Don't Skimp on the Shrimp!

MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- As families around the country wind down summer and wind up their alarm clocks, menu planning heats up in time for back to school.  During this time of year, the conundrum of what to feed the children strikes parents across the country who are searching for the perfect combination of quick and easy and delicious and nutritious snacks, mini-meals and dinners.  The Shrimp Council says, "Don't skimp on the shrimp!" 

Shrimp, the most popular seafood among children, is the perfect answer for tired, hungry kids at the end of the school day.  No sooner have the book bags hit the floor than the hunger pangs have taken over and the kids are clamoring in the kitchen.  Keep their hands out of the cookie jar by serving a shrimp-stuffed quesadilla!  This simple recipe showcases nutrient-rich, mild, sweet shrimp, full of vitamins and minerals with far fewer calories than many popular after school sweets and treats.  And, the great thing is that shrimp can be boiled, sauteed, or grilled in under five minutes!

As our country fights what top nutrition experts recently called "the single greatest threat to public health in this century," obesity, after school snacks present an opportunity to teach our children how to make good food choices.  According to a report issued by Christine Williams, MD, MPH, Member, Energy Balance Subcommittee of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, the prevalence of overweight and obese individuals has approximately doubled among 2-5 and 6-11 year-old children and tripled among 12-19 years old adolescents. 

"Four large shrimp have fewer than 100 calories and pack approximately 2/3 the recommended daily intake of protein for a 10-year-old child," said Judy Dashiell, of The Shrimp Council.  "And, as you may know, protein staves off hunger pangs and can 'power' kids through a busy afternoon of homework and activities."

The Shrimp Council encourages both the young and old to enjoy shrimp as part of an A+ balanced and delicious diet this school year!  

BBQ Shrimp Quesadillas

Serves:  4

Ingredients: 

8 ounces cooked shrimp, diced

1 orange bell pepper, roasted or grilled and finely diced

2/3 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed

1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded Cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons all-natural barbecue sauce

Four 10-inch flour tortillas

2 teaspoons canola oil

Instructions: 

Combine the shrimp, bell pepper, corn kernels, cheese, and barbecue sauce in a bowl.  Divide the mixture evenly and spread over half of each tortilla.  Fold over, press down gently, and set aside.  Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add two of the quesadillas and cook until the tortillas become crisp and golden on the bottom, about 3 minutes.  Flip the tortillas and cook an additional 2 minutes.  Repeat with the remaining oil and quesadillas.  Cut into quarters and serve.

Nutrition Information: 

380 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated, 0.5g omega-3s), 780mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 23g protein, 25% vitamin A, 70% vitamin C, 20% calcium, 25% iron

Recipe Courtesy of:  The Shrimp Council and Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RD & Liz Weiss, MS, RD, Cofounders, Meal Makeover Moms.com

SOURCE The Shrimp Council