No one seems to be quite sure where the tradition originated, but the Feast of the Seven Fishes has become a popular Christmas tradition lately, and no longer just within the Italian-Americans community. We embraced the idea some years ago, and with no holiday obligations this year, spontaneously decided to organize a Feast of the Seven Fishes potluck dinner: a polyglot group of friends {Italian, Japanese, French, German and American} along with an impressive potluck menu of sea-centric dishes made for a fun and rather stress free holiday dinner. With eight fish dishes no less.
the aperitivo.
~ punch: prosecco, ginger, grapefruit & orange juice, gin & rosemary syrup {via 101 Cookbooks}
~ crostini topped with cannelloni thyme puree & white anchovies {via Emiko Davies}
~ roasted fingerling potatoes topped with horseradish creme fraiche & tobiko caviar
the menu.
~ marinated octopus salad with shaved onion & parsley
~ fresh shucked oysters with lemon
~ scallops in creme sauce with wild mushrooms
~ shaved fennel salad with toasted bread, mint and anchovy dressing
~ stuffed sardines with raisins, pine nuts and bread crumps
~ sautéed chickpea & spinach with paprika
~ cold poached wild salmon with almond mayonnaise sauce
~ vanilla gelato with rum soaked raisins & orange chocolate star cookies {recipe here}
