FOOD!

Steve and I have recently become obsessed with the food network. I'm not sure what started it, but we've been watching the food channel daily, and are downloading and trying new recipes. We've had some really great food!
I wanted to share one recipe I downloaded and tried with some of our alaskan halibut. If any of you have halibut left, I highly recommend this recipe--it's delicious and delightful!

Baked Halibut Provencale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, sliced thinly
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped tomato or 28-ounce can tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried crumbled
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
4 halibut fillets (6 ounces each), cut about 1-inch thick, or similar firm-fleshed fish such as cod or haddock
1/2 cup chicken broth combined with 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves, for serving

In a skillet heat the oil over moderate heat until it is hot, add the onion and salt and pepper to taste, and cook the onion, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is golden. Add the tomato, garlic, basil, and thyme and cook the mixture until thick, stirring occasionally, about 3 to 5 minutes more. Spoon half the tomato mixture into an oiled shallow flameproof baking dish just large enough to hold the fish in one layer, arrange the fish fillets on top of the tomato mixture, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon the remaining tomato mixture over the fish and bake it in a preheated 375 degree F oven, covered with foil, until the fish just flakes about 15 minutes.
With a spatula, carefully transfer the fish to a large plate. Bring the tomato mixture in the baking dish to a simmer over moderate heat, add the broth and cornstarch mixture and the tomato paste, and simmer the sauce, stirring, until it is thickened. Let it cool. Plate the tomato mixture and set the halibut on top. Sprinkle the baked halibut with the minced parsley before serving.


I also wanted to add that The-Moose-a-kitty is doing really well on his new diet. He's lost 5 lbs since October, and has about 5 to go. I'm considering going on the same diet as him, since I still have a few lbs to lose, but this whole obsession with the food network has greatly hindered my plan! Anyway, I wanted share a picture of the good kitty. He's not quite svelte yet, but he's sure doing great!