Recipe: Elizabeth on 37th Georgia Pecan Crusted Fish Cakes

ELIZABETH ON 37TH
GEORGIA PECAN CRUSTED FISH CAKES

1 pound salmon
1 pound white fish such as flounder or grouper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup sliced green onion
1/4 cup minced green bell pepper
1/4 cup minced celery heart
1/4 cup unbleached flour
1 cup half and half
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
2 teaspoons hot chili sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
FOR THE PECAN CRUST:
1 cup toasted Georgia pecans
2 slices of whole wheat bread, broken into pieces
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons melted butter

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a baking sheet.

Lightly brush the fish fillets with olive oil and place on prepared baking sheet.

Lightly bake about 15 minutes until half cooked. Mince and set aside to cool. (The fish may be broiled or grilled.)

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and 2 tablespoons oil. Stir in the green onion, bell pepper and celery. Saute for 1 minute.

Whisk in the flour and simmer for 1 minute.

Whisk in the half and half and bring just to a boil, whisking continuously. Remove from the heat.

Add the mustard, chili sauce and lemon juice and whisk vigorously to combine the flavors. Cool.

Then stir in the cooked fish. Refrigerate to firm.

TO PREPARE PECAN CRUST:
Process the pecans, bread and pepper in a food processor to make crumbs; set aside.

TO SHAPE AND BAKE THE FISH CAKES:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a baking sheet.

Form the chilled fish into 12 cakes. Coat with the pecan crumbs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter.

Bake for 10 minutes until the crumbs are browned and the cakes are cooked through.

Yield: 6-12 cakes
From: Elizabeth Terry, Chef/Owner, Elizabeth on 37th, Savannah, GA
Source: Georgia Pecan Commission