Grazing and Gifting: Sweet Solutions for the Holiday Rush

Florida Grapefruit Brandy Sour

• 1 3/4    ounces brandy
• 2 1/2    ounces freshly squeezed Florida Grapefruit Juice
• 1/3       ounce simple syrup, or to taste
• 2          dashes bitters
• 1          egg white
• ice cubes
• 1          ounce sparkling water
• Florida Grapefruit twist, for garnish

1. In cocktail shaker, add brandy, Florida Grapefruit juice, simple syrup, bitters and egg white. Shake vigorously 15-20 seconds to create frothy texture.
2. Add ice cubes to shaker and shake 15 seconds to chill drink.
3. Strain into chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Pour light splash of sparkling water over top to enhance effervescence.
5. Garnish with grapefruit twist.

Scallops with Florida Grapefruit Butter

• 2          Florida Grapefruit
• 1          fennel bulb
• 3          tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for searing, divided
• 1          tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 1/8       teaspoon, plus 1 pinch, salt, divided, to taste
• 1/8       teaspoon, plus 1 pinch, pepper, divided, to taste
• 1          small bunch fresh cilantro
• 12        scallops with empty shells
• 1          tablespoon butter

1. Peel and cut one Florida Grapefruit into segments. Squeeze remaining grapefruit and reserve juice.
2. Wash and finely chop fennel. In bowl, mix fennel with olive oil, sherry vinegar and 1 pinch salt and pepper.
3. Mix and add fresh cilantro. Keep a few leaves for garnish.
4. In hot frying pan, drizzle with olive oil then sear scallops 1 minute on each side.
5. Remove scallops from pan then deglaze with reserved Florida Grapefruit juice. Let it simmer slightly and add butter to make sauce. Add 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper.
6. Place 1 tablespoon fennel salad in washed shell, top with three scallops and coat with grapefruit butter.
7. Finish with reserved cilantro leaves and fresh grapefruit segments.

Florida Citrus Salad with Burrata

• 1/3       cup Florida Grapefruit Juice
• 1/3       cup Florida Orange Juice
• 2          teaspoons orange zest
• 2          tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2          teaspoons honey
• 1          tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/3       cup olive oil
• 2          tablespoons shallots
• sea salt, to taste
• fresh pepper, to taste

• 1          red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2       cup white vinegar or cider vinegar
• 1/2       cup water
• 1          tablespoon sugar
• 1          teaspoon salt

• 4          Florida Grapefruit, peeled and cut into segments
• 3          oranges, peeled and cut into segments
• 1          bunch radishes, sliced thin and cut into sticks
• 1/3       cup pistachios, grilled and coarsely chopped
• 1          cup arugula
• 2          tablespoons dill, chopped
• sea salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 8          ounces burrata

1. To make vinaigrette: In small bowl, mix Florida Grapefruit Juice, Florida Orange Juice, orange zest, cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, olive oil and shallots until dressing is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside. Vinaigrette will keep 7 days in refrigerator.
2. To make pickled onion: Place sliced onion in airtight canning jar.
3. In small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar and salt. Bring to boil and pour over sliced onion in jar. Add small amount of water to completely cover onion. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Pickled onions will keep 15 days in refrigerator.
4. To make burrata salad: In bowl, combine Florida Grapefruit and Orange segments; add radish sticks, toasted pistachios, arugula and dill. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Place salad on large plate, top with coarsely chopped burrata and drizzle generously with citrus vinaigrette and pickled onion.

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Last Updated on December 12, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Balance Fall Comfort Foods with a Lighter Bite

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

• 3          medium or large cucumbers
• 2-3       vine tomatoes
• 1/2       cup chopped red onion (optional)

• 1/3       cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2       cup olive oil
• 1/4       cup sugar
• 1          tablespoon onion powder
• 1          tablespoon garlic powder
• 1          tablespoon fresh minced dill
• 1          tablespoon mayo
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1/4       cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Peel and slice cucumbers. Deseed, if desired. Coarsely chop into bite-size pieces. Slice and chop tomatoes. Place cucumbers and tomatoes in large bowl with chopped onions, if desired.
2. To make dressing: In separate bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, dill and mayo. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour over cucumber mixture and mix well.
3. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and serve.

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/

Gingerbread Honey Cupcakes: A Sweet Spin on Tradition

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Honey Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 3/4    cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2       cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2    teaspoons baking powder
• 2          teaspoons ground ginger
• 1          teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8       teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2       cup Busy Bee Raw Honey
• 1          egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2       cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract

• 8          ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2       cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4       cup Busy Bee Raw Honey
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4-6       cups powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Line 12 regular-size muffin cups with paper baking cups.
3. In medium bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt.
4. In large bowl, using hand or stand mixer, beat softened butter and honey until smooth and slightly fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Beat in egg then mix in buttermilk and vanilla until combined.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir gently until no streaks of flour remain; don’t overmix.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake 20-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean.
8. Let cupcakes cool in pan about 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add honey and vanilla then gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy, spreadable and reaching desired sweetness. Chill for firmer consistency before piping or spreading, if desired.

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/