Friday, January 7th, 2011 | posted by mike

It’s a new year and many of us are thinking about lightening up and changing our eating habits for the better. Old habits die hard. The bad choices we’ve all made over the years aren’t that easy to change. We all know that fish and shellfish are the healthiest of choices—full of protein, essential vitamins, minerals and those incredible Omega 3 fatty acids. Fish is naturally low in calories…its fat is the “good” polyunsaturated fat and we know we would be doing our minds and bodies a big favor to eat more of it.

Bernie making a papillote at the Market

One problem for a lot of folks is that they just weren’t raised eating lots of fish, or worse, they had nothing but less-than-fresh fish. Lots of Catholics out there remember dreading Friday, when the whole neighborhood stunk. For many, fish was a duty instead of a pleasure.

Well, I’m here to say that truly fresh fish doesn’t stink and should have nothing but a sweet smell of the sea. Simply prepared can be the most healthful and delightful of any food choice out there. You won’t find a more varied, seasonal, ever-changing, interesting, healthful…and most delicious choice.

Over the years I’ve seen a lot of fish haters become fish lovers simply by being exposed to truly fresh fish with simple recipes. I’ve converted several of my kids’ friends by simply letting them try the good stuff.

Steaming is one great and healthful method that retains all the moisture, flavor and goodness using little or no fat. Fish can be steamed in a steamer, in parchment paper (en papillote) or even in tin foil. Who needs the fat for flavor? Vegetables, herbs & spices are all you need…this week’s recipe for Cod en Papillote is a good example, but be sure to ask for any other number of suggestions when you visit us at the fish market. We’ll even include some sheets of parchment for you!