Where to begin for today’s delicious share? I guess we should acknowledge National Days first. Today is South Dakota Day. South Dakota, politically speaking, is near and dear to my heart. I nominate their governor, Kristi Noem, to be the first female President of the United States.
As governor, she rose to national prominence during the Covid pandemic over her refusal to issue a statewide mandate to mask up. Like Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, Kristi felt the citizens of her state were all adults, and could make informed health decisions for themselves. Good for her. I’d rather make decisions regarding my health for myself, with conversations had with my doctors and my spouse. That is as it should be. I had truly hoped she would toss her hat into the ring this election, but she has said she’s content being Governor of the 40th State to join the union. I’ve gotta respect that, although it leaves the Republicans with but one candidate. Oh but that’s a subject for another day.
So hey, South Dakota – today is your day to shine. And be proud of your awesome Govenor.
It’s also a Friday. A Friday in the 4th Week of Easter to be precise. As a Friday, it means we’ll be forgoing meat in our Catholic household. Gosh, I really do love being a practicing Catholic. Practicing – that’s a good description. After all, most of us are practicing our faith. I don’t think any of us have perfected our walk with the Lord. Even church leaders sometimes stumble and fall. As Catholics, we are fortunate to have a vast array of examples to follow. I’m talking about the Saints. These are people, with flaws and imperfections, who have made this journey ahead of us. If those less than perfect sinners can achieve sainthood, then there is hope for the rest of us.
Just a quick note that has nothing to do with this post – well not exactly. When I’m in the kitchen cooking, I tend to leave the cupboard doors open until I’m done. It’s just easier to get what I might need that way. I’m not even 5 foot tall, so open doors don’t pose an obstacle, I can walk under them. Hubby hates it, because at 6-foot-4 he’s bound to hit his head. I though it would be funny to share this bad habit with my family on Face Book, so I took a picture of me with the cupboard doors open. When I posted the picture, I realized just how Catholic our house really is – look above the doorway – we have a Crucifix above every entry door. Anyone who enters our home knows our faith. It’s never hidden.
Oh, and the T-Shirt reads: Make Burgers Beef Again. When you live in cattle country, you gotta support the local economy. Okay, enough wandering about. It’s time to get busy making an awesome Friday Supper – enjoy!
Buttery Orange Tilapia
4 Tilapia Fillets
2 cups Orange Juice, divided
2 Garlic Cloves
8 tablespoons Butter
1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
1/2 tablespoon dried Basil
1 Orange, garnish
Fresh Basil, garnish
Place Tilapia in a resealable plastic bag. Pour 1-1/2 cups orange juice over the fish; squeeze bag to remove excess air. Seal bag, place in a casserole dish to catch any spillage. Marinate fish in the juice for 3 hours.
Heat oven to 400-degrees.
Peel and finely mince garlic. In a mixing bowl whisk softened butter, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup orange juice, garlic and dried basil together. Set aside.
Remove Tilapia from the orange juice; shake to remove excess liquid. Arrange fillets in a casserole baking dish, discarding the marinade. Pour remaining 1/4-cup orange juice over the fillets. Spread butter-breadcrumb mixture over the tops of the Tilapia, cover fish completely in crumbs.
Bake in the heated oven until the liquid surrounding the fish is bubbling and the Tilapia flakes easily with a fork, about 15 minutes. While the fish bakes, slice the orange for a garnish.
Arrange sliced orange around the rim of a serving platter. Place fillets down the center of the platter. Garnish with snips of basil; serve and enjoy.
On a personal note, yesterday I spend a some time at the hospital undergoing a series of tests to measure lung capacity. In September I developed a cough. It’s not Covid. Chest X-Rays and MRIs show clear lungs. Test after test have given no definitive answers. This latest series of tests is suppose to either rule in or rule out COPD. So we wait and see. My biggest fear is that there are no answers, and without answers, no treatment. If you have a moment, send a prayer or positive thought my way.
You are My Son; this day I have begotten you.
Alleluia.
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