recipes
4 Everyday Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp
Last Updated on September 29, 2025 by Daily News Staff

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
Establishing 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. 
Walnut Sunflower-Crusted Salmon with Honey-Lemon Grapes
Servings: 2 Honey-Lemon Marinated Grapes:- 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
- 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)
- Heat oven to 350 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oiled foil.
- 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.
- To prepare salmon: In small bowl, stir walnuts, sunflower seeds, honey, mustard and salt until thick paste forms.
- 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.
- Set salmon on plates; using slotted spoon, spoon marinated grape and onion mixture over salmon and around plates.
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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Food
Have a ‘Hoppy’ Easter with a Holiday Ham

(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.

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
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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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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recipes
A Delightful Bite for a Bit O’ Luck
Going green for St. Patrick’s Day can stretch beyond beer, clothes and decor – it can even make its way to the dessert table. With a classic recipe and a dash of green food coloring, these Luck O’ the Irish Cupcakes offer a sweet-tooth-satisfying bite as you gather friends and family for the festivities.
Last Updated on March 15, 2026 by Daily News Staff
A Delightful Bite for a Bit O’ Luck
(Feature Impact) Going green for St. Patrick’s Day can stretch beyond beer, clothes and decor – it can even make its way to the dessert table. With a classic recipe and a dash of green food coloring, these Luck O’ the Irish Cupcakes offer a sweet-tooth-satisfying bite as you gather friends and family for the festivities.
Find more holiday-worthy nibbles and noshes throughout the year at Culinary.net.
Luck O’ the Irish Cupcakes
Recipe adapted from Delish
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Cupcakes:
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- green food coloring
- To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 F and arrange rack in center of oven. Line 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In large bowl, using handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add egg whites and vanilla; beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add sour cream and beat until combined.
- Add half of dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Beat on low until incorporated. Add milk and beat to combine. Add remaining dry ingredients and beat until combined.
- Add batter to liners until three-quarters full. Bake 19-22 minutes, until slightly golden on top.
- Remove cupcakes from pan and cool completely.
- To make frosting: In large bowl, using handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add heavy cream, vanilla and salt; beat until combined. Mix in green food coloring.
- Transfer frosting to piping bag and pipe frosting onto cupcakes.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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SOURCE:
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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Food and Beverage
A Hearty Stew to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Green beer and decor may get all the attention, but for hosts looking to wow their St. Patrick’s Day guests or astound their loved ones, a traditional Irish recipe can become an annual tradition. Celebrate the luck o’ the Irish with this St. Patrick’s Day Stew, a hearty, beefy meal loaded with chuck stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onions and, of course, stout beer.
To find more recipes that put tradition center stage, visit Culinary.net.
St. Patrick’s Day Stew
Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Servings: 6
- 1 1/4 pounds marbled chuck beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste, divided
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef stock
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup extra stout beer
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Sprinkle beef chunks with 1 teaspoon salt. In large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
- Pat beef dry with paper towels and add to pot, working in batches to avoid crowding pot. Cook until browned on one side then flip and brown.
- Add garlic cloves to pot with beef and saute 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add beef stock, water, beer, wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Stir.
- Bring mixture to simmer then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- In separate pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and carrots; saute until golden, about 15 minutes.
- After beef mixture simmers 1 hour, add onions, carrots and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer uncovered until beef and vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes. Discard bay leaves and spoon excess fat.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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SOURCE:
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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