Glazed Black Cod with Wilted Baby Spinach

Serves 2

I had the distinct pleasure of tasting some crisp Verdelhos while in Australia this past winter. I find that the wine's nice, round, almost oily texture and crisp finish pairs excellently with fish. Thus, I started feeling a black cod recipe forming in my mind. It is quick and fun and fantastic with the wine.

1 Tbsp canola oil
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 garlic clove
2 lbs cleaned, dry spinach leaves
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
sprinkle of water
1 lb black cod fillet, skin on
basting brush
freshly cracked black pepper

First, heat broiler to high. Very lightly oil a baking sheet and heat it under said broiler. In a small bowl, combine the first 4 ingredients and mix. Next take fillet and pat dry with paper towels. Brush glaze on to both sides and place skin side down on hot baking sheet. Place again under broiler. (Do not over-baste, as we want to only slightly flavor the fish and give the skin a crispy texture.) Cooking the fish will not take long, maybe 10-15 minutes but check after 5 and re-baste surface meat. Remove when flesh is opaque and is easily flaked with a fork. Remove from broiler.

Meanwhile place sliced garlic, olive oil, and butter into large, high sided, pan. Turn heat to medium and throw the spinach into the pan. Sprinkle the spinach with water and toss all to coat in water and oil. Turn heat down to medium - low and cover. Wilt the spinach 2-3 minutes or until it is just bright green and tender. Uncover and remove from heat.

PRESENTATION:
In the center of each plate, place a mound of spinach. Having carefully removed the fish from the baking sheet, place a serving of fillet on top of the spinach, letting the fish juices and spinach juices intermingle. Top with freshly cracked black pepper.

Recipe created and submitted by Holley Browning.