UPDATED: Added a photo and oh, my, what did I ever do without a mandolin all these years? Took me about 10 minutes to make this recipe from start to finish. Lots of butter and I added crushed roasted garlic and brushed a little olive oil on the top layer. I had forgotten how good these ‘taters are, and with the ease of prep, I’ll make them more often.

Trying out my new mandolin and these pan-fried potatoes were first on my list.  And catfish is always a favorite. I just picked up a new jar of Lucille’s Cajun Spice, so the menu became pretty easy after that. You can substitute any fresh fruit, but I thought pears because I received the Harry and David gift basket. Yum. No citrus drop cookies though, so I guess I’ll have to make more of my own.

And if you really think I’m making broccoli tonight, you haven’t been reading this blog very long. But you should, because, you know, it’s good for you. 😉

I’ll update with photos of the potatoes if I get the chance.

On the board tonight:

1. Pan-fried Catfish
2. Broccoli
3. Buttered Potato Pie
4. Sliced Pears

Pan-fried Catfish*

• 4 catfish fillets – approx. 6 oz each
• olive oil
• 1 tsp to 1 tbsp Cajun spice (according to your taste preferences)

large skillet

Brush catfish with oil and season with Cajun spice.  Lightly oil pan, using high heat fry 3-4 minutes on each side.

*if you don’t think you’ll like catfish, you can substitute salmon, whitefish, trout, or even boneless chicken breasts (requires longer cooking time).

If you can’t find commercial Cajun spice mixture, you can mix together equal parts of the following and store in an airtight container:  paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon zest, black pepper, red pepper, allspice, thyme, ground cloves, mace, cayenne, and crushed bay leaf.

Buttered Potato Pie

• 4-6 medium potatoes
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ onion, sliced in thin rings
• salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp minced parsley

large skillet

Peel & slice potatoes thinly.  Heat 2 tbsp of butter in skillet.  Arrange onions on the bottom of the skillet, then layer potatoes slices overlapping in a ring on the bottom of the pan.  As you make each layer, drizzle remaining butter over the top and season with salt & pepper.  Invert heat-proof plate, or I use a metal pie pan, over the potatoes, weight down with heavy heat-proof object (like a can of water).  Sauté over medium heat until potatoes are molded and golden brown.  Remove the plate. Transfer the potatoes to the 400 degree oven and cook until caramelized and cooked through, about 30 minutes, pressing the potatoes occasionally to compress and shaking the pan to keep the potatoes from sticking to the bottom. Cut into four wedges and serve with parsley garnish.

Shopping List

• 4 Pears (or one large can sliced pears)
• 1 head broccoli
• 4 catfish fillets
• 4-6 medium potatoes
• ½ onion
• Parsley
• 1 stick butter

Also: olive oil, Cajun spice, salt, pepper