The Bass Are Running

It's April and the striped bass are running. That means dozens of fishermen all braving the April weather and cold water to catch the fish . However you can also get hybrid striped bass at your local grocery or fish store. It can make for some interesting dishes, from the delicate to the hearty. Striped bass or striper as it;s known by fishermen, is part of the Morondirae family and is usually found in bordering fresh water/salt water areas such as th e Raritan bay in New Jersey the Carolinas, New England and Maryland. Domesticated bass is an offshoot being a hybrid fo both the wild and white bass. The two varieties were first combined in the 1960s in South Carolina for a better meat. Hybrid bass has a delicate somewhat sweet flavor, ,and firm flaky flesh . Sometimes there is a "muddy"taste however the best way to avoid this is by cutting the fish into filets(or having your fish store do it for you) Bass is good a variety of ways. You can char it or blacken it for a Cajun dish , which would go well with dirty rice.You can also grill it and served it on a bed of also grilled veggies. Another recipe is Greek style with a honey and saffron glaze. Bass cheeks , those round fleshy discs on a fish's head are also a treat. Broiled and served with butter, they resemble sea scallops in texture. Most people would prefer just to have their bass in a delicate white wine sauce with green beans and new potatoes. This is a lovely, elegant way to serve it , especially at a dinner party. April is here and the bass are running. Run down to your local fish market or grocery store and pick up this versatile fish . Take advantage of the season with some interesting dishes ranging from hearty to elegant!