a summertime fiesta

Nothing beats using fresh, delicious ingredients, which is something you can do any time of the year.  However, the time when late spring rolls into lazy summer days, is when, in my opinion, the most amazing produce becomes available. It is simply impossible not to get inspired by the bright rainbows of heirloom tomatoes, the sunny yellows of sweet corn kernels, and the vibrant reds of sweet summer strawberries. While I love cooking all year round, and using fresh local ingredients is my preferred way to go, summer produce can not be beat. I try incorporate as many fresh ingredients as possible during these months, when their flavors are simply at their best.

A lot of great summer meals can be created with limited stove top interaction, which is important when you live in a small Manhattan apartment. Not only can we all spare a little extra heat warming up our kitchens, but by leaving ingredients in a form close to their natural form, the amazing summer flavors really become the stars of these dishes. Cooking often elevates or changes different flavors, but when you've got such amazing fresh summer produce, that is so incredibly sweet, why mess with perfection?

One of my favorite summer meals that my boyfriend and I like to cook together is fish tacos. Now I know, sometimes fish tacos get a bad wrap. They can be a little smelly, and often people don't jump right to fish when filling their tacos. But let me tell you, they make a delicious summer meal. A taco is the perfect way to showcase fresh ingredients. On taco night, everyone can build their taco just to their liking, and when you provide great toppings, sometimes you can't even fit everything you want into your taco. The other night we made awesome fish tacos with corn tortillas. They were out of this world, and so easy to prepare. We used cod this time, however any white flaky wish will work deliciously--flounder and tilapia are great too. Get creative with the tacos, and remember- less cooking is more here. Use your stove quickly cook the fish (white flaky fish cooks in minutes), and let the ingredients sing for themselves.

the perfect bite of summer.

Fish Tacos

1/2 shallot, diced
1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
fresh herbs of your choosing, finely chopped (we used dill, basil, oregano, and chive)
2 small limes
2 large ears of sweet yellow corn
2 small portions of cod (or any other white flaky fish)
4 corn tortillas
1/4 cup guacamole
2 oz cojita cheese, crumbled
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Place the tomatoes, shallot, pepper, and herbs into a medium mixing bowl
Juice 1 1/2 limes into the vegetables
Season with salt and pepper, and mix, cover, and set aside for 30 minutes

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
After removing the husk, wrap each ear of corn in a piece of tin foil, seasoning with spices if desired, and place in the oven for about 30 minutes
When the corn is done, remove from the tin foil and allow to cool slightly
Enjoy on the side of your taco on the cob, or take it off the cob and add it to the taco!

Season both sides of the cod with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper, finishing off with the juice of the remaining 1/2 lime
Place the two pieces of fish into a pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, and cook until the fish becomes white and opaque (should be no more than 5 minutes)

If desired, warm your tortillas in the same pan that you used for the fish
Once they've reached your desired temperature, assemble your taco and enjoy!
(Oh, and cut up some fresh strawberries for dessert!)

fresh, at it's best.