Feast of the Seven Fishes

Ok... it's just Two Fishes. Seven would have seemed excessive.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian American celebration typically held on Christmas Eve. In Italian its called La Vigilia, the Vigil. This all day Bonzana can have 7, 11, or even 13 courses ranging from anchovies, whiting, sardines, lobsters, clams, eels (no thank you) and salted cod.  Recipes for this day often call for the dishes to be accompanied by homemade wine - and we are all for that.

While we don't have 7 fishes to offer, we bring you two beautiful selections from Red's Best. Pollock, an under-appreciated but delicious white fish and scallops, which our friend and longtime Family Dinner Member Renee refers to as "mouth candy". 

We hope you have time to enjoy the Feast of the Two Fishes with some homemade or store-bought libations while watching Love Actually for the 64th time.  'Tis the Season for Liam Neeson.

 
WHAT'S IN THE BAG?

HALF SHARE

Protein - Pollock and Sea Scallops from Red's Best; Maple Greek Yogurt from Brookford Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Certified Organic Kale Crowns, Red and Yellow Onions, Butternut Squash From Brookford Farm and Honey Crisp Apples from Carlson Orchards
Grains - Semolina Trottole Pasta from Nella Pasta
Special Treat - Glazed Donut Holes from Union Square Donuts

 

WHOLE SHARE

Protein and Dairy - Pollock and Sea Scallops from Red's Best; Maple Greek Yogurt  and Blue Cheese from Brookford Farm; Eggs and Pork Belly from Feather Brook Farms.
Fruits and Veggies - Certified Organic Kale Crowns, Red and Yellow Onions, Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash From Brookford Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Carlson Orchards; 
Grain - Semolina Trottole Pasta from Nella Pasta
Special Treats - Glazed Donut Holes from Union Square Donuts

 

RECIPES

Kale and Butternut Squash Saute: Its simple, its pretty and it looks like you put way more time into it than you did.

Kale Squash Boats: We love cutting the squash lengthwise and stuffing it with other veggies, herbs and spices and cheese. This is one of those Choose Your Own Adventure recipes. Add whatever you have on hand and whatever excites your palate. 

Pollock with Caramelized Onions: Though we were tempted by Nigella Lawson's Jackson Pollock for the Pun, we went the caramelized onion route for the sake of taste and simplicity.

Apples and Brown Liquor: One of Erin's favorite and laziest desserts to make is sliced apples sautéed in butter and a splash of Bourbon. (Be sure to taste the Bourbon for quality control). You could add a pinch of cinnamon or brown sugar if it suits you. Cook over medium heat until the smell of alcohol has gone. Serve warm in bowls topped with Vanilla Ice Cream. If you have graham crackers or granola, crumble on top for a crunchy element. Yum. Erin's Dad would tell you to serve with more bourbon, if there is any left. Cheers!


TIPS AND TRICKS 

Let's fast-forward a few days - Christmas is over and you are left with a metric ton of Ham, Potatoes and other dishes you made three times too much of.  You're dying to sit around in your sweatpants and eat leftovers until New Year's - but what do you do with it all? You can only eat so many ham sandwiches. The folks at Spruce have a few great ideas for you. When faced with a full fridge of leftovers, we often go to breakfast hash, croquettes and empty-the-fridge fritatta. You could also take a photo of your Leftover Goodies and put it on Instagram #sharefamilydinner for some crowd sourced ideas.