Dani Goes South

Life feels like a maj whirlwind of activity these days! For anyone not following along on insta, I announced that I wrote another cookbook over the course of 2021, and it officially launched into existence as of 2/8/22. YAY! Most of you know in 2020, I wrote a book of vegetarian and pescatarian recipes, called The 30-Minute Pescatarian Cookbook. Last year, I was approached to write another book, and this time, it’s all about seafood. It’s called The Complete Fish Cookbook, and it’s full of 115 super accessible, vibrant recipes, utilizing whole ingredients and highlighting a variety of regional cuisines. It also happens to have a ton of information regarding best practices for buying fish, sustainability, and more- only, packaged in a (hopefully) digestible way. Confession? I kind of hate reading instructional information (not my most attractive quality, but I digress), so I tried to write this for someone like me, who genuinely wants to learn, only, maybe wants that process to be as painless as possible, if you catch my drift, wink-wink.

So, what’s in the book? Categorically, we’ve got small plates (apps, bb!), salads and handhelds (We love a veggie!), soups, stews, and chowders (Keep it cozy!), easy weeknight dinners (Keep it cazshe!), special occasions (Get fancy!), on the grill (Get outside!), and staples, which means ALL. THE. SAUCES. There are tons of quick and easy options (some from my last book!), and some for when you want to roll up your sleeves and make a Sunday out of it. If you’re at all like me, and find yourself getting what I lovingly refer to as “Dinner Idea Fatigue”, this book is SO full of those easy-peasy, flavorful, but low on the effort scale dishes that are sure to rescue many a Monday evening. Are you feeling late-night infomercial vibes coming from me? I’ve had an amount of coffee today.

When I say things have been a bit whirlwind-y, I’m not kiddin’. It feels like time is sneaking up on me in a big way. Today I looked at our wedding countdown, and we are at 72 days. SEVENTY-TWO DAYS, PEOPLE. That is like…no time! I currently have my wedding dress in my closet, awaiting alterations, I am talking menu finalization and design, and now there’s fancy flatware involved, and it all feels a little surreal! I kind of got engaged and started writing this book concurrently, and it’s so weird to have two things that have occupied so much brain space reaching the finish line at around the same time. If i’m being totally honest, my book served as a kind of welcome distraction at the beginning of the planning process, when it felt like everyone was booked, astronomically-priced, or both, post covid. I may not be able to control the wedding industrial complex, but I can absolute control a seafood recipe, if ya catch my drift. Thankfully, things in the planning department gained positive steam in no time, and I’m pleased to report everything is coming together quite dreamily.

In that same vein, this season of life has had me reaching more than ever for recipes that feel good, and come together relatively quickly, because by the end of the day, I’m pretty dang spent. Sometimes I go through phases where it’s all fresh pastas, sourdoughs, slow braises, fancy pastries…everything that takes ALL THE TIME. Then, there are seasons like now. I’m tired! I’m spread a little thin. I need something that actually feeds me, and won’t have me running out of steam. But I also need to be in bed, dishes done, by like, 9pm. She’s a party! :) This recipe is absolutely for these seasons of life. But TBH, it’s so easy and delicious, you could totally pair it with something a little more labor-intensive like, say, a risotto, when you’re feeling like spending a little more time in the kitchen. Boy, would you look fancy, and would that be ever-so delicious.

Two things make this recipe great:

1) TEXTURE. The pistachio crust is nutty (obv), buttery, crispy from panko, lemony, lightly spiced and so savory and delicious from the shallots and garlic. It’s the perfect foil to the mild sea bass.

2) It’s all done in the oven. Don’t get me wrong- I’m 0% opposed to a pan-sear…a grill…a fry…Don’t put me in a a box! But! This dish is just made for those evenings when you want to be a little more hands-off. A wire baking rack ensures even heat distribution, and a low oven temp results in perfectly moist, never overdone fillets. Boom. Shakalaka.

Mild sea bass fillets get a smattering of flavorful, zippy sauce prior to getting dipped into a crumb coating. Shallots and garlic get sautéed until nice and translucent and fragrant before getting combined with pulsed pistachios, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, minced Fresno chile, and herbs. It comes together in a snap, and packs a punch. It pairs so well with so many things- Gimme a roasted veg, a crispy potato, this main works with, pretty much, them all. You can also totally substitute any nut you please in place of pistachios if they’re not your thang. You could even go all panko, but the nuttiness imparted from the pistachios is just such a classic pairing with the fish, it’s a rec, people. I also feel like this is one of those dishes you could really dress up or down. Like, if I made this for company, I’d totally pair with the aforementioned risotto, and definitely a salad. Probs kale. Definitely a tahini dressing… BUT I DIGRESS.

In other news, I, the elder millennial that I am, began using reels this week (Please read in creaky old woman voice). I know. Resistant adopter, party of one! There are so many things I’ve been working on that, well, feel actually fun again. Truth be told, it’s awhile since I’ve said that! That sentiment kind of embodies my initiative for what I choose to create this year. Leaning into what feels genuinely fun. That begins with the way that I present recipes for this cookbook. More cooking videos. More home and gardening tidbits. A healthy dose of cats. You know the drill.

I really hope that you’ll consider grabbing a copy of my new book, and mayyyyyyyyyybe even let me know what you think by leaving a review. Also, be sure to tag me on IG in any recipes you try! I loved seeing what everyone cooked up with my last book, and I’m so excited to see what the favorites are this time around.

With that, I think we’ve got ourselves a weekend happening. Personally, I’ve got a lot of shooting on the docket, with a smattering of wedding plans. DEAR GOD, THE PLAAAAANS. Haha. Um, wedding things being stressful is absolutely a cliché for a reason, but even so, my excitement cannot be contained.

Hope your weekend is full of all the weekend-y things.