Winner Profile Q&A

Tell us a little about yourself!

I am 59 years old and have been married to a perfect and wonderful woman for 37 years. We have three adult children, one grandson and another grandchild on the way. I love my job as a Technical Service Engineer for United States Steel Corp. and a major interest of mine is the making and forming of steel. I enjoy travel, cooking, eating and eating. The grill is my domain and I love to make pies. Did I mention that I like to eat?

Who do you cook for?

I cook for my friends and family and I try to make an apple pie for at least one special person every year. Jill, my daughter / princess is thirty years old, married to a wonderful and brilliant man and is the mother of my grandson. Four women in my life were and are the best cookie makers in the world. My grandmother, my mom, my wife and my daughter, but Jill is the best.

My 26 year old son Carl is a sports fanatic. He knows every player in every sport on every team. My 24 year old son, Nick, will be the father of my second grandson. Nick is a pizza man working the oven only steps away from the beach and the famous Elbow Room in Fort Lauderdale. Beach Pizza has probably the best pizza that I have ever eaten.

Why do you like to cook? What, if anything, do you dislike about cooking?

When I cook, I am making something for someone else to enjoy. If you are making a meal or a pie or a drink, it is a gift that you want to be the best for the best. I do get frustrated when I try to have everything hot and ready for a meal at the same time. My wife is very good at everything finishing at the same time, so I rely on her expertise.

What are some of your cooking secrets or tips?

Well they are secrets after all, but I think the best tip is to taste what you are making. Always use the best ingredients, find a good product and weave it into your meals and dishes. Now is an appropriate time to mention SeaPak products. SeaPak is wonderful seafood, beautifully and deliciously prepared.

Do you have any suggestions for cooking on a budget or in a time crunch?

Plan ahead and shop smart. When there is time, make a large batch and freeze extras for later. Try different protein for soups, stews and chilies. Try seafood – there is much less waste and it will offer a great new taste.

What is dinnertime usually like for you and your family?

Our meals are a time of sharing. We sit down together, and we always start with prayer. There are no distractions, just family and friends talking and eating. Our dinner table is always full to the brim with love. Friends are always welcome and the unexpected guest is always a very special treat.

How does SeaPak make feeding your family easier?

When you have a delicious main course already seasoned and ready to prepare and put and on the table, the rest of the meal just falls into place. Plus, you know and can be proud that you are serving a healthy and nutritious meal.

What are your favorite ways to use SeaPak products?
What are your family's favorite SeaPak meals?

I really love my bisque and you can use other seafood in place of the salmon. Shrimp is great too. Mix the seafood in a casserole — let your imagination go wild. When you start with SeaPak's wonderful seafood you really can't go wrong.

If you have children (or a picky spouse), how do you get them to eat more seafood? In what ways do you ensure that they get healthful, well-balanced meals?

Cooking is not like A Field of Dreams. Just because you cook it they still may not come. Get kids involved in cooking. Let them use their own ideas. Ask them what they could add to make it better. Let them help shop for what looks good and try their ideas in the meal.