RECIPES

BY

CONSTANCE ANTHONY McCLUNG

RECIPES

I hate any seafood with scales, bones and bloody guts. It's a strange sentiment because as a child (too long ago to be distinctive, please) I grew up on an island near Martha's Vineyard called Chappaquiddick. And it was my great, great, great Grandfather's whaling port.

I had no choice but to eat plenty of fish. But fish was a lot different that long ago. Bluefish were as long as a man's arm and the swordfish Grandfather brought to our dock from his 50' boat, were caught by Manuel (a Portuguese employee who

made ships in the bottles), who speared them with a harpoon attached to a barrel. They were twice as big as I was. Those steaks were good and big, but I haven't seen one in many (really) years.

One would think with my history, I'd get over my loathing for scales, bones and bloody guts. I didn't until I had no choice. As if to repeat my childhood, a big boat entered my life with a scruffy husband attached as a Charter Captain (capitals required).

I had no choice whatsoever to cure my distaste. AND I HAVE (skip scales, guts and bone)! Herewith exquisite, palliative recipes I created out of necessity. Do dare, you won't be sorry. Take it from me.

 

FISH PATAE'

Even Aunt Bess, who worked for Julia Child in Cohasset, Mass. loves this one.

Necessities:

Little Chief Smoker, or other. I got mine from LL Bean, and it's fairly inexpensive.

Hickory chips

Sweet Butter

Lemon Juice

Fresh Thyme

Food Processor

8 to 12 filleted, beheaded and gutted Spanish Mackerel (or Speckled trout). The skin slips off after smoking has taken place.

Small Ramekins

 

( Continued on page 2)

MANUEL WITH HARPOON LOOKING FOR SWORDFISHCONNIE WITH NORWITCH