Braised Cod

So as I was thinking about how to fix some fish I caught on sale yesterday, I realized I needed to branch out.  Seafood is one of those foods that most people find difficult, or scary to cook.  My go-to for a white fish?  Thinly slice a lemon, create a 'bed' out of the lemon slices, salt and pepper my fish, throw it on the lemon and bake simply because I know I can't mess that up.  It is always fresh, healthy and delicious, but it can also get old.  So today I went in search of something new, and totally different.

What I ended up with was a delectable, hearty and still very healthy braised cod.  I couldn't believe how hearty this dish ended up being, and it hardly adds any calories to the fish!  It is definitely worth a try, and if you love hearty dishes like roast, I truly believe this will get added to your recipe book!

Okay, so first things first, start your rice.  I used about 2 cups of brown rice for this and simply added 1tbsp of dried parsley, 1tbsp garlic salt, 1/4tsp freshly ground pepper, 1/2tsp salt, 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup water.  Now just let it go  :)  Oh... just let it go if you have a rice cooker, that is.  If you don't own a rice cooker?  Go buy one at the store, and then come back to try this meal (it will seriously increase the quality of your life).

In the meantime, finely dice 1/2 of an onion, 1 large carrot and 1 celery stalk, and 2 cloves of garlic.  Throw them into a skillet with about 2 tbsps of EVOO, salt and pepper.  Cook it all down on medium heat until the onions are translucent (but not brown) and the carrots and celery are soft but not mushy.  Add 1tbsp italian seasoning, 1tsp ground coriander, 1/4tsp fennel seed, and a little more salt/pepper.



Now add one can of diced tomatoes and an optional can of kidney beans (I love beans!!  Without them this dish may not feel as hearty though, so if you want to go lighter, please feel free!) and about 2 cups of chicken broth.

Let this all cook together for a good 20 minutes, or until the broth part has reduced by about half.  Here is your chance for tasting (and drooling)!!  Add any salt/pepper/spices that it may need.



While the braising concotion is busy doing it's thing, cut your cod into about 3oz pieces (at least chunks that aren't going to fall apart).  Then stick it in the wonderfulness and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes.  Once it is white and flaky, you know it is ready (and hopefully your rice is ready at this point too!).



Finally, you can scoop your braised fish over rice, making sure you get lots of yummy beans and broth and take a bite!  You will be surprised at how well this dish actually brings out the flavors and sweetness of the fish instead of covering them up.  And heck!  This seafood dish was almost too easy!  I didn't even really have to mess with the fish, I just cut it, put it in the braising sauce, and then ate it!  Yes, life is good.  To be sure, this dish will make your day   <3 

Crispy Buffalo Chicken

Buffalo chicken... so delicious!  But not so nutritious.  Buffalo chicken is just one of those go-to meals, that just satisfies the craving for a junky, snacky-feeling meal.  Its in the meal category like pizza, but has got to be even worse for you (yes, I said worse!).  I mean really, little buffalo chicken wings.  What is the best part?  The crispy skin, of course!  So I've come up with a better, more health-conscience way of getting that same, crispity, snacky and delicious meal:

Start off with the sauce.  You can definitely buy this, but why buy when most people have all the ingredients in their pantry?  Remember, by making stuff at home, you have all the power!  Add, substitute and change in any way that makes you happy  :)

The sauce:
-1 stick butter (melted)
-4tbsp brown sugar
-1/4 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt and chili powder
-about 10 grinds of fresh cracked pepper
-anywhere from 1 tbsp to 4tbsp hot sauce of your choice (and really, be very choosy here, as this is really what can define your sauce!)

The chicken:
-about 3cups crushed corn flakes
-about a cup of flour with salt & pepper mixed in
-about 3 eggs

Now dip the chicken (tenderloins, boneless skinless breasts, whatever you desire, however much you need) into the flour, then into the egg and finally into the corn flakes.  Lay in a single layer in your baking dish and bake at 400F until done. 
I used about 2lbs of tenderloins, and I baked it for about 30 minutes in my oven.  Use your best judgment  :)


Once your delicious baked chicken finishes in the oven, pull it out.  Let it rest a few minutes while you prep whatever else you are eating along with it, and then here comes the fun part: fix your plate!  Add your veggies (corn on the cob for me) and perhaps a starch like potatoes or rice, and then give yourself a wonderful helping of the chicken.  Now pour some of that yummy homemade buffalo sauce all over your chicken (and make sure not to do this earlier, as it might get your corn flakes all soggy, and who on earth likes soggy cereal?!).  And yes, now you may dig in to your crispity, crunchity,buffaloity chicken!  Yum!