TheBanyanTree: Carp

[Mark Funk]

One of our local TV stations poked fun at an upcoming Carp Fishing Contest to be held at a dam on the Mississippi River.  The TV personality said that in Japan and China carp were considered a delicacy.  What was left unsaid but understood was that here carp are considered rough fish to be avoided.  Why would anyone in his or her right mind intentionally try to catch one?
 
This reminded me that my dad used to say that carp were really good if prepared correctly.  He would know as he was considered to be a very good cook.  Here is the recipe he suggested:
 
Ingredients:
 
carp fillets
water
spices to taste
cedar shingle
foil
 
Preparation:
 
Use the water to wash the shingle.  
Allow the shingle to soak until well saturated then remove from water.
Place the carp fillets on the shingle and season to taste.
Bake the carp in the oven at any convenient temperature until thoroughly cooked.
 
Serving Instructions:
 
Remove the carp fillets from the shingle, wrap in foil, and discard in trash.
Eat the shingle.
 
Mark