2700. ROASTED BLACK GROUPER with ARTICHOKE-BACON MASHED POTATOES, SAUTEED SPINACH and LEMON CAPER SAUCE

yields four servings

4 7 oz. black grouper fillets

2 lb peeled yukon gold potatoes
1 1/2 lb unsalted butter
1 qt heavy cream
4 artichokes hearts (fresh or canned, if fresh blanch for two minutes)
6 bacon strips, cooked and coarsley chopped
2 cups dry white wine
4 garlic cloves, sliced
2 tablespoons capers
3 sliced shallots
salt and pepper 

Sauce: Bring the wine with the shallots, garlic and capers to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until almost dry. Add the rest of the heavy cream and reduce to 1/2 of the original volume and add the juice of 1/2 a lemon. Slightly cool and slowly incorporate butter.

Potatoes: In a heavy pot bring potatoes to a boil in salted water to taste. Cook until soft. In a sauce pan heat 1/2 qt heavy cream and 3/4 butter. When the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain and pass through a food mill (ricer) or whip on a Kitchen Aid (mixer) slowly adding the cream and butter mixture until incorporated. Chop the artichokes and add the bacon season with salt to taste.

Fish: Season fish with salt and pepper. Heat up a pan and add 1 tablespoon of oil (your preference). Brown on one side and finish cooking in a 375° oven until cooked (about 6-8 minutes).

To finish: Spoon the sauce in the center of a warm plate. Place the mashed potatoes in the center as well and place the spinach, followed by the fish on top. Garnish with fresh flat leaf parsley.

bacon recipe courtesy of: Baleen Los Angeles, 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 | Americas Cuisine.com