's a smart investment for anyone looking to alleviate the physical demands of conventional shoveling." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The Snowplow: The Original Snow Clearing Tool This extra-wide snow shovel is ideal for large driveways and heavy snowfall. According to Steven, "For those with a spacious driveway or pathway, a push shovel like the Snowplow 24-Inch Push Shovel is highly effective. Its sturdy blade and broad design allow for efficient clearing of expansive spaces, though it's more suited for pushing snow rather than lifting it." 4. Add a small amount of cooking oil. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Getty Images / Jason Finn) An unexpected trick to make snow shoveling easier is to apply a bit of cooking oil to your shovel. One of the most frustrating aspects of shoveling snow is when it clings to your tool. This not only slows you down but can also lead to injuries; when snow doesn't slide off easily and you lift a heavy load without proper preparation, it puts strain on your back and can result in pain. You can stop this from happening by adding a little cooking oil to the blade of the shovel. The easiest way to apply this is to use a cooking oil spray like this from Walmart rather than oil from a bottle. You can spritz it right onto the shovel without getting your hands messy. It doesn't necessarily need to be oil. Everyday DIY lubricants such as WD-40 can be effective too. That said, WD-40 tends to be pricier than cooking oil, so it might be wise to reserve it for your other tasks. Snow specialist Lorne Chadwick recommends, "Using cooking oil or WD-40 on your shovel can reduce snow adhesion, making your task a bit simpler." 5. Avoid overloading your shovel. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Getty Images / Nastco) No matter what, avoid overloading your snow shovel. Putting too much snow in it at once can lead to several issues. It's more strenuous on your body to lift, and if you’re using a low-quality plastic shovel, you risk bending the handle. Clearing snow with a large shovel takes roughly the same amount of time as using two smaller shovels. While the quantity moved is identical in both cases, using the smaller shovels is significantly easier. Therefore, it's best to opt for small, quick shovels for efficiency. 6. Plan in advance View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Getty Images / Iryna Tolmachova) While it may not be much use when you're caught in a snowstorm, one of the most effective ways to simplify the task of shoveling is to plan ahead. Gritting your decks and driveways to reduce ice build-up is crucial, and it's inexpensive. You can get a 50lb bag of rock salt at Tractor Supply Co. for less than $8. Just spread it over the surface - roughly a cup per square foot - and this will reduce the likelihood of snow and ice building up on your pathways and drives. You can also buy heated mats for paths and stairs. Lorne Chadnick says 'These are great because they basically do the work for you'. You can find heated mats like this at Amazon and other retailers. Before you break out your snow shovel, bear in mind that you don't need to clear the entire yard. There are four places you shouldn't clear snow, as they can be dangerous or damage your property.
What culinary delights await us in 2025? Here are some anticipated food trends.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This image from December 31, 2024, shared by Katie Workman, showcases a variety of functional drinks. (Photo credit: Katie Workman via AP) View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This image from December 31, 2024, shared by Katie Workman, features injera crisps created by Tsiona. (Credit: Katie Workman via AP) View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This image, dated December 31, 2024, and shared by Katie Workman, features raw kombucha infused with marine greens from Synergy. (Image credit: Katie Workman via AP) View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This image, taken on December 31, 2024, and shared by Katie Workman, features shrimp and chives dumplings from Mulan Dumpling. (Credit: Katie Workman/AP) View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This image, taken on December 31, 2024, and shared by Katie Workman, depicts a collection of mushroom supplements. (Katie Workman via AP) As we approach the New Year, many food writers find themselves challenged with the responsibility of forecasting upcoming culinary trends. In all honesty, this used to be a much easier endeavor!
Morning Coffee Associated with Increased Longevity and Heart Health Advantages
Additional content from this segment A recent study has raised concerns that "sandwich carers" are facing overwhelming pressures and are being stretched too far. Suggested for you Local Community Gatherings Search for a nearby business. Safeguarding the United States Postal Service Your browser is outdated and may pose security risks. We suggest upgrading to one of the following browsers: You're good to go! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. a person serving coffee Thank you . Your account has been successfully created, and you are currently logged in. Please review your email for further information.
The Simplest Beef Stew You'll Ever Prepare—Just Toss and Let It Cook!
No need to brown! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Simply Recipes / Image by Rachel Vanni / Culinary Styling by Tiffany Schleigh Beef stew has earned its classic status for good reason. With succulent chunks of beef and robust root vegetables, all immersed in a thick, flavorful broth that resembles gravy, it’s a comforting dish that fills your home with irresistible scents and warms you up with minimal ingredients. However, conventional recipes can be quite demanding, requiring significant time and effort, from searing the meat to peeling potatoes and sautéing the veggies. I often find myself short on time and motivation for extensive meal prep, and the messy cleanup from browning meat on the stovetop isn’t appealing either. That's why I decided to create a more effortless stew recipe that eliminates the need for browning or sautéing, yet still delivers the rich flavors of traditional stews. It’s as simple as tossing everything in and letting it cook—no fuss, just flavor! Homemade Stew Meat The one prep step that I won’t skip is cutting up my own stew meat. I don’t buy pre-cut “stew meat” at the grocery store because it’s made of scraps from various beef cuts and is often too lean and tough for stew. Instead, I cut a chuck roast into pieces. Chuck meat, sourced from the shoulder of the cow, is rich in marbling and connective tissue that break down during slow cooking, resulting in a wonderfully tender and tasty stew. To prevent the stew from becoming greasy, I remove the hard white fat deposits from the meat and cut away any tough, silvery connective tissue. This process only takes a few minutes but significantly enhances the quality of my stew. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Simply Recipes / Image by Rachel Vanni / Culinary Styling by Tiffany Schleigh Create Depth of Flavor Without Caramelization I coat the beef cubes in flour, along with a generous amount of herbs and garlic to enhance the taste and help thicken the broth during cooking. For the herbs, I opt for herbes de Provence, which is a mix of savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and lavender. However, you can also use Italian seasoning or any preferred herb blend that you like. For the broth, I like Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base mixed with hot water instead of boxed beef broth because it has a truly beefy flavor. A strong canned broth will work in a pinch. I also add plenty of tomato paste to the broth to add body and a touch of sweetness to the stew. Rather than dealing with the hassle of peeling potatoes, I opt for unpeeled fingerling or small red potatoes. They cook up beautifully tender and maintain their shape, rather than breaking down into the stew. I’ve started omitting the sautéing of onions, carrots, and celery, and I haven’t found that it significantly affects the flavor, considering the stew simmers for three hours. Prepare It Using a Slow Cooker This recipe is perfect for a slow cooker since it skips the browning step. Simply mix the beef with flour and seasonings in a bowl rather than using a Dutch oven. Then, layer in the vegetables and top with the seasoned beef. Use only 2 1/2 cups of boiling water and avoid simmering the mixture. Set the cooker to LOW and let it cook for 7 to 8 hours. Finally, stir in the peas and vinegar, cooking on low for an additional 10 minutes. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Simply Recipes / Image by Rachel Vanni / Culinary Styling by Tiffany Schleigh Effortless Beef Stew Cooking Mode (Maintain screen active) 2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons herbs de provence or Italian seasoning 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 large sweet onion, chopped 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1 pound fingerling or small red skin potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch chunks 3 cups boiling water 3 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Roast Beef Base 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup frozen peas 1 to 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, basil, or tarragon (optional) Preheat the oven to 325°F. Prepare the beef: Remove any excess fat from the meat and throw it away. Trim off any silvery connective tissue and discard that as well. Chop the meat into 1-inch pieces and place them in a Dutch oven or a large pot that can go in the oven. You can also use pre-cut stew meat if preferred. Incorporate the flour, herb mixture, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the beef and mix thoroughly to ensure an even coating. Add the remaining ingredients: Place the onions and carrots around the beef in the pot. Layer the potatoes on top, ensuring not to mix them in. In a glass measuring cup, combine the boiling water, beef base, and tomato paste, whisking until smooth. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the pot. Heat on high until it reaches a simmer. Bake: Place a lid on the pot and move the stew to the middle rack of the oven. Bake for about 2 hours, or until the meat is almost tender. After that, take off the lid and keep baking until the stew thickens and the meat is extremely tender (test a piece of beef by cutting it in half with a fork; it should break apart easily), which should take about another hour. Quick Tip! This results in a hearty, thick stew. If you desire a more soupy consistency, cover the pot and cook for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, then uncover it for the final 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. Finish with peas and vinegar: Remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Stir in the peas and vinegar to taste and replace the lid to let the peas defrost, about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper if needed. Allow the leftover stew to cool entirely in the refrigerator without a cover. After it has cooled, place it in an airtight container where it can be kept for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can move it to a freezer-safe container and keep it frozen for as long as 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it slowly in a saucepan on low heat, adding a bit of water to thin out the broth if needed. Enjoyed the recipe? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please rate us with stars and share your comments below! Nutritional Information (per serving) 383 Calories 9g Fat 32g Carbs 44g Protein Nutrition Facts Servings: 6 Amount per serving Calories 383 % Daily Value* Total Fat 9g 12% Saturated Fat 4g 18% Cholesterol 120mg 40% Sodium 1012mg 44% Total Carbohydrate 32g 12% Dietary Fiber 5g 16% Total Sugars 9g Protein 44g Vitamin C 18mg 92% Calcium 76mg 6% Iron 5mg 30% Potassium 1083mg 23% *The % Daily Value (DV) indicates the contribution of a nutrient in a food portion towards your daily nutritional needs. The general guideline is based on a daily intake of 2,000 calories.
McDonald's Introduces Affordable $5 Meal Deals on McValue Menu in Ohio
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Explore the McValue Menu: Budget-Friendly Meals for All McDonald's has launched the McValue menu in Central Ohio, bringing fantastic savings for budget-minded customers. This new selection is designed especially for individuals and families seeking affordable options while maintaining high standards of quality. Discover the $5 Meal Deal Central to this initiative is the $5 Meal Deal, a carefully crafted assortment of beloved menu items aimed at delivering great taste while keeping expenses low. This meal deal provides customers with the opportunity to savor their favorite dishes at an incredible price, ensuring that dining out is within reach for all. As the cost of living continues to increase, offering affordable choices can significantly change how families organize their meals, making this menu an invaluable resource in that positive journey. Favored Selections That Bring Joy The $5 Meal Deal features popular favorites like the iconic Big Mac, crunchy Chicken McNuggets, and a variety of delicious sides. Each option reflects McDonald's dedication to providing fulfilling meals at a price that won’t break the bank. This emphasis on both quality and value is expected to boost customer loyalty and establish McDonald's as a preferred destination for those seeking budget-friendly dining experiences. Marketing Wizardry: Collaborating with Influencers To successfully advocate for the McValue menu, McDonald's has partnered with the famous influencer John Cena. His extensive following and approachable character significantly amplify the marketing campaign's impact, giving the brand a fresh and modern appeal. Working with influencers is a well-established method to increase visibility and interaction. Cena’s participation adds a thrilling element, capturing interest in the new menu and encouraging his fans to check out the selections for themselves. Affordable Healthy Choices Alongside offering quick and budget-friendly meals, the McValue menu emphasizes health awareness. Diners can choose salads or fruit as part of their meal selections, catering to individuals who desire nutritious options without compromising on affordability. This initiative targets health-minded customers who prioritize their wellness alongside their financial considerations. Fostering Customer Loyalty The budget-friendly offerings of the McValue menu not only draw in new customers but also build loyalty among current ones. When patrons realize they can reliably enjoy satisfying meals for only $5, it motivates them to return. Customer loyalty plays a crucial role in the fast-food industry, and McDonald's is cleverly positioning itself to thrive in this competitive environment. Connecting with Audiences via Social Media As social media continues to evolve, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are set to be instrumental in highlighting the McValue menu. Captivating posts showcasing John Cena alongside delicious imagery of the meal options will demonstrate the uniqueness of this offering. Innovative marketing strategies combined with content created by users can spark excitement and motivate followers to share their experiences, thereby increasing interest even more. Effects on the Local Community This initiative goes beyond just cost savings; it aims to create a meaningful difference in the Central Ohio community. With numerous families grappling with financial challenges, having access to budget-friendly meal choices can greatly improve their dining experiences. McDonald’s dedication to delivering value positions the company as a vital part of the community, with the potential to turn customers into devoted supporters for years to come. Leveraging Economic Trends for Success With an increasing number of individuals looking for ways to manage their finances, the McValue menu places McDonald's in a strong position amid shifting economic landscapes. Affordable dining options have become more popular as consumers adapt their spending behaviors in response to inflation and various economic challenges. By capitalizing on this trend, McDonald's guarantees its continued relevance and attractiveness in a dynamic marketplace. Attracting New Customers Through Exciting Promotions To attract more customers to the McValue menu, implementing promotional strategies can spark immediate interest. Special flash deals, time-sensitive offers, and loyalty rewards programs can encourage reluctant diners to experience the thrill for themselves. By leveraging promotional marketing to generate excitement around the menu, McDonald’s can boost customer traffic and appeal to both newcomers and loyal patrons. Concluding Reflections The introduction of the McValue menu in Central Ohio represents a significant turning point for McDonald's, providing a fresh take on affordable dining. By collaborating with well-known influencers and featuring an enticing $5 Meal Deal, the company is poised for increased customer interaction and satisfaction. This initiative addresses the economic concerns of diners while reinforcing McDonald’s position as a frontrunner in cost-effective meal choices. As customers enthusiastically welcome this new offering, it is evident that McDonald’s is attuned to the changing dynamics of the dining experience — prioritizing value in the areas that count.