Simple Sweet and Smoky Spiced Smallmouth Black Bass; Sustainable Seafood Blogging Project

I've always had a fascination with fish.
Is that weird?....

I know it began when I was a young girl.  My father would take me fishing with him and I was instantly "hooked" (ha!) on the art that is fishing.  And we don't just catch fish and throw them back in my family, oh no!  Freshly caught Spring large mouth and small mouth bass, catfish, trout, crappie.  I have divulged in many fish from local lakes over the years. Look at that huge catfish!  I was never afraid to dive right in and try to lift up the biggest fish of the haul from that day.

And then I even ended up falling in love with a Pisces man.  Coincidence?....
I don't believe in coincidences.  
Everything happens for a reason. 

I think that's where my respect for fish began.  Though I do still eat fish, that doesn't mean I don't respect them and want to make sure I am supporting sustainable seafood practices around the world for the fish that makes it to my plate.  I think it's very important every consumer takes more of an interest in sustainable seafood.

Because of my commitment to learning more about sustainable seafood practices and informing others so they too can do their part, I joined the Sustainable Seafood Blogging Project. Jessie from Life as a Strawberry started the blogging project.

"The goal is to bring food bloggers together in a conversation about sustainability, and to provide resources for sustainable seafood to bloggers and readers alike. Bloggers who join the project are named Project Partners, and agree to use a seafood post as an opportunity to talk about sustainability and announce their new Partner status. Project Partners also display this badge on their sites:"

On their site, you’ll find links to restaurants and companies committed to sourcing their food sustainably. The sections are still under development, so if you know of a great restaurant or company in your area that should be included, let us them by filling out this form! You’ll also find links to informational pages such as Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Project.  

Here is a bit more information about sustainable seafood.

I'm very proud to be joining as a blogging partner to the SSBP!  This is my inaugural post to be inducted into the project and I was tasked to creating and sharing a seafood recipe with my readers.  I wanted to use fresh, locally caught fish since my dad gives my family such an ample supply of it and we usually have it on hand anyways.

This is a really fast recipe, so it's especially great if you're running short on time and needing a quick fix for a meal.  Quick and healthy is the name of this meal's game.

Simple Sweet and Smoky Spiced Smallmouth Black Bass

Serves: 2
Ingredients: 

4-6 prepared and de-boned fillets of smallmouth bass (or other white fish such as tilapia)
Pam coconut spray or coconut oil
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
sprinkle of parsley
3-4 tsp. maple syrup

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place fish fillets in small baking dish. Spray fillets lightly with Pam coconut spray or lightly rub with coconut oil.  Combine all spices in small bowl.  Sprinkle seasonings evenly over fish along with parsley. Squeeze 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice over fillets.  Drizzle maple syrup over the fillets.  

Bake in oven for 10-20 minutes, depending on how many fillets you are making and thickness of fish fillets.  You can check for doneness of your fish by carefully testing with a fork.  The fish should just start to be easily flaking and becoming white, rather than opaque or clear, in color.

This is a great summertime recipe with those sweet and smoky spices.  I served it with some easy carrot "fries".  Simply cut some carrot sticks, drizzle with olive oil or spray with pam coconut spray and sprinkle with salt.  Roast carrot sticks in oven until starting to brown and becoming crisp.  

A healthy and satisfying summertime meal.  

Confession: I can eat a whole baking sheet full of carrot fries by myself.  Easy.  I LOVE carrot fries.

Healthy Recipe Tidbits

• Fish of all sorts are generally lower in cholesterol and saturated fats, which have been associated with high blood pressure and heart disease
  
• Whether you eat sea or freshwater bass, one serving is low in calories and an excellent source of protein, selenium and essential omega-3 fatty acids.
  
• Ground mustard is derived from mustard seeds. Mustard seeds contain a variety of minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and phosphorous. Getting adequate amounts of these minerals is essential for the normal function of many biological and biochemical processes with our bodies.
• The lemon juice can give you a boost of Vitamin C for your day.

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There are some other brilliant bloggers joining the Sustainable Seafood Blogging Project today and have some other seafood recipes to share with you guys!  Here's a list of those joining in on the SSBP fun today.  Definitely check them out!

Becoming Ness - http://www.becomingness.com.au
In a Half Shell - http://www.inahalfshell.com
Life As A Strawberry - http://www.lifeasastrawberry.com
Stuck on Sweet - http://www.stuckonsweet.com

Here's a nifty chart I found to share with you guys as well.  Try swapping out at least 1 meal a week you typically have meat with some fish instead!  Sustainably sourced fish preferred of course.

Credit: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/should-you-eating-meat-fish.html

Do you have any favorite brands you have found of sustainably sourced seafood? Please share!

Have a favorite seafood dish?