{Recipe Redux} An unforgettable meal in Homer, Alaska

This month for Recipe Redux, the theme was to write about a meal you had while on vacation, and how you would make it healthier.

I knew immediately what I wanted to write about!  This story goes back to September of 2010, and the first time I went to Alaska.  At that time, my husband (boyfriend at the time) and I had been dating for about 10 months, and we went to Alaska so I could meet his mom and sister who live near Anchorage.  We spent 10 days there, exploring the greatness of Alaska, and spending time with his family.

We decided to take a couple days and go to Homer, which is now one of my favorite places in Alaska!  His mom decided to come with us, so it was the 3 of us, and Sammy.  (Of course, gotta bring the dog!)

We arrived just in time for a late lunch.  We checked in at our hotel, and drove down the spit to see where we could have lunch.  His sister told us about this place, Captain Patties Fish House.  I knew what I wanted to get there  – the halibut of course!  It was fried halibut, and french fries.   I don’t have any pictures, but I can assure you it was really good!

After our late lunch, we went back to the hotel, and then my future-husband and I went out for a walk.  It was a gorgeous night!

We walked back to the motel, and my future-mother-in-law was Sammy-sitting, and watching TV.  (We shared the same room).  I remember lying down in bed while the other 2 watched TV.  I was feeling not so good, but I thought my stomach would settle.  I had eaten some mixed nuts earlier in the day, and then the fried fish.  It was one of those feelings like “hopefully if I don’t move this will get better’”.  Nope it didn’t ..  I remember asking for a trash can, and pretty soon all the bits of fried fish were in that trash can.  I was so embarrassed throwing up in front of my future-mother-in-law!!!  I just remember my husband was there by my side the whole time.  Later, my MIL said that is when she knew we would get married! 

The next morning, I still didn’t feel the best, but ate a little breakfast and made it through the day.  Looking back, that was probably the first time I had eaten something fried in a REALLY long time!  It was just too much for my stomach to handle

So when I tell people I don’t eat fried food, I can tell them why!

In memory of that meal,  I decided to make some oven-baked halibut and oven baked fries.

Almond Crusted Halibut

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2 halibut steaks

1 egg, whisked

1/2 cup almond flour

1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning

salt/pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare two large bowls for breading the fish – in one, crack the egg, and whisk it.  In the other bowl, mix the almond flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt/pepper.

Spray a sheet pan with nonstick spray.  Take one halibut steak, dip in egg to cover it, then dip in the almond flour coating.  Flip to each side, to coat each side evenly.

Place on the prepared baking pan.  Repeat for the other halibut.

Bake for 20 minutes, then flip over the bake for another 10 minutes.

To go with my halibut, I made some oven fries.  I know everyone has their favorite oven fries recipe, but this is mine!

Perfect Oven Fries

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2 large potatoes, cut into fries

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp arrowroot

Your favorite seasoning (I used a garlic salt and sesame seed seasoning)

salt/pepper

Cut the potatoes into fries (whatever shape you would like), and place in ice water.  Let potatoes “chill out” for at least 30 minutes, or up to a couple hours.

Drain well and dry the potatoes with a dish towel.  Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Place the potatoes on a baking sheet, and with your fingers, massage the olive oil into the potatoes.  Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle the arrowroot on the potatoes.  Work seasoning into every fry.

Bake for 25 minutes at 450 – flip potatoes, then cook another 5-10 minutes, or until perfectly crispy.

Serve with ketchup!

Although I will say there is nothing like fresh Alaskan halibut …  at least it left me with good memories! 

As the first and only recipe challenge founded by registered dietitians, The Recipe ReDux is focused on taking delicious dishes, keeping them delicious, but making them better for you.

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