Food and Beverage
Elevated Holiday Entertaining: Fresh sips and apps to celebrate the season

(Family Features) For many, the hallmark of the holiday season is time with cherished loved ones, and there are few better places to spend those special moments together than gathered around a beautiful seasonal spread. By adding a little creative flair to the menu, and a signature ingredient like grapes, you can elevate any dish – from snacks and main courses to sides, desserts and even cocktails.
Compatible with an array of other foods, grapes can add flavor, texture and beauty to dishes and take hosting to the next level thanks to their delicate sweetness and juicy texture.
Available into January and perfect for the holiday season, fresh Grapes from California can add a crisp, juicy burst of flavor to salads like this Lemony Grapes and Greens Salad. Or take advantage of the versatility of grapes by roasting them to intensify the flavor of an appetizer such as Balsamic-Roasted Grape and Burrata Crostini or muddling into a sweet and savory Grape Basil Martini, which highlights their delicate sweetness in a festive manner.
Find more recipes and inspiration to elevate your holiday menu at grapesfromcalifornia.com.
Using Grapes as Holiday Decor
Clusters of colorful grapes are beautiful, tasty additions to many holiday tables. However, their use goes well beyond serving as an appealing addition to holiday recipes. Consider these ways you can utilize grapes when setting out your seasonal spread:
- Vase Filler: Use grapes instead of glass gems or foam to hold flowers in place in a vase. Grapes keep floral arrangements completely natural and extend color throughout the vase.
- Trim the Turkey: After placing the turkey on a large platter, decorate with a variety of fresh herbs and small bunches of grapes for friends and family to admire before it’s gobbled up.
- Set the Table: Grapes add color, texture and flavor to dining tables and work well with a wide variety of themes and color palettes.
- Floral Arrangements: Red, green and black grapes pair perfectly with a wide variety of flowers and greenery to add color, texture and depth to floral arrangements.
- Grape and Mint Ice Cubes: Grapes freeze well and make for a perfect replacement for ice cubes in cocktails. Simply freeze sliced grapes and mint in ice cube trays with a bit of water then add to favorite cocktails.
- Chocolate-Dipped Grapes: Dipped in white, milk or dark chocolate varieties, grapes can be paired with desserts like cheesecake or served on their own.
- Cake Decor: Red, green and black grapes are ideal decor for frosted cakes, serving as edible decorations that add color and elegance to each tier.

Balsamic-Roasted Grape and Burrata Crostini
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
- 3 cups red or black Grapes from California
- 1/4 cup white or traditional balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 3 tablespoons roasted, salted pistachio kernels, coarsely chopped
- fresh basil, snipped
- 24 soft or toasted baguette slices
- In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.
- Grease bundt pan with butter and pour in batter. Bake according to package instructions for bundt cakes then add 10-15 minutes. Let cool before icing.
- To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
- Ice entire bundt cake or place frosting in piping bag and pipe with back and forth “drip” motion. Sprinkle sanding sugar for sparkly snow appearance, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 290 calories; 11 g protein; 35 g carbohydrates; 12 g fat (37% calories from fat); 5 g saturated fat (16% calories from saturated fat); 20 mg cholesterol; 390 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.
Lemony Grapes and Greens Salad
Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons spicy brown or stone-ground mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Salad:
- 10 cups mixed torn greens (endive, watercress, frisee or butter lettuce)
- 1 1/2 cups halved Grapes from California
- 1/2 cup slivered red onion
- 1 large firm but ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
- 1/3 cup roasted, salted pistachio kernels
- To make lemon vinaigrette: In small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper.
- To make salad: In large bowl, mix greens, grapes and onion. Drizzle with dressing and toss well to coat. Add avocado and toss lightly. Sprinkle with pistachios.
Nutritional information per serving: 230 calories; 4 g protein; 19 g carbohydrates; 17 g fat (67% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (10% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 130 mg sodium; 5 g fiber.
Grape Basil Martini
Servings: 1
- 3 basil leaves, torn, plus 1 full leaf for garnish
- 5 green Grapes from California, halved, plus 2 whole grapes for garnish
- 2 ounces gin
- 1/4 ounce sweet muscat wine
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- ice
- In cocktail shaker, muddle basil and grapes with gin. Add sweet wine, lemon juice and simple syrup; shake gently.
- Strain into rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with basil leaf and float two grapes on top.
Nutritional information per serving: 229 calories; 0 g protein; 24 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat (0% calories from fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 1 mg sodium; 0.3 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.
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Food and Beverage
Flavorful Snacks Packed with Lean Protein
Cooking flavorful and nutritious meals can enhance health and happiness. Following Mintel’s trends, popular flavors include sweet, sour, smoky, and spicy. Quick recipes like Tuna Stuffed Avocado and Chili Lime Tuna Dip promote healthy eating for families.

(Family Features) Living a happier, healthier life often begins in the kitchen. From lunches on the go to sit-down family meals, keeping flavor at the center of your meal planning is key to maintaining healthy habits.
Based on Mintel’s 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends, experts predict that sweet, sour, smoky and spicy flavors will continue to rise in popularity among families in the United States this year. Show your family how much you care with delicious and nutritious dishes that don’t skimp on flavor. After all, it’s easier to stick to healthy eating when you find joy in the foods you share.
Next time you’re at the grocery store, stock up on pantry staples that deliver flavor and nutrition – without extra time in the kitchen. Whether you’re grabbing a snack on your way out the door or looking for ways to add protein to your next meal, Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna Packets are convenient and flavorful, delivering key nutrients.
Each packet is 100 calories or less and ready to eat with high-quality, responsibly sourced protein made with MSC-certified tuna, allowing you to dive into a world of deliciously seasoned, lean protein.
Your go-to wild caught tuna paired with the iconic blend of 18 herbs and spices, Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Packet with Old Bay Seasoning is a match made in seafood heaven. Perfect for when you’re on the go, the unique combination of flavor, convenience and value helps fight that pesky midday hump, recover from a tough workout or reminisce about a favorite childhood recipe.
For a quick bite when you’re looking for an easy solution, this Tuna Stuffed Avocado recipe is simple yet satisfying and full of flavor. The protein from the tuna and healthy fat from the avocado help to power you through your day and keep you feeling satiated longer. Now on shelves, you can enjoy lean protein with a mix of classic seafood seasoning in recipes like this one.
With the help of the flavor experts at McCormick, Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna Packet with Chili Lime is a convenient protein-packed snack. The joyful zing of lime and chili spice takes this next recipe to another level and can help add a burst of flavor to any meal.
If you’re hosting a crowd or preparing a snack for loved ones, Better-For-You Chili Lime Tuna 7-Layer Dip lets you indulge in fun recipes without ditching health goals. For an extra nutritious touch, serve with chopped vegetables.
Make mouthwatering flavor the right decision for your body and mind with additional better-for-you recipe ideas at ChickenOfTheSea.com.
Tuna Stuffed Avocado
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna with Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/4 cup whole kernel cooked corn
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- 1 avocado
- lemon wedges, for serving
- In bowl, combine tuna, corn and minced parsley.
- Halve avocado and carefully remove seed.
- Divide tuna mixture between avocado halves.
- Serve with lemon wedges.

Better-For-You Chili Lime Tuna 7-Layer Dip
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10
- 15 ounces canned beans (pinto, black, red, etc.), drained
- 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup pico de gallo or salsa
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 packets (2 1/2 ounces each) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna with McCormick Chili Lime
- sliced or chopped jalapenos or Serrano chilies (optional)
- lime wedges, for serving
- vegetables or tortilla chips, for serving
- In 2-quart casserole dish, layer beans in single layer.
- Add remaining layers: Greek yogurt, guacamole, pico de gallo or salsa, black olives, cheese and tuna.
- Add additional layer of sliced jalapenos or Serrano chilies, if desired.
- Serve dip with tortilla chips or sliced vegetables.
SOURCE:
Chicken of the Sea
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Food and Beverage
Save Time with the Skillet

(Family Features) A warm, cozy meal may seem like a burden to make after busy winter days, but Skillet Lasagna lets you skip the craziness of home cooking with an easy, one-pot solution. Discover more comforting recipes that let you reclaim evenings with loved ones by visiting Culinary.net.

Skillet Lasagna
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 44 ounces marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- bread, for serving
- Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
- In large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef with onion power, garlic powder and salt and pepper, to taste. Drain excess grease. Mix in marinara sauce, heavy whipping cream, ricotta and spinach.
- Break up lasagna noodles and add to skillet. Cover and let set over medium heat 10 minutes. Stir and top with mozzarella cheese. Cover and let set 10 minutes.
- Serve with bread and top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
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Food and Beverage
Start the Day by Sharing a Heartwarming Breakfast

(Family Features) A cozy morning at home sharing a delicious breakfast – for many families, it’s a picture of perfection. Whether your brunch favorites include pastries and pancakes or fruits and French toast, enjoying a meal together is a heartwarming way to start the day.
Now, you can savor all your favorite flavors inspired by wish kids. These Bananas Foster French Toast and Peanut Butter and Apple breakfast recipes are made with the freshness and irresistibly soft texture of Butterbread from Nature’s Own, which partnered with Make-A-Wish on a $500,000 donation to highlight and support wish kids through 2026.
Since 1980, the global nonprofit has granted more than 375,000 wishes in the U.S. to children with critical illnesses, helping them build the strength and hope needed to fight their illnesses. Granted wishes can be life-changing, bringing a sense of normalcy to families that can impact entire communities.
To celebrate the partnership, the Slice of Hope Campaign was launched, introducing in-store displays as well as a digital “Well Wish Wall” where shoppers can submit their well wishes for kids to see.
Special-edition bread loaf packaging also highlights the collaboration by sharing inspiring stories from three wish kids: Addison, who fulfilled her dream of experiencing the wonders of Pearl Harbor; Aden, who ventured out for an epic fishing trip; and Joanna, born with an adventurous spirit that wouldn’t rest until she learned to surf the breathtaking shores of Hawaii.
“We are truly honored to partner with Make-A-Wish on this meaningful two-year journey, committing to help grant life-changing wishes,” said Krystle Farlow, senior director of brand management for Nature’s Own. “Together, we hope to continue to inspire and spread goodness, one wish at a time.”
To learn more about the campaign, visit naturesownbread.com/make-a-wish.
Bananas Foster French Toast
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
French Toast:
- 4 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 stick butter
- 1 loaf Nature’s Own Butterbread
Bananas Foster Sauce:
- 1/2 stick butter
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 bananas, sliced lengthwise and quartered
- To make French toast: In mixing bowl, combine eggs, half-and-half, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. Beat until well blended.
- On nonstick griddle or griddle pan on medium heat, melt butter.
- Dip each bread slice into egg mixture until fully coated (two times each). Place on griddle and cook until each side is slightly brown.
- To make bananas foster sauce: Melt butter and brown sugar together; add cinnamon. Once melted into caramel, add sliced bananas.
- Continue spooning sauce over bananas in pan.
- Plate French toast and spoon bananas with sauce on top of each French toast stack.

Peanut Butter and Apple
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 slice Nature’s Own Butterbread
- 1/2 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Spread peanut butter on one side of bread.
- Arrange apple slices on top of peanut butter.
- Drizzle honey over apple slices.
SOURCE:
Nature’s Own
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