(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.

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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(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

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

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/

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Add batter to liners until three-quarters full. Bake 19-22 minutes, until slightly golden on top.
5. Remove cupcakes from pan and cool completely.
6. 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.
7. Transfer frosting to piping bag and pipe frosting onto cupcakes.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

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/