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.

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.

SOURCE:

SeaPak

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Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Family Features) You can delight nearly any guest with this cake that delivers a mild sweetness and crunchy topping.  Serve it warm with a side of ice cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Cinnamon-Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake

Recipe adapted from Wilton.

Nonstick cooking spray

Topping:

• 3/4         cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3         cup flour
• 1/3         cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/4         cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2         teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4         teaspoon salt
• 5             tablespoons butter, softened

Cake:

• 1-1/2     cups flour
• 3/4         teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2         teaspoon salt
• 1/4         teaspoon baking soda
• 8             ounces cream cheese
• 3             tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2         cup sugar
• 1             whole egg
• 1             egg yolk
• 5             tablespoons milk
• 2             teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Heat oven to 350°F.
2. Spray 9-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. To make topping: In medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon and salt.
4. Using pastry blender, cut butter into mixture until blended.
5. To make cake: In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda.
6. In large bowl, mix cream cheese, butter and sugar. Beat mixture until smooth.
7. Add egg, egg yolk, milk and vanilla extract. Beat mixture until smooth.
8. Combine flour mixture with cream cheese mixture. Spread mixture in pan. Sprinkle topping over batter.
9. Bake 35-40 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or dust with powdered sugar.

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/category/food-and-beverage

You can also find food and beverage-related videos on our YouTube channel, where we regularly post new content and share tips, recipes, and demonstrations.

Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
• 6 cups broth
• 1 cup orzo
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• cucumber sandwiches, for serving

1. Chop carrots and celery. In pot, saute with butter.
2. In bowl, mix chicken with lemon juice and lemon pepper then set aside.
3. After carrots and celery are tender, add broth and orzo to pot. Then add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme and sugar. Simmer 10 minutes then add chicken and cream; simmer about 5 minutes.
4. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with cucumber sandwiches.