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4 Everyday Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp

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Last Updated on September 29, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Brain

4 Everyday Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp

(Family Features) Staying in shape goes beyond physical fitness – keeping your brain health top of mind is crucial for your overall well-being, too. To sharpen your mind, consider these everyday ways for prioritizing brain health.

Stimulate Your Mind
While “exercising” typically refers to running, walking or biking, remember you can give your brain a workout as well. Provide a boost for your brain with easy and enjoyable activities like reading, puzzles, math games like sudoku or artistic challenges such as drawing or crafting.

Eat Healthy Foods
17577 detail image embed2Establishing a strong foundation for brain health can start in the kitchen by preparing healthy foods. Adding whole grains, fish, legumes, healthy fats and fruits and vegetables, including grapes and leafy greens, can encourage better brain wellness.

Research suggests grapes help maintain a healthy brain. UCLA researchers, in a human study of elderly subjects with mild cognitive decline, found consuming 2 1/4 cups of grapes every day preserved healthy metabolic activity in regions of the brain associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

This Walnut Sunflower-Crusted Salmon with Honey-Lemon Grapes is a flavor-packed way to add California grapes to the menu while simultaneously supporting brain and heart health. Salmon, rich in omega-3s, is topped with a crunchy walnut-sunflower seed crust for a savory, nutty bite. Pair with juicy grapes and onions marinated in honey and lemon for a burst of sweetness and tang to balance the rich salmon in this nutritious meal.

Prioritize Mental Health
Reducing anxiety may be easier said than done, but it starts with healthy everyday habits. Practice mindfulness by meditating or simply turning off distractions like social media. Get outside for fresh air or find a hobby you enjoy. Join a support group, reach out to loved ones and, if you feel you’re experiencing negative mental health systems, talk with a mental health professional.

Exercise Regularly
Physical activities that increase your heart rate also increase blood flow to the brain and throughout your body. It doesn’t have to be rigorous or strenuous – go for a walk around the neighborhood, dance in the living room, tend to your garden or enjoy a bike ride when the weather cooperates. Remember to replenish your energy and hydration – California grapes are an easy way to deliver both.

Find more information on the connection between grapes and heart health, and discover more nutritious recipes, by visiting GrapesfromCalifornia.com.

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Walnut Sunflower-Crusted Salmon with Honey-Lemon Grapes

Servings: 2

Honey-Lemon Marinated Grapes:

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  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups halved red Grapes from California
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 small handful arugula

Salmon:

  • 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons roasted, unsalted sunflower seeds
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons spicy brown or Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
  1. Heat oven to 350 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oiled foil.
  2. To make honey-lemon marinated grapes: In medium bowl, whisk oil, lemon juice, honey, basil, salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in grapes, onion and arugula; set aside.
  3. To prepare salmon: In small bowl, stir walnuts, sunflower seeds, honey, mustard and salt until thick paste forms.
  4. Place salmon on prepared baking sheet, skin side down, and press equal amounts walnut mixture over surface of each. Bake 20 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with fork.
  5. Set salmon on plates; using slotted spoon, spoon marinated grape and onion mixture over salmon and around plates.

Nutritional information per serving: 640 calories; 39 g protein; 31 g carbohydrates; 41 g fat (58% calories from fat); 7 g saturated fat (10% calories from saturated fat); 95 mg cholesterol; 390 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.

 

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California Table Grape Commission

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.

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Have a ‘Hoppy’ Easter with a Holiday Ham

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Last Updated on April 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Perfect for pairing with deviled eggs, potato salad and a traditional Sunday feast, this Maple-Glazed Easter Ham provides a hands-off approach to the main dish. With an easily prepared glaze and your oven doing most of the work, you can keep your attention on time spent with loved ones.

(Feature Impact) When your kitchen is full of colorful eggs, candy baskets, tempting sweets and all that comes with Easter, sometimes a holiday classic is just the answer for simplifying the season. Perfect for pairing with deviled eggs, potato salad and a traditional Sunday feast, this Maple-Glazed Easter Ham provides a hands-off approach to the main dish.

With an easily prepared glaze and your oven doing most of the work, you can keep your attention on time spent with loved ones. Visit Culinary.net to find more seasonal favorites, both classic and contemporary.

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Maple-Glazed Easter Ham

Recipe adapted from Southern Living

Total time: 3 hours

Servings: 10

  • 1          bone-in spiral-cut ham (8-9 pounds)
  • 1          cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2       cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2       cup (4 ounces) bourbon
  • 1/2       teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4       teaspoon ground cinnamon
  •             orange slices and wedges, for garnish
  •             fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Place ham in large roasting pan and fill with 1/2 inch of water. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake about 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with juices from pan, until meat registers 120 F at thickest portion.
  3. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stir maple syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, ginger and cinnamon; bring to boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover to keep warm and set aside.
  4. Remove ham from oven and discard foil. Increase oven temperature to 400 F. Using pastry brush, glaze ham with 1/3 cup maple-bourbon mixture.
  5. Bake ham about 30 minutes until top is lightly caramelized and meat registers 145 F at thickest portion, brushing with remaining glaze every 10 minutes.
  6. Remove from oven and transfer ham to serving platter. Let rest 15 minutes and garnish with orange slices, orange wedges and rosemary sprigs.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

   

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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. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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Lighten Up: Fresh Spring Meals That Won’t Weigh You Down

Prepare your fresh spring menu with light, flavorful dishes like shrimp pearl couscous salad and chickpea couscous—perfect for easy, satisfying meals without the heaviness.

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Lighten Up: Fresh Spring Meals That Won’t Weigh You Down

(Feature Impact) Put away the heavy coats and break out the rain jackets and rubber boots – spring is here, and with it comes more than just pop-up showers and sunshine. After months of comfort foods and curling up indoors, you may be ready for lighter meals that won’t weigh you down before splashing in the puddles.

Fresh produce may first come to mind, but spring bites can also mean swapping out ingredients like regular pasta for a solution such as pearl couscous. If you’re looking to complement greens, veggies, fish or meats with light yet filling flavor, consider Success Boil-in-Bag Pearl Couscous, a small, mediterranean-style pasta that always cooks right and is ready to eat in under 7 minutes once the water boils. The BPA-free boil-in-bag simplicity makes cooking easy and foolproof: no measure, no mess, no stress.

Made with high-quality semolina wheat, it features a slightly nutty flavor on its own while absorbing the flavors of salads while retaining its density and chewy texture. It’s distinguished from traditional Moroccan couscous by its slightly larger, rounder shape and less dense, firmer consistency.

Try it with your next meal in this protein-forward Shrimp Pearl Couscous Salad, made using fresh herbs, citrus, seasoned shrimp and chickpeas for a jam-packed salad that screams spring. Never boring, the tender, seasoned couscous and shrimp, veggies and aromatic herbs can bring your family running to the kitchen after a day of play.

Or, for an even simpler dish that requires just 15 minutes in the kitchen, this Pearl Couscous and Chickpea Salad is light, bright and bursting with flavor. It brings together tender pearl couscous, crisp veggies and za’atar in every bite.

To find more light spring recipe ideas, visit SuccessRice.com.

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Shrimp Pearl Couscous Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 1          bag Success Pearl Couscous
  • 1          pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1          tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 4          tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1          can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4       teaspoon salt
  • 1/2       English cucumber, diced
  • 1          cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4       cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4       cup red onions, finely chopped
  • 2          tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1          tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2       cup feta, crumbled
  1. Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions. 
  2. In medium bowl, toss shrimp with seasoned salt.  
  3. In large saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add shrimp and cook 5 minutes. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding pan.
  4. In another large pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add chickpeas and cook 8 minutes until crispy and golden, tossing often. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt. Toss to fully coat and cook 2 minutes.
  5. In large bowl, combine pearl couscous, shrimp, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, red onion, dill, lemon juice and remaining olive oil. Toss to combine. Garnish with feta.
Prepare your fresh spring menu with light, flavorful dishes like shrimp pearl couscous salad and chickpea couscous—perfect for easy, satisfying meals without the heaviness.

Pearl Couscous and Chickpea Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 1          bag Success Pearl Couscous
  • 1          can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1          cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2       cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4       cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1          tablespoon za’atar
  • 2          tablespoons olive oil
  • 1          tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/4       teaspoon pepper
  1. Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions.
  2. In large bowl, combine couscous, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and za’atar.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Toss until well combined.
  4. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Success Rice

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Easy, Approachable Solutions for At-Home Lenten Meals

At-Home Lenten Meals: Lent is an opportunity for families to explore new seafood flavors, making mealtime enjoyable. Simple recipes, like One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi, encourage kids to confidently try seafood, enhancing family meals.

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Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Easy, Approachable Solutions for At-Home Lenten Meals

Easy, Approachable Solutions for At-Home Lenten Meals

(Feature Impact) Lent has long been a season of tradition and reflection, and it can also be an opportunity to introduce your family to exciting new flavors that may become staples in your kitchen.

If preparing seafood feels intimidating, try starting with dishes that are easy, familiar and approachable. For example, One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi features a velvety sauce, earthy spinach and buttery, delicious shrimp – a recognizable and approachable recipe that can be a gateway to discovery.

Made with SeaPak frozen shrimp, you can help picky eaters in your home feel more confident in saying “yes” to something new. Frozen seafood is a perfect partner for familiar favorites like pasta, making it a playful, stress-free solution for encouraging exploration at mealtime.

“For many families, Lent often brings a shift at the dinner table – and this year, parents are turning it into an opportunity to try something new,” said Diana Rice, child nutritionist and registered dietitian. “When food feels approachable, it lowers stress for everyone. Familiar flavors help kids say ‘yes’ more often, and those positive moments can make seafood a feel-good part of family meals during Lent and beyond.”

When kids see foods that look and taste familiar – like the crunch of crispy fried shrimp – they may feel more comfortable giving it a try. That’s why discovery can extend beyond the dinner table to snack time, too.

Give kiddos the energy they need for homework assignments with Butterfly Shimp Bruschetta, a quick solution for after-school or weekend snacking. As your pickier loved ones dive in for something new, those small wins can build confidence to try new things – one bite at a time.

This Lent, swap “giving up” for “try this” with more approachable frozen seafood solutions and family-friendly recipes at SeaPak.com.

//www.youtube.com/embed/006rXnSXZGY

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One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 1          package (12 ounces) SeaPak Shrimp Scampi
  • 1 1/4    cups half-and-half or milk
  • 1 1/4    cups chicken stock
  • 8          ounces linguine noodles
  • 6          cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4       cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4          lemon wedges
  1. In large, high-sided saute pan, add shrimp and cook according to package directions. Remove shrimp to bowl and keep warm.
  2. In same pan with scampi sauce, stir in half-and-half and stock. Bring to low boil. Add pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked al dente, 8-10 minutes.
  3. Stir in spinach and cook just until beginning to wilt. Stir reserved shrimp into pan.
  4. To serve, divide shrimp scampi between four bowls and top each with grated Parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges.
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Butterfly Shrimp Bruschetta

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

  • 1          package (9 ounces) SeaPak Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp
  • 1          baguette
  • 3          garlic cloves, divided
  • 6          tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3          cups grape or cherry tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/3       cup chopped basil, plus additional for garnish
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Bake shrimp according to package directions and keep warm.
  2. Slice baguette to match number of shrimp. Rub one garlic clove over one side of each slice of bread. Brush garlic-rubbed sides with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside.
  3. Finely dice remaining garlic.
  4. In medium mixing bowl, stir tomatoes, remaining olive oil, diced garlic and 1/3 cup chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and set aside.
  5. In large, hot skillet, working in batches, add baguette slices oil sides down and cook until browned around edges. Remove from pan.
  6. Top each baguette slice with small spoonful of tomato mixture and one shrimp. Garnish with basil leaf.

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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/

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