All Crustacean Canapés Garnished With Deep Fried Capers Recipes

ALL-CRUSTACEAN CANAPéS, GARNISHED WITH DEEP-FRIED CAPERS

Steps:

• Turn on broiler.
• Mix all ingredients and-if this is 1959-put into scallop shells.
• Run under broiler until brown and shiny, and serve with tiny cocktail forks. If you are less retro, put on any sturdy cracker or black bread.
• Run under broiler. Invariably devoured.
• The capers:
• Rinse capers and soak in fresh water. After 1/2 hour, change water and soak for another 1/2 hour. Remove capers and pat very dry.
• Heat oil and fry capers in 2 batches, until quite crisp and lightly browned, about 30 seconds each.
• Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
• Garnish the above or just serve in a bowl.

DEEP-FRIED CAPERS

Steps:

• Rinse capers in a sieve and transfer to a small bowl. Add enough water to cover capers by 2 inches, then soak 30 minutes. Repeat soaking method.
• Drain and rinse capers, then pat very dry between paper towels.
• Heat oil in a 1-quart heavy saucepan over moderately high heat until it registers 375°F on thermometer. Fry capers in 2 batches until golden, 30 to 45 seconds per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and return oil to 375°F between batches.
• *Available at specialty foods shops and Dean & Deluca (800-999-0306).

PAN-ROASTED FISH WITH FRIED CAPERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Soak the salt-packed capers in water for 10 minutes, drain, rinse, then thoroughly pat dry. (If using brined capers, drain them and pat dry.) Pour 1/2 inch olive oil into a small saucepan and place over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot enough to toast a bread crumb in 30 seconds, add the capers. Be careful, the oil may sputter. Fry until the capers fluff up and begin to brown on the edges, 30 to 60 seconds. Drain the capers on a paper towel.
• Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick sauté pan. Place over medium-high heat and add the garlic clove. Season the fish with salt and pepper. When the garlic bubbles on the edges, lay the fish in the pan, skin side down. Sauté until browned on the bottom, 4 to 5 minutes, then put the pan in the oven and roast until the fish is just cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes.
• Set a fillet on each of 4 plates. Sprinkle the fried capers over the fillets and serve with wedges of lemon.