SUPER GROUPER

Super

Grouper

Jackie Carlin

Florida’s waters are teeming with seafood. From Key West pink shrimp to the state's beloved blue and stone crabs, the state is famous for its fresh-caught, delicious seafood. Perhaps no fish is more beloved, though, than grouper. Did you know Florida harvests more than 85 percent of the nation’s grouper, with more than 75 percent of that haul coming from Pinellas County on Florida’s west coast?

Most restaurants around the Sunshine State claim to feature the state’s best grouper sandwich, but there are so many other ways to enjoy this mild-tasting yet versatile fish. At the Euphoria Fish House at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Chef Joseph McFadden enjoys finding new ways to put his on flair on Florida’s abundant fresh catches. And his recipe for grouper is no exception.

When you’re picking out fish for your own home feast, look for fresh fillets that are firm, translucent-looking with no discoloration, advises the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This recipe calls for a pan sear of the grouper, but it also lends itself well to grilling, baking, poaching and steaming. It does cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. The fish is done when the flesh become opaque and can be flaked easily with a fork.

In this recipe, Chef McFadden places the grouper fillets atop a bed of crab rice and drizzles the dish with soy glaze. It’s an easy-to-make meal, sure to impress your guests. True Florida living! Euphoria Fish House is the signature restaurant at the new Margaritaville Resort Orlando. The restaurant takes its name from Jimmy Buffett’s beloved yacht and features a celebration of the best seafood and more Florida has to offer. Head chef Joseph McFadden, a native of Ireland, brings his passion for fish and local offerings to the menu, adding a special flair to the Sunshine State’s celebrated seafood scene.

Euphoria Fish House is open to guests and visitors alike. Learn more at margaritavilleresortorlando.com.

Florida Grouper

7 ounce serving per person

DIRECTIONS

Preheat broiler. Melt some butter in an oven-safe pan and add grouper. Pan sear grouper 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Fillets less than a ½ inch thick do not need to be turned during cooking. Once the fish’s edges are slightly browned, transfer the pan to the broiler to crisp the edges, watching carefully to avoid overcooking. Once finished, plate the crab fried rice (see below) with grouper on top. Garnish soy glaze around edges of rice with lemon and orange zest and chopped parsley on top of fish.

Melt the butter in a pan, then add garlic, shallots, onions and cook until brown. Add the crab and toss with salt and pepper. Combine with brown rice and sauté until thoroughly heated. Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Crab Fried Rice

INGREDIENTS

4 ounces cooked brown rice 2 ounces shredded blue crab 1 knob (about 2-3 tablespoons) of butter ½ oz. green onions diced 1.5 teaspoon minced garlic and shallots 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons ginger, minced ½ teaspoon red pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce ⅓ cup honey

DIRECTIONS

Soy Ginger Glaze

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

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Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program

If you are living in a Central Florida household with at least one resident who is age 60 or older, you may be eligible for energy bill assistance.

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance

for the Elderly Program (EHEAP), a 100% federally funded program, helps eligible seniors pay energy bills in an emergency. Through September 30, EHEAP-eligible households can receive up to $5,000 of assistance with multiple energy bills while funds are available.

What Is Included?

Utility categories eligible for heating/cooling bill assistance include electricity, natural gas, propane, wood/coal and refillable fuels. Benefits may also be used for: • Pre-paying energy bills • Purchasing blankets, portable fans, space heaters and window air conditioners • Repairing existing heating/cooling unit • Deposits to connect or restore energy • Late fees and disconnect/reconnect fees • Charges from a now-closed account previously held by the elder resident • Payment to landlord when utility costs are included in rent • Temporary emergency shelter due to an energy-related crisis

How Do You Qualify?

• Applicants must be age 60 or older and reside in a home located in one of the following counties: Orange, Seminole,

Osceola or Brevard. • Energy bill does not need to be in the elder’s name, but the elder will need to provide proof of residence, such as a driver’s license or other identification. • Applicants age 60 or older with at least one household member who is receiving

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Social Security (SSI) and/or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Program (SNAP) must provide proof of additional benefits, such as an award letter, in addition to documentation of total household income. • The applicant must be experiencing a home energy crisis (disconnected, delinquent or past due).

How Can You Apply?

• Orange and Osceola County residents: Call

Osceola Council on Aging at (407) 846-8532. • Seminole County residents: Call Meals on

Wheels, Etc., at (407) 333-8877. • Brevard County residents: Call the Brevard

Alzheimer’s Foundation at (321) 253-4430.