Easter Calls for Sp-egg-tacular Seafood

Easter is a time of great celebration – a time of rebirth and renewal for Christians around the world. For most, this includes celebrating the end of Lent with a healthy spread of delicious options whether for breakfast, brunch or dinner. Increasingly, a star of these spreads is seafood.

In fact, according to Dataessential, U.S. restaurants at all market levels are prominently featuring seafood dishes on their spring and Easter menus, as well as limited-time specials. Some hotel restaurants are even making seafood the main attraction on their brunch tables.

According to their reports, A majority (89 percent) of consumers surveyed by Datassential believe seafood in general is healthy, Additionally, 26 percent of Generation Z Americans say they are eating more seafood, while 21 percent of millennials, 16 percent of Generation X, and 13 percent of Boomers have increased their seafood consumption.

Symbol of Faith

The tie between fish and Christianity is not new. The Greek word for fish is "ichthys," As early as the first century, Christians made an acrostic from this word, "Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter." In Greek, this translates as Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.

Fish has also been a religious protective symbol. When persecuted by the Romans, Christians used the fish to mark safe meeting places and to separate friends from foes. It is said that if a Christian drew the arc of a fish and a stranger completed it with the second arch; the two knew they were in safe company.

Egg-stra Special

Another traditional symbol of Easter, of course, is the egg. Eggs have also signified new life, spring, and rebirth. Eating eggs during Lent was forbidden during medieval times, so enjoying a delicious egg on Easter was a treat that continues to this day.

When Symbols Collide, Tasty Things Happen

Besides their Easter ties, seafood and eggs have a lot in common: Both are good sources of vitamins, Omega-3s, and protein. In addition to being healthy, both are quick and easy to prepare, most often affordable, and can be cooked in a wide variety of ways. With these attributes, what better way to kick off Eastertime celebrations than combining these two spring winners in tasty dishes like those below?

Shrimp, egg, and avocado toast. Few dishes will dress up an Easter brunch like this colorful and delectable combination.

Cheesy seafood casserole. This can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, wherever seafood, cheese, and egg lovers gather.

Shrimp and egg omelet. Feel free to add other favorite ingredients, like tomato or pepper, to this protein-packed entrée that is as great for breakfast as a light Easter dinner. 

Lightly dusted, gluten-free Calamari - a finger food incentive for guests to eat fewer jelly beans.. Lightly fried branzino strips are another excellent finger food option. 

Seafood quiche There's a reason quiche continues to be a brunch staple. It's delicious, and for something different, try mixing and matching shrimp, branzino, and calamari for a unique seafood pie.

Whatever your taste, opportunities for a delicious seafood meal are endless. For more tasty seafood recipes that will delight your tastebuds all year round, click here.