Food and Beverage
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.

(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.
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.

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
- In large mixing bowl, combine shredded sprouts, cabbage, grapes, onion and scallions.
- 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.
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.
Food and Beverage
Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days
Restaurant-Worthy Meals: When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes like this Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet or Egg Roll in a Bowl.

(Feature Impact) When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. If you’re juggling work, chores, errands, hobbies, studies, a social life, caretaking or the other million-and-one things keeping your schedule full right now, the idea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked meal might sound exhausting or downright impossible.
In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don’t skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups – like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait – you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won’t even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.
If you’re craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household’s tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.
To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.
For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.
Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet
Prep time: 1 minute
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1-2
- 1 Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return shrimp and stir to combine.
- Garnish with parsley. Squeeze lemon wedge over top, if desired, and serve.
Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu to make vegetarian.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
- 1/2 pound ground turkey or pork
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup fried wonton strips
- 2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
- Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.
Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice.
![]()
SOURCE:
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
Food and Beverage
Supercharge Summer Grilling with Tender Pork Chops

(Feature Impact) If you’re planning on firing up the grill for an upcoming summer gathering, you might be trying to brainstorm options beyond the traditional burgers and dogs. Luckily, there are recipes that let you keep things interesting without becoming too complicated.
These Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops might just make you the favorite grill master in the neighborhood. Salt, sugar and aromatic ingredients like juniper berries and bay leaves give the meat a rich, complex flavor, and the combination of brining and grilling helps you achieve a tender but juicy finished product.
Since the recipe features Coleman Boneless Pork Chops, which deliver exceptional flavor from pork raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones, it’s easy to elevate your cookout with high-quality protein that you can feel good about serving to family and friends. Make it an extra memorable occasion with family-favorite sides like grilled asparagus, a light summer salad, diced potatoes and dinner rolls then round out your flavor-infused evening with an all-American tradition such as apple pie.
If your grilling plans get rain-checked, you can easily sear the pork chops in a skillet or bake them in the oven to take the party indoors.
Find more summer recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com.
Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops
Prep time: 7 hours
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 quart water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 12 juniper berries
- 6 cups ice
- 4 Coleman Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops (1 1/2 inches thick)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- In large pot, heat water, brown sugar, kosher salt, bay leaf and juniper berries over high heat until sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Remove from stove and add ice. Liquid should be cool to touch.
- Add pork chops to liquid, cover and refrigerate 4-6 hours, or overnight.
- Approximately 10-15 minutes before grilling, heat grill to medium heat, remove chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt.
- Grill until desired doneness, or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 F for medium finish. Garnish with scallions. Serve with side dishes of choice
SOURCE:
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
Food and Beverage
Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert
Last Updated on July 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert
(Feature Impact) Although many people associate rice with savory dishes, this staple grain can actually level up your dessert game too. Cultures from around the world have invented a variety of creative ways to turn the sticky rice in your pantry into treats you can whip up when you’re on the prowl for something sweet.
Sticky rice, also known as sweet rice, is a specific type of short- or medium-grain rice that, as the name implies, becomes sticky when cooked. With Success Boil-in-Bag Sticky Rice, it’s simple to make sweet, soft, perfectly cooked rice for desserts without extra steps, equipment or hassle. In only 12 minutes, you’ll have an ideal base to use for your favorite recipes.
A rice-based take on a quintessential British dessert, this Sticky Toffee Pudding is decadent and full of mouthwatering flavor. With the rich sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla imbued in every bite, it’s a warm, comforting dessert you might find yourself craving on a rainy day or cold night. Take it to the next level by adding caramelized banana and toasted coconut toppings.
For a more refreshing, summery option, transport your kitchen to the tropics with this Thai-inspired Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut. Creamy coconut-infused rice contrasts with juicy ripe mango slices, nutty black sesame seeds and cooling mint-leaf garnishes for a fun, fresh blend of textures and flavors that might have you picturing palm trees. If you’re not a mango fan, feel free to swap in a different tropical fruit of your choice.
The versatility of rice makes it an excellent mainstay to keep on hand in your kitchen, adding ease and flexibility to your daily meal routine. For more ideas on how to use rice for dessert – or for breakfast, lunch and dinner – visit SuccessRice.com.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-4
- 1 bag Success Sticky Rice
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3/8 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- toasted coconut, for garnish
Caramelized Banana:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 banana, sliced into coins
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare rice according to package directions.
- Remove rice from bag. Return to pot and stir in milk, brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer 5 minutes.
- In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar 2 minutes, or until dissolved. Whisk in cream and bring to simmer. Cook 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and remaining salt.
- To make caramelized banana: In medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until syrupy. Add banana coins in single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drizzle vanilla on top.
- Add rice to bowl. Pour toffee sauce on top. Garnish with caramelized bananas and coconut. Serve warm or chilled.

Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 2-4
- 1 bag Success Sticky Rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/4 cups coconut milk, divided
- 3 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
- 2 mangoes, sliced
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- Prepare rice according to package directions using 1 1/2 cups water, 1 cup coconut milk and 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar rather than 4 cups water.
- In separate small saucepan over medium heat, bring remaining coconut milk and brown sugar to boil. Cook, stirring often, 8-10 minutes, or until thickened and syrupy.
- Divide rice among four serving bowls. Arrange mango slices over top; drizzle with coconut milk syrup. Garnish with black sesame seeds and mint.
Substitution: Use pineapple, guava or papaya for mango, if desired.
![]()
SOURCE:
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
