Cod Cakes with Scallions and Herbs

THANKS to all for comments left on Grenville’s recent post  recounting our first date. It was a very memorable date and one which bears annual celebration, which we do as Grenville & Beatrice and also as Pat & Dorothy.

Chicken is a dinner meal favorite at The Frog & PenguINN because of its versatility. Fish is a close second for meals so when I came across this recipe in a Food & Wine Cookbook, Quick from Scratch, last week we added cod fillets to our weekend shopping list and tonight these were the main dinner course.
Cod Cakes with Scallions and Herbs
This recipe was easy once all the chopping prep work was done. Prepare the Lemon Mayonnaise (see below) ahead of time. I used 1 lb. of cod fillet, but this recipe calls for 2 lbs., so if using less, adjust as necessary. Serves 4 as presented here.

• 2 lbs. cod fillet
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1-1/2 C bread crumbs
• ¼ C mayonnaise
• ¼ C lemon juice (best with fresh lemons)
• 1 egg, beaten to mix
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped fine
• 4 scallions, including green tops, chopped
• 2 TBSP chopped fresh basil (substituted dry)
• 2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley
• 1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• Pinch cayenne

1. Put 1 inch of water in large frying pan. Add ¼ tsp of the salt and bring to simmer. Place cop in pan, cover and cook 6 minutes, until just done. Remove cod from water and cool. Pour out water and wipe pan.
2. Flake cod into a large bowl, removing any bones. Add ¾ C of bread crumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, egg, red pepper, scallions, basil, parsley, bail, cayenne and black pepper. Mix well until combined.
3. Divide cod mixture into 12 portions (fewer if you want larger cod cakes) and shape into patties. Coat them with remaining ¾ C of bread crumbs and pat off excess.
4. In frying pan, heat about ¼ inch of oil over moderate heat. Working in batches, if needed, fry cakes until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes. Turn over and fry on other side, about 2 minutes longer. Drain on paper towels. Serve with lemon mayonnaise.

Lemon Mayonnaise
Stir ingredients together in small bowl and put on cod cakes.

• ½ C mayonnaise
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper

ENJOY ! (we did)