French Quarter Catfish With Bearnaise Sauce Food

CLASSIC FRENCH BEARNAISE SAUCE

Steps:

• Tie the peppercorns and 2 tarragon sprigs in cheesecloth and secure with butcher's twine to make a sachet. In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, shallots and sachet and simmer over low heat until the liquid is evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool; discard the sachet.
• In a medium bowl set over a double boiler, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice. Heat, whisking constantly, until the yolks are pale and slightly thickened. Slowly ladle in the clarified butter, whisking constantly, until the sauce is emulsified. If sauce looks like it is getting too thick, add water by the tablespoon until you reach the desired consistency. Remove from the heat and add the chopped tarragon and 1 tablespoon of the shallots. Season with salt and pepper.

FRENCH QUARTER CATFISH AMANDINE (WHOLE FOODS)

Steps:

• Toast almonds in a dry skillet until lightly golden, tossing once or twice, about 5 minutes. Set aside. On a large plate or shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt and pepper. Dredge the catfish fillets in the seasoned flour. Shake off excess and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sauté fillets until they are golden brown on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Place the fillets on warm plates or platter. Wipe out pan and heat remaining butter and olive oil. Add the almonds and stir to coat. Stir in lemon juice and Worcestershire. Stir sauce thoroughly, season to taste and pour over catfish fillets. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.