Lighter Fish Chowder

I had the most amazing adventure on Sunday! I got to spend the whole day out on a boat fishing by Provincetown, Ma. It was so beautiful and relaxing. I also caught my first fish! I had to reel it in, which was actually quite difficult and a good workout. I was so proud of catching this fish I had to take it home and dream up some new recipes. I also had the good fortune to catch a bluefish, which is known for its feisty temper and dark, flavorful meat. I ended up preparing it in a couple of different ways, but decided to use some of the leftovers (there was so much) to make chowder.

Full disclosure: I don't eat chowder. I have never eaten chowder. I dislike the look, smell and taste of it. I understand as a New Englander this borderline blasphemous, but I just have never liked it. However, Craig LOVES chowder, and has been begging me to make some and put a Dara-style spin on it. This seemed like a good opportunity to create something light and flavorful with our fresh catch and get over my chowder-phobia.

I used bluefish, but you could also substitute any dark, fatty fish. Mackerel would be really good. I think a more fishy-fish sort of lends itself to chowder, so go with something a little stronger than cod. I also used some leftover corn we had from a cookout the previous night. Grilling corn really brings out the flavor and sweetness. Adding grilled corn to the chowder instead of boiled actually made a great difference in the taste. You could roast them as well for a similar result.

In order to lighten up this chowder, I only used a little bit of heavy cream and cut back on the potatoes. The rich flavor comes from the fish, the corn and some fresh herbs, especially chives. Add a ton of black pepper and you are good to go. This also reheats well if you want to bring leftovers for lunch.

So...I actually loved this chowder. I never thought in a million years I would like it but it was so light and flavorful. I am now a chowder convert!

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Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies contain no butter and no sugar! Instead they are filled with fiber, protein and the natural sweetness of dates! Instead of sugar, honey or splenda, I decided to make my own natural sweetener. Dates are a sweet and delicious snack. But ground into sugar or a syrup, they make a great sugar alternative in your favorite desserts. These cookies have a slightly cakey texture, but are filling and tasty, while lower in calories than your average peanut butter cookie. Each cookie has only 139 calories and is extremely filling, thanks to the fiber rich oat bran. These work well for dessert or a pre-workout snack. This recipe makes 18 cookies.

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