Crisp Cod Cakes {with Peach Basil Relish}
Crisp Cod Cakes with Peach Basil Relish.
I had a moment yesterday. A really big moment. I was on my way to work via McDonald’s drive-thru when my phone rang. The voice on the other end said “Lib, I’ve got to do something.” I pulled my car into a parking lot and sat and listened. She proceeded to share a conversation she had with her 7 year-old daughter that morning…a conversation that brought us both to tears.
I turned my car around and began driving to meet her, never hanging up the phone. When she said “I’ve got to do something” a rush of numb sick tingle came over me. She was referring to taking control of her health, in particular her weight. She and I have traveled down this path together several times before. Over the years, we’ve both seen success and sadly experienced set backs. I too knew I had to do something, but I wasn’t ready to get back on the scale. I hadn’t made up my mind that I was committed to sticking to a plan. After all I love to eat and love to cook, how was this ever going to work. I kept driving towards her, both of us verbalizing our fears and excuses. The tears turned to laughter as we recognized how pathetic our attempt to talk each other out of what had to happen was.
As we arrived at Weight Watchers parking lot, we stepped out of our cars, took each other’s hand, and marched took two steps forward and one back until we finally reached the door. We can do this, we must do this.
While I was there I bought a new cookbook for inspiration :) I came home during lunch yesterday and made Crisp Cod Cakes with Peach Basil Relish. It’s my start.
The recipe paired the Cod Cakes with a Peach Basil Relish, which I loved. It was tart and full of fresh summer sweetness. It would also be lovely with Fresh Tomato Salsa….now there’s an idea for next time.
I wanted to share this recipe and my big moment while it was fresh, like Peach Basil Relish. While the cod cakes were quite good, on their own without the relish they were rather ‘plain’ for my taste. Next time (with only 4 WW Pts+ per cake there will definitely be a next time), I will experiment with different seasonings and herbs. I see lots of potential for recipe creativity with this one.
Crisp Cod Cakes {with Peach Basil Relish}
Ingredients
For Peach Basil Relish…
- 2 large peaches pitted and cut into 1/4″ dice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. honey or agave nectar
For Cod Cakes…
- 1 lb. cod fillet skinned and cut into small pieces
- 1 shallot chopped
- 2 Tbl. fresh parsley
- zest of 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp. olive oil
Instructions
For Peach Basil Relish…
- Combine all ingredients in a serving bowl and reserve.
For Cod Cakes…
- In a food processor, combine cod, shallot, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper and cayenne. Pulse until finely chopped. With damp hands form mixture into 4 (1/2″ thick) patties.
- Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Cook patties until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.
- Serve with Peach Basil Relish