Easy Holiday Seafood Bites

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Nov 29, 2012) - (Family Features) Make your holiday party a delicious affair by serving easy and elegant seafood appetizers. These bite-sized noshes are made with Alaska halibut, and are a great way to stretch a little seafood into enough to feed a crowd.

Halibut, known as the steak of seafood, has a firm, flaky texture and holds its shape when cooked. It has a sweet, delicate flavor and can be used in a wide variety of recipes and cooking methods.

These two recipes are easy to make and will set the tone for a great holiday gathering. Find more holiday recipes to impress your guests at www.wildalaskaflavor.com.

Halibut Caprese Salad Bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
1	pound skinless Alaska Halibut, cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces
	Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
2	teaspoons Italian seasoning
1	package (12 ounces) arugula
24	fresh mozzarella cheese slices, 1/4-inch thick
24	Roma tomato slices, 1/4-inch thick (slice on bias)
24	basil leaves, fresh
1/2	cup olive oil
	Balsamic vinegar, to taste
	Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
2	tablespoons basil, fresh, chiffonade

Season halibut with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.

Place on a hot oiled grill or grill top. Cook for 2 minutes, then carefully turn and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, cooking just until fish is opaque throughout. Set aside.

Place arugula on a serving plate. Arrange mozzarella slices evenly on the arugula. Layer with tomato slices and basil leaves. Top with cooked halibut pieces and skewer with wooden picks. 

Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Garnish with basil.

Alternative Serving Suggestions:

• Slice a ciabatta roll, brush with olive oil and toast each side. Lay on plate and top both sides with salad and halibut. Serve open face.
• Cut tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Toss halibut in angel hair pasta with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Nutrients per serving: 166 calories, 12g total fat, 5g saturated fat, 65% calories from fat, 43mg cholesterol, 11g protein, 3.5g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 46mg sodium, 35mg calcium and 250mg omega-3 fatty acids

Halibut Cakes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 16 appetizer cakes
2	pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks*
2	tablespoons butter
6	green onions, trimmed and finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1	pound skinless Alaska Halibut, cut into large pieces
1	large egg, beaten
	Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3/4	cup (3 ounces) instant polenta, divided
	Vegetable oil, as needed for frying

Cook potatoes in lightly salted boiling water until tender. Drain; transfer to large bowl. Mash potatoes; let cool slightly.

While potatoes are cooling, melt butter in medium pan. Add green onions and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Remove onions; add halibut and cook until opaque throughout, breaking fish into chunks while cooking.

Add green onions and halibut, along with any remaining butter from pan, to potatoes. Mix well; add beaten egg and 2 tablespoons polenta. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Form into 16 cakes (2-1/2 inches wide) using 1/4 cup portion to form each cake.

Sprinkle remaining polenta onto large plate; lightly coat fish cakes in polenta.

Heat thin layer of vegetable oil in large pan over medium heat. Add fish cakes in batches, cooking about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.

*Note: 3 cups of cooked firm instant mashed potatoes can be substituted for russet potatoes.

Nutrients per serving: 124 calories, 2.5g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 19% calories from fat, 39mg cholesterol, 8g protein, 17g carbohydrate, 1.5g fiber, 40mg sodium, 16mg calcium and 200mg omega-3 fatty acids

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