March continues to be a very busy month. Dreams I have been working on for the past thirteen years are finally coming to fruition over the next four weeks. Under extreme time pressures to get everything done, things here might become a little hectic as we work diligently to get our vineyard planted. It’s more exciting and stressful than I could have ever imagined. And on top of that, I am hosting my new Oregon Supper Club this Saturday night for our very first get-together. I can’t wait.
However, even with all the craziness, my family must still eat. Pizza and burgers are just not a daily option. So in an effort to make a satisfying and quick dinner and at the same time expand my oldest son’s seafood horizon (he’s a salmon guy and I don’t think my youngest son would eat fish if it was the last meal on earth), I came across this wonderful recipe.
I had a feeling it would be a hit, boy was I right. It always amazes me how a few simple ingredients just work well together, especially ones I never thought of pairing.
Like I mentioned, my son is a die-hard salmon fan. Getting him to try other fish has remained a challenge. So when I explained I was whipping up something incorporating one of his favorite salad dressings, Ritz crackers and cheese, he was ready to dig in.
Let me just say the flavors and textures were right on here. The fish did not even require salt and pepper, there was enough flavor from the other ingredients.
Orange Roughy is not often available at the market but Costco carries 2-1/2 pound bags of individually wrapped fillets in their frozen food section. It works perfectly for this meal.
This meal is perfect for families with kids as the flavors are familiar and not overpowering. Served with some honey-glazed carrots, mashed potatoes and a salad, dinner was on the table in no time flat.
Place the fillets in an ungreased 13 x 9 baking dish. Drizzle the tops of the fillets with salad dressing and sprinkle with cracker crumbs.
Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 3-5 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily with a fork and cheese is melted.
Drizzle any remaining sauce left in the pan over the fish, you won’t want to waste any!
Caesar Orange Roughy
Adapted from Taste of Home
Makes 8 servings but this recipe can easily be halved.
2 pounds fresh or frozen orange roughy fillets, thawed
1 cup Caesar salad dressing (My favorite brand is Cardini’s)
2 cups crushed butter-flavored crackers (about 50 crackers, I used Ritz)
1 cup (4 ounces) extra-sharp cheddar cheese
Place the fillets in an ungreased 13 x 9 baking dish. Drizzle the tops of the fillets with salad dressing and sprinkle with cracker crumbs.
Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 3-5 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily with a fork and cheese is melted.
Drizzle any remaining sauce left in the pan over the fish.
Two Years Ago: Pear-Ginger Crumble