CATFISH SCAMPI

Catfish scampi is a household favorite.  It is not really on the healthy side, but it is really delicious.

2 # catfish, or any white meat fish
1 # butter
1 cup white wine
2 cups rice
3 cups water
1 onion, diced
4 pcs garlic, minced  or more
1/4 cup Italian parsley, chopped fine
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbl powdered garlic
Sprinkle spice  (or salt, pepper, cayenne)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place butter, onion, and garlic in a large oven safe casserole dish. Place in oven, while you cut the fish into equal size pieces (approx. 1" strips).  Wash, then season the fish with plenty of sprinkle spice.

In a two quart saucepan, heat the rice, water, and wine to a boil. Immediately turn down to simmer.  Cover and cook for only 10 minutes.

Stir rice (it will be watery) into butter mixture with the Parmesan cheese and parsley.  Place fish on top of rice.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Check fish to insure it is done.  Finish by broiling for 2-3 more minutes, careful not to burn it.  Serve with a crusty bread.

If you choose to make shrimp scampi, you'll need to make several adjustments.  First peel the shrimp, place the shell and heads (if you have whole shrimp) into a sauce pot. Cover with water, boil for 20 minutes, then strain.  SAVE THE WATER!! The shrimp stock is then used in place of the plain water above.  Also, add two bay leaves when mixing the rice and butter.

WINE: You can leave out the wine, just substitute with more water.  If you do use wine, it can be cheap, but it has to be something you can drink.