Foster County Independent - The Official Newspaper for Foster County

BPT) - From casual gatherings to formal parties, the holidays are full of opportunities to elevate your meals with seafood.

Whether you're an experienced home cook or you prefer to throw meals together on the fly, it helps to have affordable, easy-to-prep culinary tricks up your sleeve so you're ready for anything the holidays bring your way. Fortunately, keeping appetizer favorites handy in your freezer will give you what you need to prep delicious, next-level food in a hurry - or to whip up tasty recipes that are sure to please a holiday crowd.

Find these popular SeaPak selections in the frozen seafood aisle at your local grocery store. Prepare them in a conventional oven, toaster oven, or air fryer (depending on package instructions), or follow one of the recipes at the end of this article for more flavor inspiration:

* Shrimp Scampi - This whole tail-off shrimp scampi comes expertly seasoned in delicious garlic-butter sauce with a hint of red bell pepper and herbs for extra flavor.

* Shrimp Spring Rolls - Tender shrimp and fresh vegetables hand-wrapped in a delicate crunchy wrapper will help make entertaining easy and exquisite.

* Popcorn Shrimp - With crispy breading everyone loves, these easy-to-bake (or air-fry!) shrimp are perfect for everything from holiday parties to festive meals.

Next, try these recipes to help you make the most of your SeaPak favorites.

Mini Shrimp Scampi and

Spinach Quiches

These tasty bites are the ideal appetizer, infused with traditional scampi flavors

of lemon and garlic.

Ingredients:

1 (12-ounce) package SeaPak Shrimp Scampi

2 (1.9-ounce) packages frozen mini phyllo cups

1/2 (5-ounce) package fresh baby spinach, chopped

2 large eggs

1/2 cup whipping cream

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions: Heat oven to 375F. Arrange phyllo cups in mini muffin tins coated with cooking spray. Set aside.

Heat a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add SeaPak Shrimp Scampi and cook for 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1 minute.

Set aside a few whole shrimp to garnish the top; keep warm. Cut remaining shrimp into smaller pieces. Use a slotted spoon to divide shrimp mixture evenly among the phyllo shells.

Whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Pour egg mixture carefully into shells. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until eggs are set.

Garnish a few mini quiches with reserved shrimp. Drizzle quiches with additional pan sauce before serving, if desired. Makes 12-15 servings (30 mini quiches).

Crispy Shrimp

Wonton Cups

These Asian-inspired, crunchy wonton cups are almost too pretty to eat - almost.

Ingredients:

1 (12-ounce) package SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp

3 cups shredded coleslaw mix

1 tbsp dark sesame oil

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame seeds

24 wonton wrappers

Vegetable oil

2 green onions, chopped

Directions: Place coleslaw in a bowl. Whisk together sesame oil, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Pour over coleslaw and toss to coat. Let stand for 10-15 minutes or until coleslaw wilts slightly.

Heat oven to 350F. Press wonton wrappers into 24 lightly greased mini muffin cups. Brush with vegetable oil.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until browned and crispy.

Increase oven temperature to 450F and bake popcorn shrimp according to package directions. Spoon coleslaw into baked wonton cups. Top evenly with shrimp and green onions. Drizzle with any leftover coleslaw dressing. Makes 24 servings.

Find more recipes and locate SeaPak products at a store near you by visiting SeaPak.com.