Lenten Fare

Ordinarily I wouldn't need religious guidance to eat more fish - fish of all types tastes good and is good for you.

Nevertheless, during the season of Lent it is not uncommon to find something that swims featured in our household table fare.

Between, you and me there is nothing better than locally-sourced, smoked Lake Michigan chubs...

Lafonds Fish Market - Kewaunee.  Go get yourself some chubs while they last.

Fry 'Em If You Got 'Em

One of the side benefits of living in a Great Lakes neighborhood is that local commercial fishermen provide a steady supply of freshwater and other fish.  This includes fresh, wild-caught, yellow perch.

The other day I fetched and thawed a pack from the freezer and brined the fillets.  That was followed by a soak in an egg wash, a light dusting of seasoned flour and a top-coat of panko bread crumbs.

Flash fry in the pan.

And serve with potatoes and slaw.

Very yummy.

Chub a Dub Dub

Behold the Bloater Chub. 
 

click on image for a closer look

 
At least that's what I think it is.  My pal Lawyer picked-up almost four pounds of this delicious delicacy from La Fond's Fish Market in Kewaunee last week for cocktail hour at deer camp. 
 
Fished commercially with gill nets on Lake Michigan this deliciously oily delicacy makes for a wonderful smoked fish.  Once off the boat they are soaked in a salty brine and smoked just enough to bring out their subtle flavor.  No fishy taste here. 
 
In case you are interested this fish contains the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) of any commercially-caught fish species on the great lakes.  More than even a sockeye salmon! 
 
You are looking at my last one.  And I am going to dine-upon it before my Thanksgiving repast.  So it you can get your hands on some of these breakout the napkins and enjoy with a refreshing adult beverage. 
 
You can learn more about this diminutive – yet delicious – fish species here. 
 
Cheers!