Seven Fish Dishes #1: Angels on Horseback

Fish...fish for Christmas?

One of Italy's customs is to serve seven different fish dishes on Christmas Even...to honor the Seven Sacraments. (birth, confirmation, marriage and so on...)

   When our girlies were small, I took each year to explore different countries' holiday foods. The year we focused on Italy, I started the Fish Dishes. Everyone enjoyed them so much that we've continued serving seven fish dishes on each Christmas Eve, inviting friends and family to join us. (And we're not even Catholic!)

This week will feature a new fish recipe every day, including some of the Bricks' favorites. Because Husband and I were usually helping out with music during the Christmas Eve services, many of our dishes were simple to make -- like this one.

photo from Simply Recipes; another version is here.

Technically, Angels on Horseback are oysters wrapped in bacon, then baked in a hot oven, or grilled. They go well with Devils on Horseback...and a cold glass of wine or champagne to start the mood.

 ANGELS ON HORSEBACK

1 large jar (8 oz) fresh oysters
1 pound thick-cut sliced bacon
toothpicks
1 lemon

Yes, that's it! Here in Colorado, our fresh oysters are from the Pacific -- and they're large. They need to be cut in several pieces for use. Eastern oysters are much smaller, and can be used individually.
    Rinse the oysters. (Save the juice in the jar for your soup -- see tomorrow's recipe.) Cut the bacon slices in half. Wrap each oyster (or oyster piece) in a bacon slice, and secure with a toothpick. Place on metal cookie sheet.
    Once all the Angels are done, squeeze fresh lemon juice over. Bake in a hot (400 degree) oven 15 min., serve sizzling on a platter garnished with fresh greens. Serves about 7 people as an appetizer, or 4 people as a single course.

DEVILS ON HORSEBACK: Substitute one pound of chicken livers for the oysters. (Some recipes use scallops, instead.) 

Brace yourself, and on to the next fish dish:
       Clam Chowder (tomorrow)