Tilapia Ceviche

I happened to have some tilapia on hand and someone mentioned ceviche. So, here is my take on a traditional ceviche.








INGREDIENTS
2 fillets tilapia, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, (about 4 lemons), plus 3 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp garlic chives,
1 tsp minced ginger
1 tsp dried cilantro

1 tomato, seeded, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1/2 avocado, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 small seedless cucumber, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1/2 mango, peeled, cut into 1/4 inch cubes

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Dash of paprika
Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Combine fish, onion, garlic, ginger and lemon and lime juice in a large bowl. Mix together. Add dash of salt, paprika and freshly ground pepper. Cover with plastic wrap, and marinate for about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together remaining ingredients, with some lemon juice. Add dash of salt, paprika and freshly ground pepper. Remove the fish mixture, drain, pressing into strainer to remove excess liquid. Serve immediately. Top with avocado, tomato and mango mixture. Garnish with parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges. Serve with chips. Serves 4.

Portuguese-Style Tuna Casserole

While I was growing up, my mother often made recipes that contained elements of Portuguese-style cuisine. For example, lots of olive oil, potatoes, kalamata olives and onions. This recipe is inspired from many recipes my mother taught us.

INGREDIENTS

3 potatoes, boiled, cubed
4 carrots, boiled, cubed
3 eggs, boiled, sliced
1/4 cup frozen petit peas
1 can tuna in water
fresh sage, minced
fresh dill, minced
fresh oregano, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 tomato, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
fresh ginger, about 3 small pieces
2 tbsps kalamata olives (about 8 - 10)
olive oil (about 1 cup)
flavorful beer (about 1/2 cup)
kosher salt to taste
fresh ground pepper to taste
paprika to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a casserole dish, gently combine all solid ingredients until evenly distributed in the dish. Drizzle olive oil until coated. Add salt, pepper and paprika to taste. Add beer. Cover dish with foil. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes or until top is bubbly and golden. Serve.

Smoked Salmon Dip

INGREDIENTS
8 ounces cream cheese
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup creme fraiche
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme, minced
3 green onions, minced
1 tbsp horseradish
1/2 tsp kosher salt
dash paprika
dash garlic salt
ground pepper to taste
4 lbs smoked salmon, minced
1 tsp capers, optional
bruschetta bread or pita chips or veggies


DIRECTIONS
Cream the cheese (at room temperature) until smooth. Combine with the sour cream, creme fraiche, lemon juice, dill, thyme, onions, horseradish, salt, and pepper. Add the smoked salmon and capers, if desired, and mix well. Put in refridgerator until chilled. Serve with bread or pita chips or veggies.