what do you want for dinner?

i find it so interesting to see what people buy from me each day at the market. as far as i can tell, it is completely random! i have a hard time deciding what to bring and what to put on the menu because i just don't know what people are craving on any particular day. 

i always figured the lobster mac & cheese would go over pretty well, but the popularity of the chicken, leek, broccoli & bacon pies has really surprised me - and apparently i have to make them every week now (they're my thursday project). 

today's prep included a monster batch of fishcakes - they sell like crazy. it's funny too, i always watch and listen to people as they glance at my menu, and it is almost always the fishcakes & beans option that catches their eye.

here's a little run down of fishcake preparation:

salt cod is crazy salty (hence the name).

notice the 155% of your recommended daily intake of salt - eeekkk. but don't worry that's before it's prepared.

i always cover the cod in cold water and bring it up to the boil. then drain the salty water and repeat. i do this 3 times to pull out all of the salt. it's important to start with cold water - hot water would seal the salt in. it's the same concept as when making stock - always cover the bones with cold water to start.

drain, cool and glove up. shred the fish and check for any bones.

then it's time for the fix'ins.

i add mashed potatoes, onions, celery, green onions, lemon zest and a secret blend of herbs & spices.

mix well, adjust seasoning and portion into cakes - i use my handy, dandy ice cream scooper for this to ensure even portions.

yeah i made a few of them - 152 to be exact! that's 38 orders and should hopefully last me a few days...

so as i was prepping away today, i thought it would be cool to take suggestions for what you would like for dinner. if you have the time, post a little comment of things you'd like to see on my upcoming menus and i'll try to accommodate, thanks!