Basa Fish, Something New!

A Fish and a Sponge...

I was in my favorite Asian market to pick up some plaintains and black eyed peas and got sucked in by an offering of a free sample of basa fish.  Basa fish? What is that?!  I had never heard of it but it tasted really good and I bought some.  I think you should buy some too because it was just lovely and a nice change from the usual line up.

Wisegeek.com states, "Known for its mild taste and white, flaky meat, the basa fish is beginning to challenge other sorts of catfish around the world as the preferred food catfish. The method of raising the catfish in the Mekong River has helped it create a following among those who like fish. Most feel the basa fish has a "cleaner" taste than most other forms of farm-raised fish, because of new water constantly flowing in to their pens."

I made it the same way the woman in the store made it with just 3 ingredients, 5 including the oil and the fish itself but you know what I mean.  Here it is.

Pan Fried Basa Fish
2 lbs of Basa Fish
Garlic Salt
Ground Black Pepper
Tempura Powder
Oil for frying
Season fish with garlic salt and black pepper, lightly coat with tempura powder and fry in a hot skillet with about 1/4 cup of vegetable or canola oil. Fry on both sides approximately 4 minutes per sides and enjoy!  I didn't put any sauce or hot sauce or anything on this. It was good as is.  I was really skeptical in the market when the woman said she only used garlic salt and pepper. You can fry one piece and taste it and see if you would want more or less of the garlic salt and pepper if you're not sure how much to use.  I just sprinkled both sides and it worked out well.

These aren't the prettiest pieces that I planned to photograph. Those got gobbled up by two hungry ballerinas straight out of the pan.  I know, I know, blot the excess oil. My daughter took these out of the pan so it was either these or nothing.

Meet my new dishwashing assistant! I found this sponge at Ross and thought it was just too cute.  It has caused one of my daughter to continually volunteer to wash dishes.  I think she has a crush!



Here is the packaging it came in and here is the link to buy it online if you don't have a store near you.  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paladone-Disco-King-Washing-Sponge/dp/B005J33HRG

What I had (Blueberry Quinoa Oatmeal) vs What I wanted (Breakfast Pizza)

I've been away for a bit. I found myself so consumed with day to day life and all the while, I was really wanting to write entries concerning my road trip to Ohio, my great thrift store finds and some food reviews.   I was so overwhelmed that I found myself not doing anything because I just couldn't find the time or energy so I have decided to start back on a smaller scale and eventually get to the entries about Ohio and thrift store finds later.

I went to make breakfast yesterday morning and saw some leftover quinoa in the fridge which reminded me of some baby food that I had just purchased from Target and I decided to make a version for myself.  That is the, "what I had" of this entry.  What I WANTED was a breakfast pizza that I made for my hubby to go along with a very yummy smoothie.  It looked delish and according to him, it was "very good."  I didn't enjoy one along with him because after a Dr's appointment, I got a gentle reminder that I really need to let go of this "baby" weight.  How much longer can I say, "I just had a baby" before the jig is up?  So here they are, I hope you try them and I hope you enjoy them.  Oh and I added a nifty sandwich at the end because I didn't want the meatball subs that I made for dinner so I made a "fancy" ham sandwich.  Here goes.....

Blueberry Quinoa Oatmeal
Old fashioned Oats
Organic Tri-Color quinoa
Organic Vanilla Sugar
Organic Agave Nectar
Cinnamon
Frozen Blueberries


Make oatmeal according to directions or to your liking.  Add leftover cooked quinoa, as little or as much as you like according to how much oatmeal. I used approximately a 2:1 ratio.  Add in a teaspoon of the sugar and 1 teaspoon or cinnamon or to taste.  Top with blueberries and a drizzle of the the agave nectar, stir and enjoy.  This recipe is a good base but you can dress it up however you like. I may try strawberries and bananas next time.

The inspiration for the oatmeal.

Yellow Eggs and Ham Breakfast Pizza with a Dash of Green
1 Seven Inch flat bread aka pocketless Pita
2 beaten eggs with a dash of black pepper
3 Tbsp of Tomato Sauce
3 Tbsps of Salsa
1 Slice American Cheese
1/4 cup of Shredded Mozzarella
3 slices of deli ham
Green onions for garnish (and taste)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Scramble eggs but keep them slightly runny so they will finish cooking in the oven.  Mix the tomato sauce (I used leftover pizza sauce I made the day before) and salsa and spread on bread. Cut up the American cheese and put on top of sauce followed by the scrambled eggs and then the ham. I just tore the ham into smaller pieces because I didn't have time to do otherwise.  Sprinkle with the mozzarella and place in your preheated oven until bread is slightly brown around the edges and the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes (at least in my oven).  Remove from oven when done and top with chopped green onions and eat!!

The variations on this are endless and I plan to experiment with different combinations.  For hubby of course, not me. :)

One Pinkie in the Air Ham Sandwich
Take and Bake Mini Baguette
Whole Grain Mustard
Bread and Butter Pickles
Onion Confit
New Zealand Grass Fed Cheddar Cheese(the cow was grass fed not the cheese)
Deli Ham

Bake the bread according to instructions. Split open your bread and spread the bottom with 1 teaspoon of the mustard and the top half with the onion confit.  If you can't find onion confit you can use caramelized onions. My hubby bought me some when he was in Paris so I'm not sure if you can find it in a fancy food shop or I guess you can find a recipe and make it yourself.  Add ham, slices of your cheese and toast in oven at 350 until cheese is melted.  Add your pickles, slice and eat.  Simple and Delicious.