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Fried Catfish, Cheesy Noodles, and Asian Slaw

I know it sounds like quite a mish mash of foods. And it is. We are going away for the holiday and I wanted to use up some stuff I had in the fridge. The Asian slaw is a cheat recipe, but I have previously made an Asian slaw from scratch and it is delicious! So, this was my idea to use up some cabbage and carrots I had, but I didn’t want plain old steamed veggies again. The catfish was tender and spicy, just perfect.

Fried Catfish

• 2-4 catfish fillets
• 1/2c cornmeal
• 1/2c flour
• 2tbsp seasoned salt
• 1tsp oregano
• 1tsp paprika
• 1/2tsp salt
• 1/2tsp pepper
• 1/2c milk
  
• oil

Heat enough oil to cover half of the fillets over medium heat. Oil should be hot when you drop the catfish in. To check, dip handle end of a wooden spoon in the oil, if bubbles start to form around it, the oil is ready. (Also, you can go ghetto style and flick a couple of drops of water in it, if it sizzles, it’s hot enough.) In the meantime, mix together dry ingredients in shallow dish. Put milk in separate shallow dish. Dip fish in milk, then in dry batter. Place in hot oil. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the catfish. Adjust time if you are using large fillets. When catfish is golden brown on both sides, remove from oil and place on plate covered with a paper towel.

I do not like tartar sauce, but my husband does. So I make a small bit for him. Here is a simple recipe for a serving or 2 of tartar sauce. Combine 2 - 3 tbsp mayo, 1-2 tbsp pickle relish or chopped up pickles, 1 tsp vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.

Cheesy Noodles

• 8oz whole wheat pasta - cooked
• 2tbsp butter
• 2tbsp cornstarch or flour
• 1 1/2c milk
• 1/2tsp pepper
• 1/2tsp nutmeg
• 2c shredded soft cheese (whatever you have on hand)
• salt

Cook pasta according to package directions. Melt butter over medium heat. Add cornstarch and let cook for 1 minute. Whisk in milk. When milk gets thick and bubbly, add pepper and nutmeg. Add cheese a little at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. (Use a wooden spoon making figure 8’s for best melting.) Once cheese is combined, taste to determine if you need to add salt. Cheese is very salty and depending on the variety you use, you may not need to add any additional salt.

Asian Slaw

As I said, this is a cheat recipe, more of a salad. Next time I make pulled pork, I will make the full Asian slaw recipe and pass it along. I had the cabbage left over from making Enchilada Cabbage Rolls, so I only used 1/2 a head. Use as much or little as you need.

• 1/2 head cabbage
• 2 carrots
• Sesame Asian Dressing

Shred cabbage and carrots. Put dressing in bottom of bowl (I prefer a lot of dressing, but adjust for your family’s taste) and add cabbage and carrots. Toss to coat.