Mustard Roasted Fish

The Barefoot Contessa is wonderful in so many ways. Her recipes are delicious. She publishes beautiful cookbooks. But what gets me is her calm, soothing TV show. If you're feeling stressed out, just watch her show. She takes her time, smiles once in while, talks about her wonderful friends and husband, and cooks with lots of butter. It's heaven.

The mustard-roasted red snapper featured in her newest book (pictured above) didn't disappoint. It's quick and tasty. Next time I will broil it for 2 minutes at the very end to crisp it slightly. Enjoy!

MUSTARD-ROASTED FISH

From Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics

Serves 4

Nothing's easier than this roasted fish! It only takes ten minutes to make and it's good enough to serve to the fanciest company. This recipe comes from my friend Myriam Richard-Delorme in Paris, who's a wonderful cook. She serves it simply with steamed new potatoes and sautéed French haricots verts. How chic is that?

4 (8-ounce) fish fillets such as red snapper Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 8 ounces crème fraîche 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon whole-grain Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons minced shallots 2 teaspoons drained capers

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. (You can also use an ovenproof baking dish.) Place the fish fillets skin side down on the sheet pan. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.

3. Combine the crème fraîche, two mustards, shallots, capers, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Spoon the sauce evenly over the fish fillets, making sure the fish is completely covered. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until it's barely done. (The fish will flake easily at the thickest part when it's done.) Be sure not to overcook it! Serve hot or at room temperature with the sauce from the pan spooned over the top.