Well, Fish Sticks! A Freezer Full of Fish

Apparently I’m preparing for Lent — except we’re not Catholic. Lately, every time I am at the grocery store I find a too-good-to-pass-up deal on seafood and into the cart it goes. After yesterday’s excursion to the grocery, I came home to realize that I was already well stocked in the fish department, and now my clutch of fish is just embarrassing. You’d think I was hoarding for Lent, the apocalypse, or something.

Funny thing is: I don’t eat fish. Kiddo and Hubs do, though, and I prefer feeding them fish over other flesh —  I dunno why, but I do. It probably has something to do with the feeling that I’m socking it to ‘em with minerals they aren’t likely getting otherwise. But my tendency to stock up on fish has presented a bit of an issue with space in the freezer, so over the next few weeks I’ll be looking for new and inventive ways to present the various types of water dwellers that are currently clogging my freezer. Don’t want any fish fatigue!

The variety I’ve collected is impressive. I’ve got tuna, halibut, salmon, trout, whiting, and others I can’t remember. Each fish, not unlike any cut of meat, has unique qualities. Some fish are fragile and don’t withstand being sliced very well. Others tend to dry out easily. While still others are quite hearty and moist, but require a judicious hand with seasoning. Every one of the fish in my freezer was vetted by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch. I downloaded their app and check any fish in the store against their recommendations before buying. Their recommendations take into account sustainability of a fish population, as well as concerns about mercury.

Currently on the agenda is the following:

• Fish as Fish – season well and cook according to recommendations outlined in the Joy of Cooking.
• Fish as Sticks – cut the steaks of fish into sticks, bread and oven fry. Perfect for little hands to dip into ketchup.
• Seafood Chowder – turn assorted fillets into a hearty soup.
• Fish Tacos – top corn tortillas with fish, beans, cheese, lettuce, and salsa.

Got any ideas? I’m all ears. The letter “F” will be well worn in the indices of my cookbooks over the next couple of weeks! As a serendipitous aside, today is Hubs’ birthday and Kiddo has decided to give him a Father/Son fishing outing as his birthday present. This problem may be an ongoing one if that trip is a successful one.