News Taffy

Trout is popular in certain areas of the country but not so much around Northeast Arkansas. Though I love all kinds of fish, I have not always found trout to my liking. When I’ve had trout in restaurants, it often seems filled with tiny bones, making it unpleasant to eat. That is a shame because trout is low in fat and high in those good omega-3 fatty acids which can help lower your risk for developing heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers and high cholesterol. Farmed trout is especially good for you since it is raised in freshwater ponds that are free of environmental contaminants. Most any fish that isn’t fried can be part of a healthy diet and a nice change from chicken.

The most commonly available trout in stores are the arctic char and rainbow trout. Trout has a mild flavor and like most fish, is easy to prepare in a short time. I recently saw some lovely whole trout fillets at Kroger and decided to branch out. I am so glad I did as the whole family loved it. You may have seen trout in the store and mistaken it for salmon as trout can be a deep, orangey pink as well but it can also be white. It depends on what the fish has been eating and it’s origin.

Smoked trout is popular but as with any fish, you are only limited by your imagination when it comes to preparing it. It would make a nice dish to serve to company without a fuss in the kitchen. Try the recipe I used or search out your own. The beauty of fish is that it is great with minimal additions. That is another reason I’ve not liked trout in restaurants; they put too much sauce on the fish and overpower it. We will definitely add trout to our regular diet after trying this recipe.

Grilled Trout

INGREDIENTS:

*1 whole trout fillet

*1/3 cup brown sugar

*1 tsp. allspice

*1/2 tsp. onion powder

*1/2 tsp. pepper

*1/2 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS: Mix sugar and spices in a small bowl. Heat your grill or Big Green Egg to medium heat. Place the fish skin side down on a well greased grill pan or a cedar plank if you like. Spread the rub over the fish and grill, about 10 to 12 minutes or until the fish just flakes. There is no need to turn the fish unless you just want to; if so, turn after 5 minutes. Trout can be delicate and may break up if you turn it. Use an extra large spatula to turn it or remove it from the grill. Serve with some fresh grilled vegetables, a salad and some good bread.

-Lisa