Foodie Chickie

I love fish and seafood. Prepared in all kinds of ways. From Lox on my bagel to steamed lobster to whitefish salad. It is all good in my opinion. But I have never made fish and chips. A simple enough recipe. I hope to taste fish and chips from an authentic pub one day. I elimenated the fries part. That is what the chips actually are by the way. And just made the coleslaw to go along with the fish. I never had home made coleslaw that tasted so good. My husband wouldn't stop raving about it. If he can compliment a recipe without prodding then I know and you should also that a recipe is that good.



Fish, Chips and Coleslaw
From Anne Burell


Fish and Chips
Recipe courtesy Anne Burrell

Prep Time:20 minInactive Prep Time:--Cook Time:20 min
Level:
Intermediate
Serves:
2 to 4 servings
Ingredients
3 quarts peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch wide sticks
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons seafood seasoning (recommended: Old Bay)
1 teaspoon baking soda
Kosher salt
1 bottle cold beer
Directions
2 pounds haddock fillets, skinned and cut diagonally into 1 1/2-inch wide strips, 5 to 6 inches long

Heat the oil in a large deep, pot over medium heat. Bring the oil to 325 degrees F. Regulate the temperature with a candy thermometer. Keep the potato sticks in a bowl of water to prevent browning before frying. Remove to paper towels and dry well before placing in oil. Working in batches, fry the potatoes until they are cooked through and tender but have no color, about 4 to 5 minutes. Be sure the fries have plenty of room and gently swish them around as they are cooking. Remove them from the oil and put them immediately on a paper towel lined baking sheet.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and raise the temperature of the cooking oil to 375 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, seafood seasoning, baking soda and pinch of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and gently stir in the cold beer. Mix until just combined. When the oil is preheated to the correct temperature, dip the fish fillets in the batter mixture. Coat the fish generously. When adding the fish to the oil, dip about 1/3 to 1/2 of the fillet into the oil and allow the batter to start puffing and then gently slide it into the oil. Fry the fish until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes turning the fish over during the cooking time. When the fish are done, remove from the oil and put immediately on paper towels to blot the excess oil. Arrange the fish on a baking sheet lined with a cooling rack. Hold the fish in the preheated oven until serving. Work in batches and be sure not to crowd the oil.

Again, working in batches, fry the fries a second time at 375 degrees F, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil, immediately put them on paper towels and toss with kosher salt. Transfer the fish to a serving platter and serve with the fries.

Red Cabbage Slaw
Recipe courtesy Anne Burrell

Prep Time:15 minInactive Prep Time:1 hr 0 minCook Time:--
Level:
Easy
Serves:
6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
1 head purple cabbage, tough bottom ribs discarded, leaves shredded
3 carrots, peeled and grated
1 red onion, peeled and very thinly sliced
1 cup malt vinegar
Kosher salt
1 1/2 to 2 cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Directions
Combine the cabbage, carrots and onions in a large serving bowl. Douse the vegetables with the malt vinegar, season with salt and let sit for at least 1 hour. This will soften the cabbage and make it seem almost cooked but still with a great texture.

Stir in the mayonnaise and the mustard. Taste for seasoning. The final outcome should be a creamy and tart slaw. Serve cold or at room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers.