Fishy Fishy Cookbook

By James Maddock

Published 21/09/2011

Over the last few weeks we have featured two recipes from a new cookbook called 'Fishy Fishy'; Sticky Mackerel and Sea Bass with Summer Herbs. Hopefully you have tried one or both of the dishes and if that is the case I would like to point you towards the book itself. It is packed with loads more fish and seafood recipes to help you create a varied menu which has fish at its very heart! The book also contains a few non-fish recipes.

In general the recipes in 'Fishy Fishy' are straightforward and unfussy. The main aim of the book is to let the flavours of the fish do the talking. The 'Barbeque & Al Fresco Eating' section of the book highlights this approach with recipes like Albacore Tuna Salsa; Brown Trout with Lemon and Dill Butter; and Barbecued Herrings with Citrus Butter. There are, of course, the classic fish recipes you would expect to find in a fish cookbook such as a Bouillabaisse Stew; Fish Cakes; Fish Pie; and Batter for Fish and Chips amongst others. For the more adventurous cook there are other intriguing recipes such as Monkfish Scampi with Sweet Cider Sauce; Grilled Triggerfish with Salsa Verde; and Tempura Oysters with Tomato and Chilli Jam. In truth whatever your culinary standards and tastes you should be able to find a number of recipes from this book to satisfy them.

Along with the recipes in this book there are some useful articles on how to buy fresh fish and then in turn how to prepare them. It can be difficult to choose the best fish unless you know what to look for. Tips include making sure the fish's eyes are bright and checking that the gills are red. It's obviously important to buy the best fish possible: if the fish isn't at its best then this will impact on the taste of the whole dish even if you cook it perfectly.

Another notable element of this book is its ethos towards fish. It celebrates the fact that we live on an island and thus have the capacity to feed ourselves with locally sourced, fresh fish that is eaten according to the seasons. There is also thought given to the 'cod conversation' which seems to be main focus of the fish sustainability debate. Without being preachy, this book urges us all to try and make an informed decision when buying all types of fish and seafood.

The photos in this book are some of the best I've seen recently and all told it is an impressive piece of work. A wholly recommended book that will make a great gift for someone and a fine addition to your book shelf!