Cheeks, Fries & Rings

With Jeff Cala

Those who have had them consider Cod cheeks a delicacy. Chef/Co-owner Jeff Cala of Latitude 43 demonstrates frying is the best method. The wet ingredients used are evaporated milk and eggs. The dry batter consists of Wondra flour - which is cake like and soft - mixed with yellow corn flour and baking powder. The eggs and the baking powder makes the batter more fluffy. (Note: Wondra flour is actually a brand name for a type of instant flour and, because the brand is so widespread, the name Wondra tends to be used in recipes. It is most similar to pastry flour when substitutions are considered.)

Important tips when frying at home include; using a sauce pan and thermometer to get the cooking oil to 350 degrees and not higher. If the temperature gets too high it will burn the outside of the food and not properly cook the outside. Also, be sure the batter evenly coats the food pieces to avoid any “clumping” and move the food around while frying so that it will cook evenly. Do not over fill the pan as the temperature of the oil will drop too quickly.

The video also shows how to fry onion rings fried in the same batter and thin cut French fries. Serve with apple cabbage slaw and tarter sauce.

Ingredients

2 dozen cheeks
2 dozen large onion slices
1 pound french fries

Wet Batter:
1 can evaporated milk
2 eggs

Dry Batter:
1/2 cup Wondra flour
1/2 cup corn flour
2 tablespoons baking powder

Apple Cabbage Cole Slaw:
1/2 cup green cabbage
1/2 cup Napa cabbage
1/4 cup carrots, shredded
1/4 cup apples, shredded
1 tablespoon horseradish
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Instructions

Preheat oil in large saucepan to 350 degrees
Do not hesitate to test 1 or 2 cheeks before preparing the rest of the ingredients.

Wet Batter:
1. Beat milk and eggs together.

Dry Batter:
1. Sift together all ingredients.
2. Dip cheeks into wet batter, then coat with dry batter. Be sure to move around and cover all surfaces of the cheeks.
3. Lower cheeks into hot oil carefully. Turn after 3 to 4 minutes and cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Watch and move around occasionally to be sure that they all cook evenly.
4. Remove and place onto cardboard surface to drain. Keep warm.
5. Let oil reheat to 350 degrees and repeat with onion rings.
6. Place french fries into oil and cook until golden brown.

Apple Cabbage Cole Slaw:
1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Mix all wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
3. Mix together, being sure to coat dry ingredients.

Recipe courtesy of Jeff Cala, Latitude 43, 2010.

Co-owner and Executive Chef Jeff Cala

Latitude 43 has been open for several years and has separate menus for the main restaurant, the sushi bar and the pub. The menu is seasonal and incorporates local seafood, produce and other ingredients when possible.

Cala's restaurant concepts include Cala's in Manchester, Alchemy in Gloucester, and Hale Street Tavern & Oyster Bar in Beverly Farms — all of which enjoy a local following and nearly automatic consideration when residents of any of those communities think about where they'll go to eat out, either for lunch or dinner or Sunday brunch.