Lenten Ideas

Spring is here, even if Mother Nature isn't cooperating. Easter's almost here. That means you or someone you know may be observing the religious tradition of no meat on Fridays as part of Lent.  

Depending on your preferences, this might mean a temporary vegetarian diet, perhaps some pasta or a nice salad. Seafood is okay too because it's not a warm blooded animal. So as we have two weeks left where you may be looking for a nice fish dish to serve on Friday, I'll be offering up an all seafood menu through this Friday. 

Tomato Walnut Tilapia

Ingredients:

4 tilapia fillets (4 oz each)         1/4 tsp. salt                       1/4 tsp. pepper                 1 tbsp. butter

1 medium tomato, sliced          1/2 c. soft breadcrumbs    1/4 c. chopped walnuts     2 tbsp. lemon juice

1 1/2 tsp. butter, melted

Directions:

1. Sprinkle fillets with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, cook fillets in butter over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. Place fillets in an oven safe pan and lay tomato slices over them.
4. Combine breadcrumbs, walnuts, lemon juice and remaining butter. 
5. Spoon over the tomatoes.
6. Broil 3-4 inches from the heat for 2-3 minutes or until topping is lightly browned and fish flakes easily with a fork.

Oh, did i forget to mention how easy it is to cook fish? And tilapia is a nice mild fish for those of you who are thinking unpleasant thoughts about having to eat seafood at all.  I am going to give you all sorts of options this week, so be prepared. There should be something for everyone from the seafood lover to the "well it sounds kind of good maybe I'd like it" seafood person.

As always, have fun!