Ice Fishing is in full swing at the top of Cayuga Lake. Perch, chain pickerel, and panfish are the most common species coming through the ice, but occasionally you can fight a big pike or lure some tasty trout. Check out the NY DEC website for ice fishing and safety tips. Here is a recipe to try after a successful day on the ice:
Ingredients6 slices bacon cut into 1 inch (could substitute 2 tablespoons olive oil)
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 medium potatoes, cubed
3 cups stock (fish, chicken stock, or vegetable)
1/2 cup chopped carrots
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless pan fish fillets: perch, sunfish, crappie or even pickerel, cut into 1 inch chunks
1 cup half-&-half cream (or evaporated skim milk)
Directions
In a 3-quart saucepan, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, and set aside; discard all but 2 tablespoons of drippings (omit this part if using olive oil and just add olive oil to pan then proceed to next step).
Saute onion and celery in drippings until tender. Add the next 8 ingredients. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
Add fish and cooked bacon and simmer for 5 minutes, or until fish flakes with a fork. Add cream, and heat through. Serves about 4 people.
Perch is a very lean source of protein and an excellent source of selenium and B12, though it is a bit high in cholesterol.This recipe was adapted from Just Seafood Recipes.
