Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Omega 3 BLT

A quick and wonderfully satisfying way to get the most out of your everyday BLT  is to add UMPH! and WOW, that being a baked or fried piece of fish!! Not just any fish, Catfish.  This gem happens to be locally caught by my brother in law and sister Bonnie on a fishing excursion.  I was delivered a hearty helping of these puppies still alive and well, when they arrived home from their victorious day.  I cleaned and dressed all my prizes and prepped them for an event packed weekend to come, that being the birthday of my sister Gayle and of course Mother's Day!!! The lettuce is tossed with some tangy seasoned rice vinegar, fresh lettuce and tomato, cheese optional! For Dexterity, I prepared some for lunch, eager to experience the unique and fantastic flavor profile that is food that you have had a hand in from start to finish!
 I like to soak my fresh water fishes in salted water briefly before using.  You may then rinse and marinate in buttermilk or skip the salted water and go straight to buttermilk.  These are both done to elmiminate any fishy taste that might be present.  There is also a veinlike structure that runs down the middle of the fillet that can be removed by pulling from one side of the fillet or the other, that helps this as well.
Omega 3 fatty acids are an amazing addition to any diet.  They are found in many food items including but not limited to walnuts, wheat germ, spinach, flax (seeds and oil), but are mostly associated with fish.  The levels vary from fish to fish, with catfish being above other fish like sole, haddock and flounder, but below salmon.  Considering I cannot access fresh out of the water salmon here in Leesville, I find
catfish to be most fitting.  Omega 3's possess many benefits for the body human.  Catfish contain  poly-unsaturated fats, which are wonderful for helping to lower LDL or what I like to call 'Lousy' cholesterol, and increse the HDL or 'Happy' cholesterol.  The Omega 3 fatty acids in this fish is also great for reducing or aiding in the battle with inflammation.  The heart has shown benefits from this as well.  It is thought to help counter depression and also reinforce antidepressant effects in those affected.
Recipe:
Fresh Cafish fillets, skin removed
seasoned flour
buttermilk pancake mix
paprika
canola or vegetable oil for frying, or non stick spray or olive oil for baking or poaching
whole grain bread
lettuce
tomato
cooked bacon
mayo and cheese, optional
Heat oil to 350*F.
Combine seasoned flour with a 3 to 1 ratio to pancake mix.
Add as little or much paprika as desired.
Fry in small batches to keep oil from losing too much heat, possibly causing crust compromization!
Cook until fish floats and is golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve immediately for maximum crunchtasity!! Yep, I made that word up!!!