Spring in the Ozarks...

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Gosh, I just thought they were cute pets....LOL

Cheers,
BD

[IdahoOrchid]

I have 14-15 trout in my pond. Too cold for catfish I think. There was a sturgeon in there the first Summer we were here but we have not seen him since.

One of my orchid friends also has a sturgeon farm so maybe I can get a few more to stock in there!!!

[Tmai]

Oops, sorry, BD. Didn't know they were pets; thought they were dinner. True, the very thin southern fried crispy fillets are good, but they don't let the mellow flavor of the fish come through as well and Cin's catfish picatta (sp?). And what's wrong with monkfish??? Sure, it's the most hideous looking fish creature on earth but the meat is very mild and clean tasting - especially grilled with key lime pepper seasoning.
Ahhhh....guess I need to go to the Kitchen off the Outback Terrace Bar....

[Kerry]

Wowee, even though it is only 8.34am here at the moment, I am really hungry reading this. I'm going to have to persuade Tom to go on holiday somewhere that catfish is served.

At the moment he wants to go visit a friend in Austin, Texas. I'm up for that, but do they have Catfish???

[Piper]

Be sure to plan a layover in Boston, Kerry, and we'll have some lobster and clam chowder!

McJulie

[clintdawley]

..Austin has some really good catfish...


If you're interested: Catfish Parlour

[Kerry]

ooooh! the Catfish Parlour looks very authentic. Need to ask, what are Hush Puppies?

I have just spoken, albeit briefly - 6 hours time difference and she's at work - to my friend in Austin about the idea of going over to see her and it sounds like it could be possible in july. So you never know, I maywell get to eat authentic catfish afterall.

McJulie - thanks for the offer, I shall definintely bear that in mind if, or should I say when, we get around to making travel arrangements.

[clintdawley]

Hmm..hush puppies are like little fried corn fritters..SOOO GOOD AND SO FATTENING! (A very Southern thing.)

Ingredients:
2 cups yellow corn meal
1 cup plain flour (flour is what gave it the
lighter taste and you can experiment with the
amount you use if you want)
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk (you can also use plain milk in
a pinch, but nothing compares to buttermilk)
3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt. I use Lowreys but just
about any brand will work as you are just looking
for something to spice things up a little
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper blend (again, the idea
is to spice things up a little).
1 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 cup bacon grease. This is another big key to
the flavor. In a pinch you can use other types
of cooking oil, but bacon is my favorite.

You also need some type of cooking oil to deep fry
these in. I usually use Crisco oil although peanut oil
and some of the lower fat oils work well too.

Mix all of the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add your
eggs, oil, and buttermilk. Stir it all up until
the flavors are thoroughly blended.

Turn your cooker on medium-high heat. When it's
hot you can drop your hush puppies in using a
table spoon. Allow them to brown on all sides.
They should begin floating when done, but if they
don't, don't overcook them.

[Kerry]

Wow that sounds like an interesting experience, so far Tom and I are wondering if they are like deep fried pancakes or doughnuts! I just can't imagine, as I have NEVER had anything like that!

[clintdawley]

Hush puppies are like NEITHER of those..they live in their own happy culinary universe and surpass any bread product out there.