CRISPY BAKED CATFISH NUGGETS

"Make a double batch of these: they freeze beautifully!"

Vegetable oil cooking spray
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or finely grated extra sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup plain, dry breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Dash white pepper
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets (5 ounces each) cut into nuggets
1/2 teaspoon paprika
FOR THE HOMEMADE TARTAR SAUCE:
1 cup light mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon style mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped, drained sweet pickle or chopped, drained capers (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped, drained green olives (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

Position oven rack on the bottom shelf of the oven. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray several times to coat.

In a shallow dish, combine cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder and white pepper. In another dish, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil.

Roll nuggets in lemon juice. Then, roll in cheese mixture. Dust with paprika and spray lightly with cooking spray. Place catfish on prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F, and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until crust is golden and fish flakes easily.

Serve with Homemade Tartar Sauce.

TO MAKE THE HOMEMADE TARTAR SAUCE:
Combine the ingredients for the tartar sauce and blend well. Serve with Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets. Yield: about 2/3 cup (6 servings)

TO FREEZE AHEAD:
Catfish nuggets may be prepared and frozen for your family to enjoy at a later date. Simply follow the above directions. Once the fish is removed from the oven, allow to cool to room temperature. Place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy again, remove fish from the freezer and place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake in a 400 degree preheated oven for 15 minutes, and reduce temperature to 350 for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until crust is golden.

Nutritional Information:

For Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets
Per serving: 306 kcal; 17 g fat; 12 g carbs; 26 g protein; 299 mg sodium; 71 mg cholesterol; .65 g fiber

For Homemade Tartar Sauce
Per 2 tablespoon serving: 66 kcals; 6 g fat; .15 g protein; 2 g carbs.; .02 g fiber;
8 mg cholesterol; 161 mg sodium

Source: The Catfish Institute