The holidays are the perfect time for seafood.  It’s healthy, fast, and tasty. Plus, it takes so little effort to put on a beautifully orchestrated meal your guests will be talking about until New Years!

It might be hard to convince your family to skip a turkey for a lobster or shrimp, especially if you were able to get your hands on one of our fresh turkeys. Plus, there would be no way to fight over the wishbone. So, if you need a little inspiration on how to incorporate seafood into your holiday traditions — check these ideas out:

#8. Mussels: These can be served in a fragrant, mouth-watering broth, as appetizers or pair with crusty bread or french fries for an entree.

#7.  Shrimp Cocktail: Perfectly quick, easy and elegant. Serve as an appetizer or in a large ice bowl during cocktail hour.

And, if you want something with a little different twist, stone crab is a winter delicacy from Florida that is shipped up to other parts of the country this time of year. Serve it chilled with a simple cocktail sauce for a new “take” on shrimp cocktail.

#6.  Oyster Stew: Originally thought to have become a tradition because the Catholic Church forbade meat the day before a religious feast (like Christmas), it’s a delicious warming comfort food when served with a large hunk of crusty bread or in a round bread bowl. Some people also like to incorporate oysters into stuffing.

#5. Lobster: Special holidays call for special feasts! Need we say more.

#4.  Crab legs: Nothing is more fun than a group of people sitting around a table cracking crab legs and dipping them in butter. Since it takes a bit of labor, dinner lasts longer and more talking gets done. Perfect for a slow, easy holiday meal!

#3. Dips: Crab, clam, or smoked fish are always great served with your favorite crackers, chips and cheeses. Keep them on hand for when holiday company comes by.

#2. Shrimp: Great for fondue, on skewers or in a creamy pasta sauce. It’s fast, filling and easy for large groups.

#1. Salmon: Everyone loves it and it’s easy to prepare — and perfect every time. Baking, grilling, curing or smoking, it works great as an entree or appetizer…Plus it works well if you decide to have turkey on Christmas Eve and are wondering what to serve for a special meal on Christmas day!

No matter what you’ll be eating this holiday season, we wish you all bon appetite, buen privet, kalon rigor, and debar trek!