Cornmeal Crusted Smelts With Corn Dressing Recipes

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the egg and lemon juice. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt. Dip catfish into egg mixture, then coat with cornmeal mixture., In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry fillets, two at a time, for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED SMELTS WITH CORN DRESSING

Steps:

• Combine the corn, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, onion, dill seed, sugar, vinegar and water in a small non-aluminum saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• While the corn mixture is cooking, rinse the smelts and pat them dry. Place them in a bowl and add the milk. Season the cornmeal with salt and cayenne pepper to taste and place in a shallow dish.
• When the corn mixture has finished cooking, heat the butter or oil in a large nonstick skillet. Roll the smelts in the cornmeal mixture to coat them, place them in the skillet and cook over medium-high heat about two minutes on each side until lightly browned. Transfer the smelts to a warm platter.
• Drain the corn mixture of any excess liquid, then mix with the mayonnaise. Stir in the mustard and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Serve the fish garnished with lemon wedges with the sauce on the side.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED OYSTER AND BLACK-EYED PEA SALAD WITH JALAPEñO DRESSING

Steps:

• Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl or pie pan. Adjust the seasoning to your own taste, adding more cayenne or herbs as desired.
• If using dried peas, place them in a small pot with about 3 cups of water, half an onion stuck with 2 cloves, and a bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the peas are tender but not mushy, about 30 minutes. Drain and rinse. If you're using canned peas, drain and rinse. Combine peas with the bell pepper and scallions in a small bowl. Pour 1/2 cup Jalapeño Dressing over this mixture and marinate for at least 5 minutes (or up to 30) at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
• Use a chef's knife to trim away the rough skin and slice the celery root into fine julienne strips. Place a small saucepan with the celery root, lemon juice, salt, and water to cover over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, drain, and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, prepare the Cornmeal Coating.
• Heat 2 inches of frying oil in a medium saucepan or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the shucked oysters into a colander and rinse, checking for shells. Pat them dry with paper towels. Dredge the oysters in the coating and place on a plate. When the oil is hot (about 350°F), fry the oysters (in batches to avoid overcrowding) until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil; drain on paper towels.
• To serve, toss the celery root and spinach and place in a small mound on the center of each plate. Spoon black-eyed peas around the salad, and top with the fried oysters. Drizzle plate with any leftover dressing.
• Combine the garlic, 1 tablespoon jalapeños, and mustard in a blender or food processor and pulse to puree. Add the salt, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and vinegar and puree until smooth. With the blender running, add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and stir in the minced shallot and remaining jalapeños.