Crappie Au Gratin & Marco Trip Update

Every since we went to New England several years ago, I’ve been trying to replicate the baked Haddock or Hake dishes on most seafood restaurant menus so I decided to give this one from Rock Recipes a try using crappie from our freezer.  My package of crappie contained 1½ lbs. so I scaled the recipe for that plus I made it in three individual gratin dishes.  Click on the link for the original recipe and pics.  This is a shot of his dish. 

Crappie Au Gratin – Adapted from Rock Recipes

Ingredients:

1½ pounds crappie fillets

1½ tbsp butter

1½ tbsp flour

1 cup whole milk

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

½ tsp finely grated lemon zest

Salt and pepper to season

¼ cup shredded Parmesan

1/8 tsp ground summer savory

¾ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese

½ cup cracker crumbs (see below)

½ tablespoon olive oil (see below)

Instructions:

1. Scald the milk in the microwave for about 4-5 minutes until just under the boiling point.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan add the butter and flour and cook together for 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the scalded milk whisking constantly.

3. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the lemon zest, Dijon mustard, savory and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the Parmesan cheese just before pouring onto the fish.

4. Arrange the fish in the bottom of greased individual gratin dishes. Pour the sauce over the fish. Top with the cheddar cheese.

5. Mix the cracker crumbs with the olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese. (You can add a little extra savory to the crumbs if you like, about ½ tsp). see below

6. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F until bubbling and the top has evenly browned. should take about 25 -30 minutes, just check the center to see that the fish has fully cooked.

Since the recipe made three dishes, I cooked one the first night following the recipe except I topped with Italian bread crumbs and sprayed them with Pam in lieu of cracker crumbs and olive oil.  

I thought it was very, very good and look forward to the other two.

On Wednesday, my neighbor Steve (his wife is in Marco) came down and we ate the other two fish dishes with a salad and I topped his as above and mine with unflavored Panko bread crumbs and I liked the Italian bread crumbs better.

This was a big day for the Marco girls beginning with a trip to the farmers market where they supported the farmers a little and the sweets makers a lot (half of their purchases) as can be seen from the photo.

Then they participated as models for the regular poolside lunch/fashion show at the resort - Bev, Cindy,  Pat (neighbor).

Aren't I lucky to get to hang around with all these hot Women.

Then they closed out their day watching this view from the balcony and you're probably wondering why I chose to stay home.

Photos can be enlarged by clicking on them and the blue words are links.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.

Larry

11/18 & 11/20/19 event dates