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Easy, Approachable Solutions for At-Home Lenten Meals

At-Home Lenten Meals: Lent is an opportunity for families to explore new seafood flavors, making mealtime enjoyable. Simple recipes, like One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi, encourage kids to confidently try seafood, enhancing family meals.

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Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Easy, Approachable Solutions for At-Home Lenten Meals

Easy, Approachable Solutions for At-Home Lenten Meals

(Feature Impact) Lent has long been a season of tradition and reflection, and it can also be an opportunity to introduce your family to exciting new flavors that may become staples in your kitchen.

If preparing seafood feels intimidating, try starting with dishes that are easy, familiar and approachable. For example, One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi features a velvety sauce, earthy spinach and buttery, delicious shrimp – a recognizable and approachable recipe that can be a gateway to discovery.

Made with SeaPak frozen shrimp, you can help picky eaters in your home feel more confident in saying “yes” to something new. Frozen seafood is a perfect partner for familiar favorites like pasta, making it a playful, stress-free solution for encouraging exploration at mealtime.

“For many families, Lent often brings a shift at the dinner table – and this year, parents are turning it into an opportunity to try something new,” said Diana Rice, child nutritionist and registered dietitian. “When food feels approachable, it lowers stress for everyone. Familiar flavors help kids say ‘yes’ more often, and those positive moments can make seafood a feel-good part of family meals during Lent and beyond.”

When kids see foods that look and taste familiar – like the crunch of crispy fried shrimp – they may feel more comfortable giving it a try. That’s why discovery can extend beyond the dinner table to snack time, too.

Give kiddos the energy they need for homework assignments with Butterfly Shimp Bruschetta, a quick solution for after-school or weekend snacking. As your pickier loved ones dive in for something new, those small wins can build confidence to try new things – one bite at a time.

This Lent, swap “giving up” for “try this” with more approachable frozen seafood solutions and family-friendly recipes at SeaPak.com.

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One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 1          package (12 ounces) SeaPak Shrimp Scampi
  • 1 1/4    cups half-and-half or milk
  • 1 1/4    cups chicken stock
  • 8          ounces linguine noodles
  • 6          cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4       cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4          lemon wedges
  1. In large, high-sided saute pan, add shrimp and cook according to package directions. Remove shrimp to bowl and keep warm.
  2. In same pan with scampi sauce, stir in half-and-half and stock. Bring to low boil. Add pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked al dente, 8-10 minutes.
  3. Stir in spinach and cook just until beginning to wilt. Stir reserved shrimp into pan.
  4. To serve, divide shrimp scampi between four bowls and top each with grated Parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges.
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Butterfly Shrimp Bruschetta

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

  • 1          package (9 ounces) SeaPak Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp
  • 1          baguette
  • 3          garlic cloves, divided
  • 6          tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3          cups grape or cherry tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/3       cup chopped basil, plus additional for garnish
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Bake shrimp according to package directions and keep warm.
  2. Slice baguette to match number of shrimp. Rub one garlic clove over one side of each slice of bread. Brush garlic-rubbed sides with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside.
  3. Finely dice remaining garlic.
  4. In medium mixing bowl, stir tomatoes, remaining olive oil, diced garlic and 1/3 cup chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and set aside.
  5. In large, hot skillet, working in batches, add baguette slices oil sides down and cook until browned around edges. Remove from pan.
  6. Top each baguette slice with small spoonful of tomato mixture and one shrimp. Garnish with basil leaf.

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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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illy Launches Art of Dining Series With Chef-Led Events Across Major U.S. Cities

illy has launched its Art of Dining Series, a year-long program pairing chef-led tasting menus with its signature coffee blend in major U.S. cities.

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photo of a healthy meal on wooden table top. Art of Dining Series,
Photo by Viktoria Alipatova on Pexels.com

illy is bringing coffee and fine dining together with its new Art of Dining Series, a year-long program featuring chef-led dining experiences in cities including Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The series launched in March with a dinner at Boia De in Miami and will continue with curated events built around custom tasting menus inspired by illy’s signature blend. One of the upcoming stops is set for June in San Francisco at Wolfsbane, where illy Chef Ambassador Rupert Blease will create a menu inspired by his own bespoke illy blend.

The company says the program is designed to create immersive, in-person experiences that connect guests with the illy brand through flavor, atmosphere, and hospitality. The launch also builds on illy’s broader gastronomy strategy, including its Chef Ambassador program and its role as the exclusive coffee partner of World’s 50 Best Restaurants for the past four years.

Founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1933, illy is known for its 100% Arabica coffee blend and global presence in more than 140 countries.

Source: illycaffè via PR Newswire

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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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Sustainably Sourced Staples for Family Favorites

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Living sustainably might include habits like recycling or composting, but you can go above and beyond by using food ingredients that are environmentally friendly in meals like a Seared Strip Loin with Linguini or Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls.

Sustainably Sourced Staples for Family Favorites

(Feature Impact) Living sustainably might include habits like recycling or composting, but you can go above and beyond by using food ingredients that are environmentally friendly.

As a pioneer in humane and sustainable meat, Niman Ranch recently launched a Regenerative Organic Certified beef program sourced entirely from U.S. family ranches covering 105,000 acres today and with a roadmap to reach 250,000 acres by 2028.

Simply put, “regenerative” is a soil-first approach to farming that restores the earth rather than depleting it. This program bridges the gap between environmental stewardship and steakhouse-quality flavor so you can enjoy meals like a Seared Strip Loin with Linguini or Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls.

The program sets the standard for a sustainable future in several ways:

  • Supporting American Ranchers: 100% U.S. grass-fed and finished, it provides a vital premium market for domestic family ranchers when over 95% of organic beef is currently imported.
  • Steakhouse Quality Meets the Gold Standard: By pairing elite angus genetics with Regenerative Organic Certified’s rigorous standards, the program delivers USDA-graded Choice and Prime marbling – a flavor and tenderness rarely found in the organic market.
  • Healing the Land: Through “high-frequency rotational grazing,” Niman Ranch cattle are moved across pastures in a way that restores soil health and promotes biodiversity.

Learn more by visiting NimanRanch.com.

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Seared Strip Loin with Linguini

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

  • 1          Niman Ranch Strip Loin Steak (6-8 ounces)
  • 1          teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste, divided
  • 1          box (16 ounces) linguini
  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 2          cups chopped fennel
  • 1          teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/3       cup chopped Castelvetrano (green) olives
  • 2          cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1          orange, zest and juice only
  • 1          goat cheese log (4 ounces)
  • 1/3       cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • pepper, to taste
  1. Pat steak dry and season generously with kosher salt. Heat grill pan or grill to medium-high heat. Grill steak until medium-rare (135-140 F), turning halfway through cooking, about 8 minutes total. Set aside.
  2. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguini according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining linguini in colander.
  3. In same pasta pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook fennel, red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon kosher salt over medium heat, stirring, until fennel is tender, 5-6 minutes. Add chopped olives, garlic and orange zest. Stir in orange juice and stir to combine. Set aside.
  4. Return drained linguini to pot. Crumble goat cheese on top and add reserved pasta water. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Serve with slices of steak on top and garnish with fresh parsley.
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Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

  • 1          package (8 ounces) rice vermicelli noodles

Beef:

  • 2          cloves garlic, grated
  • 1          thumb ginger, peeled and grated
  • 2          tablespoons fish sauce
  • 4          teaspoons light brown sugar
  • 1          tablespoon lemongrass paste
  • 1          tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1          pound Niman Ranch ground beef
  • 1          tablespoon vegetable oil

Dressing:

  • 4          tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4          tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2          tablespoons lemongrass paste
  • 2          tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2          teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
  • 2          tablespoons vegetable oil

Salad:

  • 8          ounces butter lettuce leaves
  • 8          ounces carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
  • 1          English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly crosswise into half-moons
  • 1          bunch fresh mint
  • 1          bunch cilantro
  • chopped roasted and unsalted peanuts
  • 1          lime, cut into wedges
  1. Cook vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Set aside.
  2. To prepare beef: In medium bowl, whisk garlic, ginger, fish sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass paste and lime juice until blended. Add beef and mix until well blended. Marinate 15 minutes.
  3. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add beef and cook, breaking up using wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until beef is dark and caramelized, 10-12 minutes.
  4. To make dressing: In small bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, lemongrass paste, brown sugar and sriracha, if desired. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Slowly stream in vegetable oil, whisking, until dressing is thickened.
  5. To prepare salads: Divide noodles between four shallow bowls. Arrange caramelized beef, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, mint and cilantro in bowls then drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with peanuts. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing on top.
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Niman Ranch

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Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch

Tne Grilled Cheese of the Year: A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade in recipes like The Protein Powerhouse and The Classic.

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Say 'Yes, Please' to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch

Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch

(Feature Impact) A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade.

It’s also safe to say nostalgia is delicious and addicting, which is why Borden Cheese is sharing not one, but two, prize-worthy recipes, one of which packs a protein punch and another that’s a pure classic, perfect for spreading smiles and happy bellies.

Protein, Please: The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Featuring a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Borden Mozzarella Cheese Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard “powerhouse sauce” and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt. It has been transformed into a massive protein boost.

Tried n’ True: While modern flavors and trends are delicious, nostalgia is too. In fact, a whopping 20,000 fans cast their votes for America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese, asserting a fervor that’s unmatched when it comes to their perfect melt, and awarded The Classic the title of “America’s Favorite.” This comforting recipe pairs extra sharp melts with American singles on sliced white bread for a perfect, ooey-gooey bite that reminds you the cheese truly “makes” the sandwich.

VisitBordenCheese.com/grilled-cheese-day for other ooey-gooey grilled cheese recipes created for 2026.

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The Protein Powerhouse

  • 1          tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2          slices bread fortified with protein and fiber
  • 2          Borden Mild Cheddar Slices
  • 1          slice Borden Mozzarella Melts
  • 5          ounces sliced chicken breast (deli-shaved or thinly carved)

“Powerhouse” Sauce:

  • 2          tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1          teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
  1. Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.
  2. Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side.
  3. Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.
  4. To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.
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The Classic

  • 1          tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2          slices white bread
  • 2          slices Borden Extra Sharp Melts
  • 2          slices Borden American Singles
  1. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Spread butter on one side of each slice bread.
  3. Place cheese slices on unbuttered side of bread. Top with other slice of bread with butter facing upward.
  4. Place sandwich on skillet or griddle and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Using spatula, lightly press sandwich down gently while cooking to melt cheese better.
  5. Remove from skillet or griddle and slice in half.
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SOURCE:
Borden

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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/

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