Food and Beverage
Even the Pickiest Pick SeaPak: New Campaign Brings Fun to Family Meals Ahead of The First Annual National Picky Eaters Day
With a family of adorable otters, a touch of whimsy, and delicious, kid-approved seafood, SeaPak is making meals easier and tastier for parents everywhere.
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. /PRNewswire/ — When it comes to picky eaters, parents have tried almost every negotiation tactic to get their kids to eat something new. Now with SeaPak’s help, amplified through their Even the Pickiest Pick SeaPak campaign, there’s a delicious new way to win during meals. This fun and creative marketing campaign from America’s No. 1 frozen shrimp brand makes its debut just as Lent begins and right before the newly established National Picky Eaters Day on April 4.
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/seapak/9309951-en-seapak-family-meals-national-picky-eaters-day
“With our Even the Pickiest Pick SeaPak campaign, we’re showing that shrimp and other seafood can be a real game-changer for families with picky eaters,” said Ciera Womack, Director of Marketing, Seafood at Rich Products Corp., parent company of SeaPak. “And with the launch of National Picky Eaters Day, we’re giving parents a reason to celebrate those little wins. SeaPak’s crispy, kid-approved favorites like Classic Popcorn Shrimp and Crunchy Shrimp Poppers are easy and delicious ways to make mealtimes a success.”
The new holiday, created by SeaPak, celebrates small mealtime victories and helps parents find stress-free ways to expand their kids’ food horizons. Backed by a national survey of 2,000 parents of school-aged children, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of SeaPak, the holiday taps into the universal struggle of picky eating — and offers tasty solutions that even the pickiest eaters will pick.
SeaPak’s survey revealed that parents spend an average of 67 hours a year negotiating with their picky eaters. It also highlighted some of the most common reasons behind food refusals:
- 37% of parents say veggies are the biggest source of food meltdowns for their children.
- 33% of kids reject foods based on smell.
- 32% say no just because of how food looks.
- 26% of parents used to be picky eaters themselves — and still are today.
While some foods may never fly with certain kids, the survey found that seafood is a real crowd-pleaser: In fact, 32% of parents say their kids always say yes to shrimp.
To help bring these insights to life, SeaPak partnered with creative agency EP+ Co and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to create The Otterfords, a family of lovable sea otter puppets who know all too well what it’s like to have a picky eater at the table. Sea otters eat 25% of their body weight in food each day, their diet consisting of a tasty seafood medley – that’s about 4 pounds of shrimp daily! Designed by the legendary company behind the Muppets, these charming, shrimp-loving characters star in SeaPak’s latest campaign, proving that sea otters and humans can agree on one thing: Seafood is delicious.
“Our goal has always been to make mealtimes more fun and stress-free,” Womack added. “With The Otterfords, our Even the Pickiest Pick SeaPak campaign, and National Picky Eaters Day, we’re giving parents a lighthearted way to connect with their kids about trying new foods — and showing that seafood is something even picky eaters will pick.”
SeaPak is inviting parents to join the National Picky Eaters Day celebration on April 4 by sharing their successes on social media using #PickyEatersDay, trying a “picky eater-approved” meal with their family, and swapping tips with other parents on how to make meals easier.
For more information on National Picky Eaters Day, visit nationaltoday.com/national-picky-eaters-day/, and to explore picky-eater-friendly seafood options, visit seapak.com.
SOURCE SeaPak
Food and Beverage
Slow-Simmered & Grilled Pork Ribs with Quick Homemade BBQ Sauce
Learn how to make tender slow-simmered pork ribs finished on the grill with a quick homemade BBQ sauce. An easy backyard barbecue recipe packed with smoky flavor.
Few meals capture the flavor of backyard cooking quite like a rack of tender pork ribs fresh off the grill. While traditional barbecue methods can take all day, this quick-and-delicious approach combines a slow simmer with a flavorful grill finish for ribs that are juicy, smoky, and coated in a rich homemade barbecue sauce.
Perfect for weekend cookouts, family dinners, or game day gatherings, this recipe delivers barbecue flavor without requiring a smoker or hours of tending a fire.
Why the Simmer-and-Grill Method Works
The secret to this recipe is gently simmering the ribs before grilling. This process helps tenderize the meat while locking in moisture. Once the ribs are nearly fork-tender, they’re finished on the grill to create caramelization, smoky char, and that classic barbecue texture.
The homemade ketchup-based BBQ sauce adds a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with pork ribs.
Ingredients
For the Ribs
- 2 racks pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For the Quick Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2–3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Black pepper to taste
- Pinch of salt
Optional:
- Honey for extra sweetness
- Hot sauce or cayenne for heat
- Liquid smoke for added smoky flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Ribs
Pat the ribs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let the ribs rest while preparing the simmering liquid.
Step 2: Slow Simmer
Place the ribs into a large pot or roasting pan. Add enough water to partially cover the ribs along with the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and apple cider vinegar.
Bring to a gentle simmer — not a rolling boil.
Cook:
- Baby back ribs: 1½ to 2 hours
- Spare ribs: 2 to 3 hours
The ribs should become tender but still hold together.
Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce
While the ribs simmer, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan.
Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and smooth.
Taste and adjust:
- More vinegar for tang
- More brown sugar or honey for sweetness
- More spice for heat
Step 4: Grill the Ribs
Remove the ribs from the simmering liquid and pat dry.
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 5–10 minutes per side. Brush generously with barbecue sauce during the final few minutes of cooking to create a sticky, caramelized glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Mac and cheese
- Grilled corn
- Potato salad
- Baked beans
These ribs pair perfectly with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold craft soda for a classic summer barbecue experience.
Pro Tips for Better Ribs
- Avoid boiling the ribs aggressively — gentle simmering keeps them tender and flavorful.
- Apply sauce near the end of grilling to prevent burning.
- Let ribs rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Reapply a light layer of dry seasoning before grilling for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a professional smoker or a full day of cooking to make memorable barbecue ribs at home. This slow-simmered and grilled pork ribs recipe delivers tender meat, smoky char, and bold homemade BBQ flavor using simple ingredients and easy techniques.
Whether you’re cooking for a backyard gathering or a relaxed family dinner, these ribs are sure to become a favorite addition to your recipe collection.
Related Links
- National Pork Board – Pork Cooking Tips & Recipes
- Weber Grills – How to Grill Ribs
- AmazingRibs.com – BBQ & Rib Cooking Techniques
- Food Network – Rib Recipes and BBQ Ideas
- Serious Eats – BBQ Ribs Guides & Recipes
For more food, lifestyle, and trending recipes, visit STM Daily News
(Feature Impact) Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend morning with the family or savoring those last few moments before rushing out the door, a filling, healthy breakfast is a perfect way to begin the day. Easy recipes that take less than 30 minutes (and can even be prepared the night before) make busy mornings a breeze.
Sheet Pan Pancakes are simple to whip up any day of the week – no flipping required – while Healthy Sausage Breakfast Muffins let you put protein on the menu in a kid-friendly package. When shopping for these delicious breakfasts, look for the Healthy Family Project and Produce for Kids logos to choose healthier foods and make a difference locally.
“Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful – a quick, balanced meal can help kids stay full, focused and energized for the day ahead,” said Tony Castillo, contributing registered dietitian at Healthy Family Project. “For growing kids, a protein-rich breakfast can help support energy, satiety and the building blocks they need as they develop. The best breakfast is one that’s simple, satisfying and realistic for busy mornings because consistency matters more than perfection.”
The versatility of these pancakes allows for endless customization and experimentation with different toppings, from fresh fruit and nuts to savory options like cheese and spinach, making them an ideal fit for the whole family. They also freeze well, so you can pop them in the toaster to have breakfast ready in a flash when hectic schedules interfere with your morning routine.
For another on-the-go solution, these breakfast muffins are made with just five ingredients, including protein pancake mix to help fuel the day. The savory combination of turkey sausage and cheddar cheese is complemented by the sweetness of onion, giving them the flavor your family desires.
To find more ways to put a nutritious breakfast on the family table, visit HealthyFamilyProject.com.
Sheet Pan Pancakes
Recipe courtesy of the Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 425 F. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
- Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet and smooth into even layer that covers pan. Top with strawberries, blueberries and chocolate chips.
- Bake 5-7 minutes, or until cooked and golden brown. Let cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Healthy Sausage Breakfast Muffins
Recipe courtesy of the Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 23 minutes
Servings: 12
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 pound turkey sausage
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup protein pancake mix
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
- Spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
- In prepared skillet over medium heat, cook onion until translucent. Add turkey sausage and cook until no longer pink. Remove from heat.
- In large mixing bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add shredded cheese, pancake mix and sausage and onion mixture; mix well.
- Fill prepared muffin cups about 3/4 full with mixture.
- Bake 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
SOURCE:
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/
recipes
An At-Home Solution with the Taste of Takeout
Taste of Takeout: If you’re cozying up at home but takeout cravings are calling, it may just be time for a pantry refresh that brings bold flavors straight to your kitchen. To ensure convenience and flavor is on your menu, consider these Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups as an easy way to enjoy the taste of takeout from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Last Updated on May 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff
An At-Home Solution with the Taste of Takeout
(Feature Impact) If you’re cozying up at home but takeout cravings are calling, it may just be time for a pantry refresh that brings bold flavors straight to your kitchen. No matter what kind of cook you are – Bumble Bee Snackers are your new secret snack-section solution.
For unbeatable convenience and flavor, consider Bumble Bee Snackers for an at-home recipe enhancement. They’re shaking up the tuna aisle in single-serve cans with a variety of bold flavors that are perfect for snacking or light lunches, including zesty Lemon Pepper, rich and savory Hickory Smoke, tastebud-tingling Sweet Heat, spicy-sweet Thai Chili and nostalgic Tuna Salad. If you’re more of a traditionalist, classic Chunk Light Tuna is an ideal complement for crackers or veggies.
The premixed 3-ounce cans can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other favorites like celery sticks, carrots, cucumber, crackers or tortilla chips.
Snack menu shakeups are sweeping the country; in fact, 50% of Americans agree it’s hard to find snacks that meets all their needs, according to a survey conducted by Bumble Bee Seafoods and FleishmanHillard’s TRUE Global Intelligence. The survey also found hungry families are looking for more “bang for their buck,” affordability, protein and ease for eating on the go.
While value and convenience are important, great taste still tops the list – flavor remains the single biggest driver of snacking decisions. To ensure convenience and flavor is on your menu, consider these Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups as an easy way to enjoy the taste of takeout from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Visit BumbleBee.com to discover more ways to shake up snacking at home.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups
Recipe courtesy of @amateur_husband on behalf of Bumble Bee Seafoods
Sushi Rice:
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Tuna Mixture:
- 1 can (5 ounces) Bumble Bee Snackers Lemon Pepper
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon wasabi (optional)
Assembly:
- nori (seaweed sheets)
- furikake seasoning
- spicy mayo or Sriracha, for topping
- wonton crisps, for topping
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- To make sushi rice: Mix cooked rice with rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Let cool slightly.
- To make tuna mixture: In bowl, combine tuna (no draining needed), mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce and wasabi, if desired. Mix well.
- To assemble: Cut nori sheets into squares and press into cups of muffin tin to line them.
- Fill each nori-lined cup with sushi rice, pressing gently to form small nest shape.
- Sprinkle furikake over rice then top with spoonful of tuna mixture.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until heated through and edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove cups from muffin tin, drizzle with spicy mayo or Sriracha and top with wonton crisps.
SOURCE:
Bumble Bee Tuna
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/
