What a wonderful time of year! A time of joy and excitement. As I look back at Christmases past, so many come to mind. One, however, stands out above all the rest.
Every year we celebrated Christmas Eve in somewhat of an old fashioned way. Being of Italian heritage, that was “The Eve of the Seven Fishes.” I did not do all seven, but my own version began with shrimp cocktail followed by a baked filet of sole, topped with a light stuffing for the main course (recipe to follow). The next day, Christmas, we left for Rhode Island after Santa had arrived and always went to my mother-in-law‘s for Grandma Mary’s special feast. Even my parents were invited.
This continued on until our grandchildren arrived. When the first born, Catherine, was 2-1/2, her parents announced we were all invited to their house, because they felt little Catherine needed to be in her own home now that she was eagerly awaiting a visit from Santa. I volunteered to bring all the fixings for my Christmas Eve dinner and cook it there. Grandma Pellini was a widow by now and went to her daughter’s to celebrate, no longer able to do her grand production. It was delightful that now my daughter-in-law’s parents became part of our new assembly, as Catherine was their first grandchild too.
Christmas morning finally arrived and, upon Catherine‘s awakening, she was brought down from her crib, but not yet to view the wonders of what Santa had left. First, we had to go into the living room to view the Crèche and see if the “Babe” had arrived. Nearly jumping out of her mother’s arms, she peered into the manger and shouted with delight, “Born! Baby Jeez Born.” The next question was, “Hold Baby Jeez?” And that was followed with, “Kiss Baby Jeez?” Catherine was cautioned that if the baby fell it could break, so she cradled him close to her neck with her mom‘s hand beneath. She was fascinated by all in the Crèche, but “Jofish” was one of her favorites. Standing at the door of the living room, all four grandparents were huddled watching this other tableau. There was not a dry eye to be seen.
Catherine had to be convinced to go into the family room to see what Santa had left for her. She was especially excited about her new tricycle, but she kept running back into the living room to make sure that Baby Jeez was still there. Even small children seem to have an instinct to know where to place their emphasis. It was shortly after that special Christmas that Catherine was especially happy with the arrival of her own Babe - Little Sister Elizabeth.
A hearty slice of sole for each person eating at your table.
I always rinse my fish with cold water and pat it dry.
Rub some “good” extra virgin olive oil on all areas of a Pyrex baking dish—you may need two or three dishes depending on the size of your crowd.
Line in the fish with a little space between pieces to make it easy to remove once it is cooked. Sprinkle each slice with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Cover each piece with flavored breadcrumbs. I usually add a little more salt and pepper on the top of the crumbs. Then, I liberally sprinkle on grated Parmesan cheese. On top of that, I drizzle a pretty design with more olive oil. I happen to like Bisbee brand – thick, very tasty, but not bitter and a pretty color. Bake at 350°. I usually cook it for about 20 minutes. I like the top to be nice and brown and all that topping usually keeps the fish pretty moist. You know how you like your fish cooked I am certain.
Happy and blessed holidays to one and all!
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