It would be healthier to eat an apple for dinner versus homemade fish and chips, but not nearly as fun. As a lifelong student of Existentialism, I recognized again today that life is all about the attitude we maintain and how one achieves that fulfilling life, including the obstacles we must overcome. In the words of Kierkegaard, the “individual is solely responsible for giving their own life meaning and for living that life passionately and sincerely.”

It’s easy to cook and eat healthy foods, but on occasion the indulgences of “evil” foods are a life must-have. Nothing matches fried fish and chips, but fresh Panko and baking the fish and potatoes on a wire rack is a strong alternative in support of the need to eat a tad healthier. This variation on fried fish and chips is the juxtaposition of comfort and healthy eating – excluding the homemade tartar sauce of course.

Unconventional Fish & Chips with Not-So-Mushy Peas

• 1 ½ lb Pollock (or firm white fish)
• Flour
• Eggs
• Panko
• (bake on wire rack at 450, or pan fry)
• Russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Cayenne pepper
• Peas
• Butter
• Fresh pepper

Tartar Sauce

• 1 cup mayo
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
• ¼ cup green olives, finely chopped
• 1 slice jalapeno, finely chopped
• 1 lime juice
• Coriander
• Salt pinch, and fresh pepper