Date-Night Dinner: Fish En Papillote

Growing up, Friday was the day my mom served fish for dinner, a tradition that was honored in a lot of Christian households I know of. So when we learned how to make this fabulous--and incredibly easy--fish dish at school, it really took me back. It's called Fish En Papillote (that's Fish in Paper y'all:) It looks a little hard to do, but I swear to you it's not. After you give it a try, maybe you'll make Friday your fish day too! I also happen to think this is a great date-night dinner to make for your honey. You can do the prep work together, and the clean-up is effortless, leaving you more time for snuggling on the couch!:)

Courtesy of The Natural Gourmet Institute

Makes 4 servings

1 large carrot, peeled and julienned

2 large leeks, julienned and washed thoroughly (to remove all grit)

1 zucchini, washed, seeded, julienned

1 red pepper, washed, pith removed, julienned

1 yellow pepper, washed, pith removed, julienned

3 shallots peeled and minced

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

2 tablespoons total: fresh dill, tarragon, basil, thyme--all washed, stems removed, and chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

4 4-oz. boneless, skinless fish fillets (i.e. flounder, snapper, haddock)

4 sheets parchment paper

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons white wine

Here's the instructions, step by step:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In large bowl, mix carrot, leeks, zucchini, peppers, shallots, garlic, salt, pepper and fresh herbs.



3. Fold each sheet of parchment paper in half. Using folded edge, cut paper into a half of a heart shape (when unfolded it should look like a full heart shape).

4. On one side of each heart, mix 1 tablespoon of oil and white wine together as above.