Macadamia Nut Encrusted Halibut or Tilapia

1 lb. halibut or tilapia, cut into 4-oz. fillets. (1” thick)

1 cup roasted, no-salt macadamia nuts, finely chopped (as big as sesame seed)

2 eggs, lightly beaten with 2 Tbsp. water

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper

1 teaspoon garlic herb seasoning

1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 Tbsp. melted butter

flour for breading

1.         Preheat oven to 375°.  Grease a cookie sheet, or line it with parchment.

2.         Dredge halibut or tilapia fillets in flour, shaking off the excess.

3.         Add cayenne pepper to eggs, and dip each fillet in the egg mixture.

4.         Chop the macadamia nuts and mix in the lemon pepper, garlic herb seasoning, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and salt.  Cut the fish into enough pieces so that everyone in class will get a sample.

5.         Roll the fish pieces in chopped macadamia nut mixture.   Press the nuts down, then place on prepared cookie sheet.

6.         Pour 1 Tbsp. melted butter over each fillet, and bake for 5 to10, or until fish is just done.  (Test the center -- It will flake with a fork and will appear opaque.)

7.         Let stand for a few minutes to finish cooking, and to reabsorb the juices.

TIPS:

*Fish is easy to over cook.  Check it a minute or two before the set time.

*The chopped nuts should be in uneven pieces – some chunks and just a little powder, for a crunchy texture.  Grinding or chopping too much will release the nut oil.