Song of the Week ~ 3/24/00 ~ " Turn the Cards Slowly "
Recipe of the Week ~ Don't " Turn the Cod Slowly " ~ Cod with Marinated Topping

Not only do you not need to worry about turning the cod slowly, you don't have to turn the cod at all. This delicious recipe for cod topped with a spicy mixture of marinated tomatoes, peppers and onions, is simply wonderful. I adore this same topping over red snapper as well. And in honor of Patsifan Johnny Franklin, who only likes to cook in a microwave, I am presenting my microwave version of this dish.

You'll need:

• About 1 2/2 cups of fresh plum tomatoes ~ chopped
  
• 1/4 cup of green onions ( sliced )
  
• 1/4 cup of red peppers ~ diced
  
• 2 tbsp. water
  
• 2 tbsp. vinegar
  
• 1 tbsp. capers ( optional)
  
• 1/2 tsp. salt
  
• 1/4 tsp. Frank's Hot sauce or red pepper sauce
  
• 1 lb. of cod fillets
  
• 1 tsp. salt
  

Topping: mix the tomatoes, the onions, water, capers, peppers,salt, pepper sauce and vinegar in a bowl. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature for 4 -6 hours.

If the fillets are on the large size, cut them into 4 -5 pieces. Arrange in an ungreased 8 x 8 X 2 microwavable dish, with the thickest part of the fish to the outside. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then place in the microwave. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, then rotate dish 1/2 turn if you don't have a carousel. After rotating, continue microwaving for another 2 - 4 minutes on high, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. (Caution: Watch the steam when you remove the plastic wrap!!) Remove the " cod slowly " with a slotted spoon and place on serving dish. Drain the tomato mixture and spoon over the fish.

The fish graphics and background courtesy Sheryl's Graphics