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CHANGING UP an idea

Entertaining An Idea

Too much of a good thing can get a little dull and that’s when it’s time to change things up! 

If you are like me, a good deal is hard to pass up, especially these days when some things seem to be in short supply. Lately, aluminum cans and coins have been added to that list. Conversely,  some things that are normally not available suddenly are. A silver lining to this Pandemic is that some things have become more available to the home cooks because, (my guess is) the restaurants aren’t needing the inventory. We recently stumbled into one such opportunity when shopping at Costco.  They have been offering  (previously frozen) cod fillets for a really great price, ($7.99 a pound). 

This is a fantastic deal, but with it comes a couple of challenges.

1. It is Costco so you are purchasing volume, and
2. The fish is previously frozen so you will need to use it as soon as possible.

Since we are social distancing, having a dinner party isn’t an option and there are only two of us to enjoy this great find so it is time to CHANGE THINGS UP! The cod is absolutely wonderful and there are many different ways to prepare it, here are a couple. 

Changing It Up With Some Great Recipes For Cod

Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette For Grilled Fish

This light and fresh vinaigrette is perfect for any mild flavored white fish.
Course Condiment
Keyword Cod, Grilled Fish, Halibut, Vinaigette

Ingredients

  • tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed or finely grated
  • ½ tsp lemon zest grated with a microplane
  • 3 tbsp thinly sliced fresh basil can substitute dried basil, but fresh is best
  • 2 tsp capers drained
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest in a small bowl.
    Stir in 2 tbsp fresh basil and capers, (reserving 1 tbsp basil for garnish)
    Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper
    Season 4-6 ounce halibut steaks or filets with salt and pepper. Brush 1 tablespoon vinaigrette, divided equally, over the fish. Grill or broil until cooked through. Transfer fish to plates. Stir remaining vinaigrette and pour over fish.
    Garnish with remaining basil and serve.
    Changing Up and Idea

Notes

This can be prepared 1 hour ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature

Romaine Salad with Fresh Berries

The sweetness of the strawberries with the creaminess of the fresh mozzarella and the crunch of the almonds makes this a delightful accompaniment to a variety of main courses. It is particularly wonderful with Grilled Cod and Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette.
Course Salad
Keyword Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing, Fresh Mozzarella, Romaine, Salad, Strawberries

Ingredients

  • 1 head artisan romaine washed and cut
  • 8-10 fresh strawberries halved or quartered
  • 8-10 Bocconcini Fresh Mozzarella cheese balls, halved
  • ¼ cup sliced toasted almonds
  • Extra-Virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Fresh basil chiffonade (finely cut basil)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Assemble all ingredients and sprinkle with your best balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. Season as desired

Notes

Add whatever you like to this salad. Fresh slices of cucumber and a sprinkling of fresh blueberries work well.

Fish Tacos

I am a late-comer to the delights of fish tacos. For some reason, the idea just didn't appeal to me. I am now a believer! These are fast, easy, fresh and scrumptious.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword Easy, Fish, Fresh Dill, Tacos

Ingredients

  • 24 small soft white corn tortillas
  • 1 lbs fresh cod fillets
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Fish Taco Sauce

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • cup good mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1+ tsp Sriracha or to taste

Taco Toppings

  • red cabbage finely sliced
  • red onion diced
  • fresh cilantro chopped
  • Cotija cheese crumbled
  • lime wedges

Instructions

  • Combine seasonings in a bowl. Drizzle olive oil in a baking dish, large enough to accommodate the filets. Place the cod in the dish, sprinkle half the seasoning mix over the top. Flip the filets and sprinkle the remaining seasoning over top. Dot each filet with the butter and place in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes or until done.
  • Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix until blended.
    Warm tortillas in a lightly buttered cast iron skillet over med-high heat.
    Fish Tacos
  • Assemble tacos by placing a warm tortilla on a plate. Place some pieces of fish on the tortilla and squeeze some fresh lime over top. Top with red onion, cabbage, cilantro, taco sauce and Cotija cheese.
    Fish Tacos

Until next time, 
enjoy Entertaining An Idea
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Lisa Hoveskeland

I live in Spokane, Washington and I have a passion for sharing the things I know about entertaining, cooking, healthy living, and tapping into my creative side. My two lifestyle web sites; Entertaining An Idea and Teas2Tapas, are designed to work in tandem as comprehensive resources for: Parties, Recipes and Menu Planning along with Topical Thoughts and Musings and Ideas and Insights for Creative Inspiration. EAI is my gift to friends who have enjoyed my entertaining style over the years and for future friends I have yet to meet. Join The Party and Have An Entertaining Day!

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