Catching on to Cooking More Seafood Recipe Contest Winners Announced
Culinary experiences, including cooking classes, in-store meal prep, and engagement of RTH/RTE departments, are becoming a more central part of the retail dietitian role. Consumers continue to need assistance with getting balanced meals on the table and incorporating nutritious foods, like StarKist tuna products, into these meals. The three winning recipes in our Catching on to Cooking More Seafood recipe contests showcase the talents of retail dietitians in meeting shoppers’ need for easy ways to build healthful meals. According to Laura Ali, MS, RDN, LDN and Sr. Manager of Nutrition and Regulatory Affairs at StarKist Co., “from a quick snack to a delicious dinner, the recipe winners all showcase how versatile the Tuna and Salmon Creations are!”
The Grand Prize winner of the recipe contest is Johna Mailolli, Retail Registered Dietitian with Shoprite of Tallman. Her winning recipe, Mango Chipotle Salmon Avocado Crisps, works as a quick snack or appetizer and is ready in just 10 minutes. The crisps are loaded with flavor, crunch and a bit of spice, and contain nutrients like fiber, protein, and omega-3s to meet individuals’ nutrition needs. As the contest Grand Prize winner, Johna receives $1,000 towards travel to an educational conference of her choice.
Two First Prize winners of the contest were selected, and each will receive $250 towards travel to an educational conference of their choice. Laura Holtrop Kohl MS, RD, City Creek Dietitian at Harmons won with her Tropical Tuna Salad recipe. Laura describes the recipe as perfect as a pick-me-up for a quick lunch, impressive appetizer, or even breakfast on the beach!
Emily Schwartz, MS, RDN, CD, Nutrition Communications Specialist at Skogen's Festival Foods is the other First Prize winner of the recipe contest. Her winning recipe, Spicy Tuna Bowl, is not only an easy meal full of sushi-inspired flavor, but it also packs a nutritious punch with lean protein, heart-healthy fats and whole grains. Emily recommends multiplying the recipe to feed a family.
The focus of the contest was on recipes that are easy for retail dietitians to demo to their shoppers. “Each of these recipes would be simple to demo and show shoppers how easy it is to eat one more serving of seafood a week” comments Ali.
Thank you to all RDBA members who participated in this recipe contest!
