I am thrilled today, the second Friday in Lent, to launch SeaPak’s all new guest blogger program, appropriately titled, “The Coastal Dish.” Each month, I’ll be hosting a SeaPak friend or blogger from some of the most popular food sites out there.  It will give you all a chance to see some of the blogs I follow and provide you with even more deliciously easy seafood tips and recipes.

I can’t think of a better way to kick off “The Coastal Dish” than with my my good friend at FunnySpoon, who just happens to blog from right here on St. Simons Island.   FunnySpoon is an incredibly cool food site that can help you get a meal on the table when you are short on time and inspiration.  I love FunnySpoon because it is perfect for people who want great simple meals but don’t have the time for scratch cooking.    It is easy to navigate, the recipes are simple and reliable, and isn’t the name fun??

So, today, let’s welcome Carrie of FunnySpoon, and see what she has to say about our favorite topic – seafood! And, make sure you check out the FunnySpoon website and blog for more wholesome, quick and easy recipe ideas.

-Jenna

My family loves seafood! I feel fortunate because I know all the health benefits of seafood (those fantastic Omega 3’s that help with a healthy heart, lower blood pressure, brain & eye development in children, etc). Lucky for me, I don’t have to coerce them into eating the good stuff! However, as a working mother of two with a traveling husband, it’s not always easy for me to get a healthy nutritious dinner on the table. That is until SeaPak came into my life. Now, regardless of if I’ve planned ahead or not, I know I can quickly pull together a fantastic, heart-healthy dinner that my children will love and my husband will devour. I keep a couple of SeaPak products in my freezer at all times – pair those with some of the staples in the pantry and voila dinner is served!

Celebrate TGIF(ish) with this Mexican Scampi. It’s a fun twist on an old favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

-Carrie, FunnySpoon.com

Mexican Scampi

Prep Time: 5 mins  Cook Time: 20 mins   Serves: 2-4

• 1 package SeaPak® Shrimp Scampi
• 1 can Hunt’s Fire Roasted Tomatoes
• 1 5 oz. package of Mahatma Saffron Yellow Rice
• 1 palmful of cumin (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1 handful of fresh cilantro (or a palmful of dried cilantro)
• 1 tbsp. olive oil

BOIL water and oil for rice. Add rice & prepare according to package directions.

PREHEAT skillet on medium high-heat and add shrimp. Prepare according to package directions.

ADD tomatoes and cumin after about 5 minutes of cooking. Add cilantro with about 1 minute left to cook.

PLATE rice, top with scampi mixture and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

SERVE alongside a salad, garlic green beans or broccoli. And a margarita for you! Enjoy!!

Cook’s Note:

Don’t like Saffron rice? This would be great served over pasta, too. I like to use the Barilla protein-enriched pasta just to be super-double-triple sure the kids are getting enough of the good stuff!

Let us know what you think about this recipe and any twists you’ve added to it. Bon Appetit!