Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Feature Impact) When it comes to snacking, ease is often at the top of the wish list. Not far behind, however, are fresh flavors and real ingredients.

Snack Brighter: Fresh, Flavorful Noshes and Nibbles

That’s where NatureSweet shines by adding a little color to snack plates with its tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Fair Trade and B Corp-certified, the produce company is widely recognized for meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, supporting agricultural workers and making a positive impact.

That commitment and the belief that “the more you put into something, the more you get out” shows up in flavorful recipes like these Caprese Skewers. Coated in a flavorful, fresh balsamic glaze, these light, colorful snacks make everything from after-school bites to weekend entertaining more fun.

Perfectly paired with fresh basil leaves and mozzarella, the star is Constellation tomatoes – a blended, balanced mix of classic cherry tomatoes, sweet yellow tomatoes, mini-heirloom tomatoes and orange cherry tomatoes. Easy to enjoy as a standalone sweet-and-healthy snack or as a palette-pleasing ingredient in a variety of recipes, it’s truly a tomato for every occasion.

Or if you prefer savory, hearty snacks, these Bruschetta Bagels are packed with flavor. Homemade bagels are topped with juicy Glorys cherry tomatoes – perfect for grilling, sauteing, roasting, baking or simply snacking – creamy goat cheese and a splash of balsamic to create a bite that feels indulgent but is packed with fresh ingredients.

Find more fresh recipe inspiration at NatureSweet.com.

Caprese Skewers

Recipe courtesy of The Produce Moms

Prep time: 15 minutes

Yield: 12 skewers

• 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 1          teaspoon Italian seasoning
  
• 1/3       teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes
  
• 1/8       teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/8       teaspoon kosher salt
  
• 12        mozzarella balls, drained and patted dry
  
• 24        ounces NatureSweet Constellation tomatoes
  
• 24        small fresh basil leaves
  
• 1/4       cup balsamic glaze (optional)

1. In small bowl, whisk olive oil, Italian seasoning, cracked red pepper flakes, garlic powder and salt.
2. Add mozzarella balls. Gently toss to coat. For best flavor, marinate in fridge overnight.
3. To assemble skewers: Thread tomato, folded basil leaf, marinated mozzarella ball, another folded basil leaf and another tomato. Repeat to make 12 skewers.
4. Place on serving platter. If desired, drizzle balsamic glaze over skewers on serving platter.

Bruschetta Bagels

Prep time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Yield: 8 bagels

Bagels:

• 1          packet dry yeast
  
• 1          tablespoon sugar
  
• 1 1/4    cups lukewarm water, divided
  
• 3 1/2    cups flour
  
• 1          teaspoon salt
  
• sesame seeds

Bruschetta:

• 2          cups NatureSweet Glorys cherry tomatoes
  
• 1/4       cup olive oil
  
• 2          cloves garlic
  
• 1/2       cup basil

Topping:

• 1          cup goat cheese
  
• 1/4       cup balsamic vinegar
  
• salt, to taste
  
• pepper, to taste

1. To make bagels: In bowl, mix yeast, sugar and 1/2 cup lukewarm water; let rest 5 minutes.
2. In separate large bowl, place flour and add yeast mixture, remaining lukewarm water and salt. Mix thoroughly with hands until homogenous mixture is obtained. Transfer to greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise 1 hour.
3. Once dough rises, place on flat surface and divide into eight equal parts. Form small dough balls and, using finger, make hole in center of each to form bagels. Place on baking sheet, cover with kitchen towel and let rise 15 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 390 F.
5. In pot of hot water over medium heat, cook each bagel 5 seconds, making sure they do not stick to each other. Remove from water and drain thoroughly. Place on parchment paper-lined plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake 25 minutes.
6. To make bruschetta: On cutting board, use knife to cut tomatoes in half. Transfer to bowl; add olive oil, garlic and basil then mix. Set aside.
7. To make topping and serve: Cut bagels in half, place on cutting board and use knife to spread goat cheese on each bagel half. Add bruschetta and drops of balsamic vinegar then sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.

SOURCE:

NatureSweet

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.

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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/

Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Go Green with a Fresh Spring Salad

(Feature Impact) While most people think of dirty kitchens, cramped closets and grimy garages when they hear “spring cleaning,” the popular phrase can apply to your menu, too. Refresh your family’s regular dining routines with fresh ingredients that call to mind the flavors of the season.

When it’s time to put the slow cooker away, consider this Spring Greens Salad with Mozzarella. Paired with an easy homemade lemon vinaigrette, it’s a delicious way to swap out heavier meals for a lighter lunch.

To find more springtime solutions, visit Culinary.net.

Spring Greens Salad with Mozzarella

Recipe adapted from Organic Authority

Servings: 4

• 4          cups baby arugula or spring mix
  
• 1/2       cup cubed mozzarella cheese
  
• 1          tablespoon lemon zest
  
• 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 1          tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  
•             sea salt, to taste
  
•             freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  
•             halved cherry tomatoes (optional)

1. In large mixing bowl, combine arugula or spring mix, mozzarella and lemon zest; set aside.
2. In small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice vigorously with fork until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Pour vinaigrette over greens; toss gently to coat. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, if desired.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

Visit the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for the latest food news, beverage trends, restaurant stories, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and community-driven lifestyle coverage.

San Mateo County is putting its culinary range front and center this spring with Flavors of the Peninsula, a new 10-day dining celebration running April 23 through May 3, 2026. The program—produced by The San Francisco Peninsula (the region’s official destination marketing organization) in partnership with local Chambers of Commerce and the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA)—brings together 100+ participating restaurants from Bayside to Coastside, pairing prix-fixe menus with special events designed to turn a great meal into a full-on itinerary.

In a region where a single day can take you from coastal seafood to globally inspired small plates (and back again), organizers are positioning the Peninsula as a destination in its own right. “The Peninsula has become one of the most dynamic and diverse culinary destinations in the Bay Area,” said Maggie Lang, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at The San Francisco Peninsula, pointing to everything from farm-to-table concepts to internationally recognized chefs representing cuisines from around the world.

What to expect: 100+ restaurants, prix-fixe menus, and Peninsula-wide range

With more than 100 restaurants in the mix, Flavors of the Peninsula is being billed as one of California’s most ambitious restaurant-week-style programs. A few of the highlighted participants include:

• Oak + Violet Restaurant
• Mezza Luna
• Amara
• Barterra Winery
• Mazra
• Twelvemonth
• Pausa

Expect each spot to put forward special menus and experiences during the run—an easy way to try somewhere new (or finally book the place you keep saving for “later”). For the full lineup, organizers are directing diners to The San Francisco Peninsula website.

Two signature events to anchor the 10-day run

Beyond the restaurant menus, the program includes two ticketed, headline-style events—one to kick things off and one to close out the calendar with a coastal statement.

Flavors of the Peninsula Tasting Event: From Coastside to Bayside

The kick-off celebration lands on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Camber in South San Francisco. The event will feature tastings from standout chefs and wineries, with proceeds benefiting the Moonstar Charitable Organization.

The Peninsula Table: A Celebration of Global Coastal Cuisine

Set for Friday, May 1, 2026, at La Costanera in Half Moon Bay, this walk-around experience spotlights local chefs alongside the producers who supply and inspire them—served up in a seaside setting built for lingering.

Why it matters: a dining event with an economic engine behind it

Restaurant-week programs can be fun, sure—but they’re also a real lever for local business. Flavors of the Peninsula is designed to drive meaningful traffic to restaurant partners and their surrounding communities, while reinforcing the Peninsula’s broader tourism ecosystem (hotels, attractions, and travel-related businesses).

If you’re planning a Bay Area food crawl this spring, this is your window: April 23 to May 3. Start by scanning the participating list, pick a Bayside-to-Coastside route, and treat the Peninsula like the destination it’s pitching itself to be.For details and updates, visit www.thesanfranciscopeninsula.com

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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