Day 84 - Mmmm... Trout

Ever since the other day when I was talking to a friend of my wife's, I've been thinking about trout. Trout usually are not very far from my brain, but this time it was more animalistic in nature: I want to eat one.

Normally I'm a catch and release kind of guy. I think it's a freaking miracle that the live, and I prefer on most days not to harvest the trout. Lucky for the trout around here, catching and killing isn't the season right now. I would have to purchase my trout at a store or a restraunt if I want to taste trout.

It all started when I was asked the question if I eat the fish that I catch. I replied that I haven't given the last rites to a trout for quite a few years, however I'm not against thumping a head. I went on to say that I have a pretty good recipe for trout. I modified a recipe that is given in The Compleat Angler. Once I've cleaned and gutted a trout, I place copious amounts of sweet butter within the cavity. I then place some fresh herbs (like basil and rosemary) inside as well. Next I wrap the trout in tin foil and place it on the grill. After about 7-10 minutes (flipping once) I remove the packet and trout is served.

It's a pretty good way to eat trout, especially if you happen to be camping out. I'm sure that there are some other ways that are good as well. I haven't fried a trout in a skillet, but I've been told that is pretty good. I have a cookbook that talks about different styles of cooking trout, and I found a recipe in there that calls for cedar planks. I have a couple of cedar planks, but I've put off using them. I even have a fish shaped cast iron serving tray for the wood planks thanks to a free sample from my former employer. Again, this has gone unused.

I did managed to satisfy my urge for trout today. After church, nine of us "young adults" chose to invade the Cracker Barrel for lunch today. Most of the group decided to pursue breakfast foods, I on the other hand opted for the trout. My wife who doesn't like fish even had a nibble, we may have to take a trout or two next year. I promise to keep only small ones and to throw all the big trophy size fish back.