Fried Catfish

As I stated in an earlier post, I used to hate fish. I never had to eat it growing up because my mom never cooked it. As the years have gone by, I have found a few fish that I like. When my husband told me about how catfish are bottom feeders, I had no desire to eat catfish. However, we found double skinned and boned catfish filets at Costco that looked really good. I now love catfish. It does not taste fishy at all and it's really good fried. I used to make a beer batter from a box until I realized it was just flour, baking powder and salt in the box. I now make it myself and season it. We both love spicy food so I added cayenne pepper to the mix. Tonight we even sliced up some sweet potatoes, microwaved them for a minute and threw them in the batter as well. They were so good fried. Then again, everything tastes better fried.

Fried Catfish

2 catfish filets

1 1/2 cups flour (plus extra for dredging)

1 1/2 tsps baking powder
1 tsp fine salt

1 12 oz bottle or can of lager-style beer

Salt and Pepper

Add any seasoning you want (I add cayenne)

Canola oil

Mix flour, baking powder, salt and any seasonings. Season catfish with salt and pepper and other spices. I have used cayenne and chipotle.

Heat oil in pan or deep fryer to 350 degrees. Dredge catfish with flour, cover with beer batter and add to pan. Cook until browned on both sides. Put on plate with paper towel to drain extra oil.

Crepes

I have always loved crepes. I don't even remember the first time I made them. I took four years of French in high school and I remember making them and eating them in class. I was also lucky enough to spend two weeks in France so I got to eat the real thing.

The only recipe I have ever used is a small French cookbook that my mom had. I don't remember her ever making them so I hope she does not mind that I "borrowed" it, permanently. The title is "The Art of French Cooking" by Fernande Garvin. I guess that is a good place to get a recipe for crepes. One of these days I should probably try out some different recipes but for now I love this one. Obviously, you can fill these with anything you want. I usually put melted butter, powdered sugar and strawberries in the middle and top them with whipped cream. Sadly, I usually use the stuff from a can. You can also do nutella or any other fruits you like.

Crepes

1 1/8 cups flour

4 1/2 T, granulated sugar

pinch of salt

3 eggs, beaten (I used Egg Beaters)

1 1/2 cups milk (I used nonfat)

1 T melted butter

1 1/2 T brandy (I have never added this)

In deep bowl, sift flour, sugar and salt. Combine beaten eggs and milk and stir into flour and sugar mixture until smooth. Add melted butter and brandy. Let stand for two hours. I usually mix all the ingredients in a blender and let it sit for 2 hours or overnight.

In a frying pan 5 to 5 1/2 inches across, heat 1 tablespoon butter. When butter is hot, pour in 1 full tablespoon of batter. Rotate pan quickly to spread batter. Cook for 1 minute on one side. Flip over and cook for 1 minute on other side. Pile crepes flat, one on top of the other.