This Easter De-Stress with Seafood
According to a recent poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate the holiday, 78% find cooking the traditional family Easter dinner a stressful endeavor. Among the top concerns for hosts:
41% How much food they need (41%),
40% The cleanliness of their home
40% How much time is necessary to prepare or cook food
39% Whether guests will like the food.
While we can’t help with dusting and vacuuming, there are two easy ways to eliminate the stress caused by the other three concerns: Host an Easter brunch instead of dinner—and serve seafood.
Nothing adds a sophisticated and festive touch to Easter like a seafood brunch. The light yet filling taste that fish and other seafood are known for makes it the perfect way to usher in spring, especially for brunch when diners don’t want that overly full feeling all day. It also adds a touch of elegance to make the holiday table feel special and lets guests know they are important enough to “go all out.” These are just a few reasons seafood is a mainstay on Easter worldwide. Below are more even reasons seafood is the perfect food for Easter.
Change of pace. For example, seafood such as branzino, shrimp, and calamari are ideal for adding some tasty alluring dishes to more traditional Easter fare.
Diversity. Whether starring as the main attraction or appearing as a side dish, seafood is as comfortable served naked as it is in any ethnic recipe. Seafood’s firm texture makes it stand up to everything from grilling to sautéing, while its subtle taste complements any sauce without being overwhelmed.
Compatibility. Long a symbol of Easter, eggs are a brunch mainstay, one that pairs nicely with seafood from quiche to omelets and dozens of recipes in between.
Color and texture. The curled tail of steamed-to-pink-perfection shrimp or the crispy golden brown of the perfectly fried, lightly breaded calamari help create a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
Health. Spring is a time of rejuvenation and, for most people, a renewed focus on health. Packed with protein, essential vitamins, and minerals and low in calories, seafood gives brunch-goers a chance to enjoy far more for less.
Cost. Speaking of less.... Seafood specials abound in the weeks leading up to Easter, thanks to Lent. So, there’s no better time to fill your freezer with your frozen seafood favorites for Easter and to keep it stocked through the summer season.
Time savings. While you want your brunch to be outstanding, you have other things to do on Easter besides cooking, such as going to church, hunting for eggs, and enjoying friends and family. With seafood such as dusted gluten free calamari and shrimp that can go from freezer to plate in 75 to 90 seconds, you can have an exceptional display without being tied to the kitchen the night before and all morning.
Pescatarians. Many people are turning away from meat, including beef, ham, and pork. Meanwhile, seafood sales hit a record in 2021, and despite inflation, 2022 sales rang in $16.2 billion, according to a recent report from the Food Industry Association.
Flexibility. Unexpected guests? No problem! A freezer stocked with your frozen seafood favorites offers a vast array of dishes that can be prepared in minutes, which is especially valuable when the guest list expands, and stores are closed for the holiday.
Amazing leftovers. For those who keep ham as center stage, seafood makes wonderful side shows—and equally delicious leftovers—from shrimp and ham jambalaya, ham and shrimp paella-style rice, and calamari with ham stuffing. The list is limited only by the imagination.
So, this Easter, lose the stress. Serve seafood for dinner or brunch and your guests will be too busy enjoying your scrumptious spread to even notice how clean the house is!