Lets Talk Walleye

                                                                                 
First of all, I love fishing but admit I have never been a great fisherman... my Dad used to tell me that I had a knack for finding all the Dogfish on Pokegama (our cabin for over 35 some years). I have caught "good" fish over the years, but also admit mostly by luck..or with a guide in Canada.  OK, now that I have confessed, lets move on. It really wasn't until I moved to this cottage that I learned every lake is different when it come to fishing... depth, clarity, structure etc. I  had spent most of my life fishing on one lake. I needed help. My game plan was to listen and watch my friends who knew this lake. I dare not give the advice I have learned for fear of being killed... fishing tips are rarely shared, so I count it as a privilege that I will not divulge. I will however, share my newest recipe. I know everyone has their favorite... my include Sue's potato chip crust, Johnny's Blackened Wally Sandwich  with Ranch Sauce, Walleye Florentine and of course, a great beer batter.. but I like to experiment and this attempt was a keeper! Crispy yummy outside... flaky moist inside. The season is just beginning, so if you want to share your favorite, I'm all ears...and stomach!!

PINKY'S WALLEYE COATING

2 Cups crushed pretzels (I use a rolling pin)
1 Cup instant mashed potatoes flakes
McCormick's Montreal Chicken grill seasoning (to taste..I used about a Tablespoon)
1/2 C milk
1 egg
Wisk egg and milk together
Dip fish in egg mix and then in crumbs

Heat peanut oil with 1 T butter in cast iron or heavy pan and fry till crispy
Simple but delish... cook'in is always easier than catching

    Home fries and Grandma's slaw were the perfect addition

        Sometimes you cant beat a mix and I have to say this one is a winner!! Just enough "kick"


.

NOT YO MAMA'S S'MORES

                                                                                
I have always loved sitt'in by a campfire.  I even built a small campfire pit in the backyard when my sons were growing up in the suburbs (not common). Its where the boys and their friends spent countless weekend nights (best memories). One morning while everyone was asleep I made breakfast out there, feeling sure the smell of bacon would float through their bedroom windows to wake up my boys. It worked! The aromas coming off my cast iron pan, coffee warming on the coals, also lured curious neighbors who had been mowing their yards LOL. Heavenly odors of fire, bacon,eggs and fresh morning air... Who could resist?

                                    our "city" campfire site       
                                              
  Here at the cottage, campfires are weekly if not nightly and a favorite place to gather and cook. Naturally we go through thousands of hotdogs, s'more fixings and fresh fish, but typical to "dana" style, I like to switch things up. Before dinner one night, I thought these would be fun for guests to make and they were.

NOT YO MAMA'S  S'MORES
(Amount really depends on how many people)

Fresh Whole Milk Mozzarella balls (not skim milk and not sliced!)
Jar ('s) Sundried Tomatoe halves in oil (drain)
Fresh basil leaves
Garlic Pannini crackers or Garlic Bagle chips

Cut mozzarella in about 2 inch cubes
Set everything out in bowls or platter along with your campfire forks
Roast cheese over INDIRECT heat untill nice and warm
Grab a cracker, top with basil, tomatoe and warmed cheese.
**Note: would also be good on sliced, toasted baguette rubbed with a little garlic clove

                                     like mother like son

                            Add guitars for a perfect recipe