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5 Habits to Help Maintain Immune Health

To combat cold and flu season, adopt healthy habits like a nutrient-rich diet, prioritize hygiene, stay active, hydrate, and manage stress effectively for immune support.

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(Family Features) Cold and flu season is here. The best way to battle cold and flu season is to prevent coming down with anything at all. While it’s impossible to stay entirely safe from germs, sniffles and coughs, there are a few healthy habits you can incorporate for extra protection this year.

Healthy Habits

Along with the guidance you receive from your health care provider, consider these dietary and lifestyle recommendations to support your immune system naturally.

Commit to a Healthier Diet: Essential for optimizing your immune system, eating a healthy diet consisting of more foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains is recommended by experts. These foods contain beneficial plant compounds linked to health benefits in humans. Case in point: fresh grapes.

Natural grape compounds, including antioxidants and other polyphenols, may help protect the health and function of cells. At the most basic level, healthy cells are the foundation of good health.

Making simple swaps such as choosing fresh California grapes instead of processed snacks or adding grapes into favorite recipes for a healthy boost are tasty ways to add these beneficial compounds.

Studies suggest some grape compounds may positively influence immune function, including resveratrol and certain flavonoids. Additional studies show adding heart-healthy grapes to your daily diet can help support brain, colon and skin health. Grapes are also a good source of vitamin K, which may help support lung health. Incorporate the health benefits of grapes into your diet with an easy, convenient recipe like Grape and Brussels Sprout Slaw, perfect for eating on its own or pairing with a favorite protein such as grilled chicken breast.

Prioritize Basic Hygiene: Preventive practices can help you avoid germs, protecting yourself and others at the same time. Frequently wash your hands using soap and water, limit contact with others who may be sick and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or elbow while coughing or sneezing.

Stay Active: Cold and flu season lines up with brisk temperatures, often making it more difficult to get outside for exercise. Find an activity you enjoy like moderate-intensity walking, jogging, biking or playing an aerobic sport. The “Journal of Sport and Health Science” reports exercise can help improve immune response and reduce inflammation, making it a key way to prepare your body to fight back.

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Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Staying hydrated helps your immune system by keeping the body’s defenses functioning properly. In addition to drinking water, you can increase hydration by eating foods with high water content like grapes, which contain about 82% water.

Manage Stress: You can help control stress – which has a negative impact on overall health and wellness – in a number of ways. Practice deep breathing or meditation, engage in activities and hobbies that bring joy and develop nighttime habits that promote good sleep. If snacking in the evening, choose foods such as grapes that are a natural source of melatonin, a compound which helps regulate sleep cycles. Talk with someone you trust, like a friend, family member or mental health professional, to help relieve stress.

Visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com to find more ways to support your immune health.

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Grape and Brussels Sprout Slaw

Servings: 6

  • 1 bag (12 ounces) shredded Brussels sprouts
  • 2/3 cup finely shredded red cabbage
  • 2 cups red Grapes from California, halved lengthwise
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted (dark) sesame oil
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  1. In large mixing bowl, combine shredded sprouts, cabbage, grapes, onion and scallions.
  2. In small bowl, whisk vinegar, honey, lemon or lime juice and soy sauce. Drizzle in olive and sesame oils while whisking. Toss well with slaw mixture. Chill 45 minutes to incorporate flavors. Season with pepper and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 4 g protein; 22 g carbohydrates; 9 g fat (48% calories from fat); 1.5 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 60 mg sodium; 4 g fiber.

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SOURCE:
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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Quick, Comforting Ways to Warm Up Winter in Mere Minutes

After a cold winter day, enjoy a Hot Honey Chicken and Waffle or Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole for a quick, cozy meal option.

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(Family Features) After a day battling the cold and fighting the wind, a comforting meal made at home is often just what you crave. Turn those blustery winter conditions into warm, cozy evenings with favorite recipes that offer not only convenience but provide a little kick of spice.

Winter Comfort

For a quick and delightful meal that’s equal parts comforting and unique, try this Hot Honey Chicken and Waffle that’s sure to please with a crispy rice waffle loaded with sweet and spicy flavor, topped with chicken and drizzled with honey. It’s a treat that truly satisfies from the inside out in just 7 minutes.

The crispness of the gluten-free rice waffle is made possible by Minute Rice’s Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cup that entices taste buds with a sweet and mildly spicy contrast and playful presentation. Ready in as little as 60 seconds, the rice cup ensures convenience and distinct seasoning, making each waffle perfectly flavored and offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Whether you’re shaking up your breakfast routine or enjoying a fun and easy dinner, it can be taken to new heights with the combination of honey and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for delicious decadence.

For a savory solution the entire family can enjoy together, this cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole combines jasmine rice, cheddar cheese, roasted cauliflower, Buffalo hot sauce and crumbled blue cheese for a crave-worthy oven bake.

Prepare the Minute Instant Jasmine Rice in just 5 minutes for a quick mealtime solution without compromising quality or taste. Next, heat the oven and mix the ingredients then sit back and wait for a golden brown casserole with a cheesy interior and tantalizing blend of spicy, salty and tangy flavors.

Topped with green onions, this vegetarian meal is sure to please your hungry loved ones. If meat lovers need a bite of protein, simply serve alongside seared chicken or beef.

Visit MinuteRice.com to find more family-friendly ways to warm up mealtimes all winter long.

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Hot Honey Chicken and Waffle

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

  1. Preheat mini waffle maker. Heat rice according to package directions.
  2. In medium mixing bowl, combine rice and egg. Mix well.
  3. Spoon rice mixture into waffle maker. Cook until light goes off.
  4. Place waffle on plate with cooked chicken tenders on top.
  5. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle powdered sugar on top and serve.
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Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

  • 2 cups Minute Jasmine Rice
  • 1 package (8 ounces) plain cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup Buffalo hot sauce
  • 4 cups frozen cauliflower florets, blanched and cooled
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup finely crumbled blue cheese
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Prepare rice according to package directions. Transfer to greased 8-by-8-inch baking dish.
  2. In medium bowl, stir cream cheese and hot sauce. Add cauliflower, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper; toss to combine. Spoon over rice. Sprinkle with blue cheese.
  3. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Sprinkle with green onions.

Tips: Substitute goat cheese or feta for blue cheese, if desired. Meat lovers can serve as a side dish to seared chicken or beef.

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
SOURCE:
Minute Rice

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

Thanksgiving Traditions and Memory-Making Meals

Starting with parades and ending with family meals, Thanksgiving provides all-day opportunities for celebrating life’s special moments with those nearest and dearest to your heart.

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(Family Features) Starting with parades and ending with family meals, Thanksgiving provides all-day opportunities for celebrating life’s special moments with those nearest and dearest to your heart.

Waking up to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition that brings smiles and happiness for many families, and this year, an iconic brand will join the festivities. Since 1921, Wonder Bread has captured the “wonder” its founder Elmer Cline experienced when first watching a hot air balloon race. It’s often credited with the popularization of sliced bread in the United States and now, for the first time, its legacy will be on display Nov. 24 parading through the streets of New York City.

To celebrate the special occasion and the joy that Thanksgiving brings, you can enjoy Turkey Cranberry Dinner Rolls as a delicious homemade meal that’s as easy to make as it is to share. If you’re searching for a tasty side that’ll leave your loved ones stuffed, look no further than this Thanksgiving Stuffing, a classic accompaniment to holiday meals and a favorite of home chefs across the country.

To learn more about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and find family-favorite recipes fit for Thanksgiving feasts, visit wonderbread.com/macys-parade.

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Turkey Cranberry Dinner Rolls

  •             Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1          package of Wonder Dinner Rolls
  • 2          cups diced turkey, cooked
  • 1          cup cranberry sauce or relish
  • 6          slices Swiss cheese
  • 6          tablespoons butter
  • 1          tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1          tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2       tablespoon dried minced onion
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1          tablespoon parsley
  • 1          cup Parmesan cheese
  1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Cover 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Remove rolls from package in one piece, cutting entire slab in half lengthwise to create one half of “tops” and one half of “bottoms.”
  3. Place bottom half in foil-covered pan and layer with turkey, cranberry sauce and Swiss cheese. Add top half of rolls.
  4. In microwave, melt butter and whisk in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion and salt and pepper, to taste. Pour evenly over rolls.
  5. Cover with foil and let sit 5-10 minutes then bake, covered, 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Slice into individual rolls.
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Thanksgiving Stuffing

  • 1/2       cup unsalted butter, divided
  • 3          cups chopped onion
  • 2 1/2    cups chopped celery
  • 1          clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2    tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 1 1/2    tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 2          teaspoons celery seeds
  • 1          pinch grated nutmeg
  • 1          pinch ground cloves
  • 1          teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1          loaf Wonder Classic White Bread, cubed
  • 1/2       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2    cups low-salt chicken broth
  1. Heat oven to 325 F.
  2. In large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, celery seeds, nutmeg, cloves and salt.
  3. Cover and cook until onions are soft, 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. In large bowl, toss sauteed vegetables with bread cubes and season with pepper. Melt remaining butter and pour over stuffing along with broth then toss to coat.
  5. Bake, covered, until heated through, about 35 minutes. Uncover and bake additional 15 minutes.

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SOURCE:
Wonder Bread

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/category/food-and-beverage

You can also find food and beverage-related videos on our YouTube channel, where we regularly post new content and share tips, recipes, and demonstrations. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhXBupt8tVynuUhpQZMxQt4lvPmOiAtQ&si=InDwc7YaB0KIwmxy

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  • IMG 2910 square e1726830094359

    Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington View all posts


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Food and Beverage

Kick Winter’s Chill with Hearty Chowder

Colder, shorter days call for a little comfort. Cozying up with a hearty meal on brisk winter evenings can help fight off the chill while savoring favorite flavors alongside the ones you love.

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16426 VID Jalapeno Sweetpotato Chowder detail

(Family Features) Colder, shorter days call for a little comfort. Cozying up with a hearty meal on brisk winter evenings can help fight off the chill while savoring favorite flavors alongside the ones you love.

Avoid venturing into the cold for a trip to the store by turning to a pantry staple like sweetpotatoes. As one of the most versatile veggies, they’re easy to add to a variety of recipes while enhancing both flavor and nutrition. Perfectly suitable for both simple and elevated dishes, they can be baked, microwaved, grilled, slow cooked or prepared on the stove so their sweet taste never goes out of style.

Their long shelf life – up to four weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources – means you can rely on sweetpotatoes throughout the winter as an on-hand ingredient. Additionally, as a “diabetes superfood” according to the American Diabetes Association, they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease, making them a key source of nutrients during wintertime.

When your family needs a warm-up on those frosty days, put sweetpotatoes at the center of mealtime (with an added kick) in this Jalapeno Sweetpotato Chowder. Loaded with the flavors of winter comfort, it’s a filling meal that makes enough for a crowd so no one goes hungry.

Visit ncsweetpotatoes.com to find more comforting meal ideas.

 

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

16426 VID Jalapeno Sweetpotato Chowder detail embed

Jalapeno Sweetpotato Chowder

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission
Servings: 6

  • 2          large North Carolina sweetpotatoes, baked
  • 1          small onion, 1/4-inch diced
  • 2          tablespoons olive oil
  • 1          quart chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2          cups cooked chicken, cubed
  • 1 1/2    cups whole corn kernels
  • 2          teaspoons minced jalapenos
  • 1/2       cup heavy cream
  • 1          teaspoon salt
  • chopped scallions, for garnish
  1. Peel baked sweetpotatoes; discard skin and puree.
  2. In soup pot, saute onion in butter until softened. Add pureed sweetpotato and stock, as desired. Bring to boil, reducing liquid slightly.
  3. Add chicken, corn, jalapenos, heavy cream and salt. Simmer 10 minutes.
  4. To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped scallions.

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SOURCE:
North Carolina SweetPotato 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.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage

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You can also find food and beverage-related videos on our YouTube channel, where we regularly post new content and share tips, recipes, and demonstrations. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhXBupt8tVynuUhpQZMxQt4lvPmOiAtQ&si=InDwc7YaB0KIwmxy

Author

  • IMG 2910 square e1726830094359

    Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington View all posts


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