Sultry Synthesis- Fish Tacos
I love Monday!
I decided on the heading for my Monday night reviews after spending too much time here. Anybody else do things like that? Anyways, Sultry Synthesis really does describe these wonderful evenings with my girlfriends and this week was no different.


We tackled Fish Tacos this week and completed it, with baby in tow and notes being taken, in 45 minutes. Our goal is that all meals fit into a 30 minute window, thus dispelling the myth that great food takes a long time to prepare. Also, for many of my young professional friends, work goes late and there isn't much time to make a nice meal. And no, I am not following Rachel Ray or any other formulas. These are purely from my kitchen to  yours, adapted from years of experimentation and reading almost a hundred cookbooks. That said, fish tacos and a few tips and tricks.


We used 1.5 lbs of cod, seasoned with my favorite seafood seasoning, put on a broiler pan lined with foil in the oven at 350 degrees. While this was in the oven we made a slaw that I love. We used red and green cabbage, fresh squeezed lime juice, fresh and finely chopped jalapeño pepper, green onion, brown sugar and salt. On the side we finely chopped cilantro and radishes. These I commonly put on the side if there is a possibility anyone other than our family will be eating the slaw, as many people don't like either items. If it is just for us, in they go right from the start!
Everything was put in a large Tupperware and set on the stove where it could warm just a bit. Every now and then in between adding items we would put the lid on and give it a shake. This is the easiest way to keep it marinating and when you are done it goes right in the fridge for leftovers without dirtying another dish.


Pull out the fish, turn off the oven and put some corn tortillas into your already warm oven. I love these ones personally. Transfer the fish to a bowl, flake and add a dash of the seasoning above. By this time the tortillas should be warmed and ready to go!


For the finished product I always put out chopped and chunky tomatoes, salsa and FF sour cream. You can also make available some nice and crumbly Mexican cheese like Queso or Parmesan and finely chopped lettuce. Set everything out so your guests can assemble the tacos themselves (I usually do this as I go along so it is all ready at the same time) and Voila! Dinner is served.


Tips and Tricks
* Slaw can be made with MANY items, just always think: crunchy, sweet, spicy, salt and citrus. Experimentation is key and the results can be sooooo fun! I love grapefruit or oranges for my citrus to add a little punch. Red pepper flakes are great in a pinch for spice. Brown sugar dissolves quickly so I love it for my sugar, but you can use agave, honey, pineapple juice, etc... you get the point. 
* If you want your slaw to be softer and have less crunch you can put it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, tossing in between, until desired texture is reached.
* Cut jalapeños last as they will make everything cut afterwards on that cutting board spicy.
* If cooking for yourself and you don't want to store the leftover cabbage feel free to just use green cabbage and add radishes for color and crunch. They come in small bunches and are inexpensive.
* For juicing items I love this handy little device.
 Bannoura's Olive Wood Lemon Juicer-Thin, 5-Inch by 1-1/2-Inch by 1-1/2-Inch

* For the foil on the broiler, fold the edges up to make sure none of the juices spill out. This makes clean up a snap. And since most fish has been frozen at some point there is bound to be some sort of juice leaking out. If you are in a hurry or don't have a pan or broiler for the fish I make a foil pocket, using two layers of foil for reinforcement, and the problem is solved. 
* Cod is done when it begins to separate and is easily flaked. Personally I always eyeball it as ovens cook differently. 
* Allot about 1/2 lb of cod for each guest.
Ratings
Dirty Dishes: Cutting board (1), Knives (1), Citrus juicer (1), Spoons (2), bowls (4 small, 2 large), plates + utensils = LOW
Time: 45 minutes with teaching, 30 minutes at home
Leftover Options: quiesadillas, fish salad, slaw sandwiches, warmed slaw with rice = GOOD
Sides: Lime chips and salsa, quick corn and bean salad = OK


As for the Bachelor this week we filled out our scorecards (a recent tradition) and picked the final five. While we aren't in agrement on this, that is what makes the season so much fun! Our favorite drama queen of the moment is of course Michelle. And sadly she reminds us of that episode of How I Met Your Mother where they talk about how to spot the crazy eyes of a nightmare girlfriend (Season 2 Episode 7).  That said this season has some girls that have truly had tragedy in their lives and it makes me very grateful for all that I have been given. Who are your picks for the top five?
The bar area set up and ready to go.

Love these roses that Trader Joe's had on sale!
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2 Responses
  1. Meghan Says:
    January 20, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    I need to try this recipe! Your Bachelor nights sound like so much fun! :)


  2. Abbey and Kevin Says:
    February 1, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Thanks Meghan! Let us know how it turns out! We love our Bachelor nights, too bad you are so far away and can't join ; ) Miss you guys!


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