Fish for Good Friday

I am not overly religious, but we are Christians and we do observe the Christian holidays.  I was baptized and raised as an Episcopalian and Larry was raised Catholic.  Whether you are Christian or Jewish, this is a Holy week and it is a sacred time for many.

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, and Black Friday.

Passover is a celebration of spring, of birth and rebirth, of a journey from slavery to freedom, and of taking responsibility for yourself, the community, and the world. … The Torah states that Jews are to observe Passover for seven days, beginning on the 15th of the Jewish month Nisan (usually in April).

In the New Testament, Passover and Easter are tied together. Jesus enters Jerusalem and gathers his disciples to celebrate the Passover meal, memorialized by Christians as the Last Supper. … Some early Christians repeated the sequence exactly, marking Easter on the same day as Passover, regardless of the day of the week.

Fish is a very popular dish that is eaten on Fridays, especially during Lent or Passover, and especially on good Friday.  We had our fish too.  I bought this delicious piece of cod that was way too pretty to cut up and just have as fish & chips.  I prepared it in a very simple, yet delicious way, AND I got to use some of my leftovers too.  It was a win/win.

I baked my cod in a citrusy, lime and tarragon sauce.  It was light and tasty and just perfect for a warm Spring day.  I served over my leftover couscous, with my leftover curried roasted vegetables, peppered bacon scones, and of course, wine.  My wine choice was a light vin blanc that accompanied the meal just perfectly.

Citrus-Tarragon Baked Cod

1-1 1/2 lbs cod

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 cup lime or citrus vinaigrette

1 tsp dried tarragon or 1 TBSP of fresh tarragon, chopped fine

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tsp pepper

 

Preheat the oven to about 400* F or 200* C.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

 

Mix all the ingredients together well.  Thoroughly coat the fish with the sauce and keep the remaining sauce for a topping when the fish is cooked.

Once the cod is coated, bake it for about 6-8 minutes, then flip it over and continue to bake for another 6-8 minutes, or until the cod is cooked at it is completely white and opaque.  Times may differ depending on the thickness of the cod filet.  Do not over cook the fish or it will be dried out and tough.  You want it nice and soft, moist and yet flaky too.

Once the fish is cooked, cut it into your serving portions and serve it with your favorite side dishes.

Holidays, no matter how you celebrate them, are usually a time to gather with friends and family.  Under these difficult and trying times, that will not be possible this year.  But do your best to make the most of the holidays and to still find a way to celebrate with those you love.

Happy Easter or a good Passover to everyone.  Be safe and stay well.