In the culinary world, August is Catfish Month. Catfish is low in mercury and high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Easily accessible, affordable and quick-cooking. That means you can prepare a seafood feast for your family in less than 20 minutes — from start to finish! And, during the Dog Days, don’t forget the Hushpuppies!
BEST BAKED CATFISH
INGREDIENTS
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 c. cornmeal
1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning 4 catfish fillets
Freshly ground black pepper Kosher salt
Lemon wedges, for serving
Preheat oven to 425° and drizzle 2 tablespoons oil on a large baking sheet. On a large plate, combine cornmeal and Cajun seasoning. Season catfish with salt and pepper, then dredge fish in seasoned cornmeal, press to coat.
Place fish on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Bake until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork, 15 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
Southern-Fried Catfish
INGREDIENTS
1/2 c. buttermilk 1/2 c. water
1 pound catfish fillets, cut in strips salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 c. fine cornmeal 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. seafood seasoning we like Old BayTM
1 Qt vegetable oil for deep frying
In a small bowl, mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold the fillets. Spread fish in a layer over bottom of pan, turning to coat each side, and set aside to marinate.
In a 2-gallon re-sealable plastic bag, combine cornmeal, flour, and seasoning. Add fillets to mixture, a few at a time; tumble gently to coat evenly.
Heat oil in deep fryer to 365 degrees F.
Deep fry fillets until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Avoid overcrowding so fillets have room to brown properly.
Fish should be slightly crisp outside, and moist and flaky inside. Drain on paper towels.
HUSHPUPPIES
INGREDIENTS
1 c. yellow cornmeal 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1-1/2 t baking powder 1/2 t salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten 3/4 c. whole milk
1 small onion, finely chopped Oil for deep-fat frying
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk the egg, milk and onion; add to dry ingredients just until combined.
In a large cast-iron or electric skillet, heat oil to 365°. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into oil. Fry until golden brown, 2 to 2-1/2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Deep frying is a quick process, so make sure you don’t overcook or burn your hush puppies by leaving them under for too long.
And, just because your pup deserves some home baked goodies too!
peanut butter & bacon DOG treats
Prep Time: 10 minutes • Total Time: 45 minutes, plus cooling
1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup nonfat milk
1 large egg or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 T baking powder
1/3 cup oats (whole-rolled or quick)
2-3 strips cooked bacon, chopped
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
In a large bowl, gently mix the peanut butter, milk, and egg together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.
Add the flour and baking powder. You may need to turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and use your hands to work in the flour.
Mix in the oats and bacon. The dough is extremely thick and heavy.
Using a floured rolling pin, cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
Arrange on the baking sheets. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until very lightly browned on the bottom.
Remove from the oven, and flip the treats to bake the other side for 10-12 more minutes.
Allow to cool completely before serving to your pup. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
—OR—
Since pups can’t eat the whole batch in a week, they will freeze well up to two months.