Last year, Frank's fishing, a food talk with a friend and the purchase of a fish dip at Gore Bay inspired me to make my own fish spread. When Frank started to catch walleye, pike and bass, I started to have too
much fish for us. Of course, it's always fun to share a meal with friends; but we often were alone. Also, we love Happy Hour just the two of us or a few people. The fish spread with mini crackers, or even better a fresh baguette, are a good staple for Happy Hour. Sometimes, for lunch, I'll spread it on soft tortillas with some veggies and lettuce - make a wrap.
Because it is based on Frank's fishing success, I make it with bass most of the time. However, I've also made it with pike a few days ago. It was as good as with bass. The trick though: the fish must be fresh.
The spread usually can last about 4-5 days in the fridge. You'll find that people like it so much though, the bowl will usually be empty by Day 3 when we skip a day. LOL! I don't make big portions. I rather make it often so it's always fresh.
The problem I'm having with sharing my recipe is that I don't know the exact measures of each ingredients - it's a bit of this and some of that. So here's what I think the measures could be:
- 1 1/2 cup of fresh fish, shredded with a fork
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup of finely diced onion
- 3 pieces of garlic
- 1/2 cup of either finely diced celery or sweet pepper
- 2 tbsp of chilli powder (or a bit more)
- 2 tbsp of hot sauce (as much as you like)
- 3 tbsp of fresh cilantro
- juice of one lime
Again, try it this way then play with the measures to make it as you would prefer it.
After you've perfected it, you may decide to change the spices for a new experience. For instance, instead of chilli powder, I made it once with garam masala and cumin. I removed the hot sauce. It was delicious.
Don't be afraid, play with it. It's fun to see what you'll come up with.
The best part, of course, is to share! LOL!
