When I think of summer, I think of water, I think of seafood, I think of romance, I think of Jackie Nastri Bardenwerper’s On the Line (published March 2012). You might remember a few months ago, Jackie wrote a guest post for Not Even Joking about what inspires her. Today, not only do we get a taste of her fabulous YA novel, but Jackie also shares a recipe for a fried fish sandwich. Yum!
Who is the main character in On the Line? What is she like?
Piper Wesley is a 16-year-old girl growing up in the Florida Keys who loves fishing, her pet deer Liggy, and proving other people wrong. She also has a secret crush on her best friend Benny. Not that she’d let that get in the way of reaching her goals, especially when they include saving her family’s fishing charter business.
What would Piper choose for her last meal?
Definitely a fried fish sandwich. Piper spends every day on the water and loves to fish! She also is pretty obsessed with the fried fish sandwiches they serve down at the dockside restaurant Rosalie’s.
How about you? What would you choose for your last meal?
As much as I love fish, I think I’d have to go for a plate of chicken fajitas. I’ve been obsessed with fajitas since I was a kid and still eat them all the time. I’ve even gotten my toddler hooked!
Why should someone bite into On the Line?
Whether you’re headed to the beach, love fishing or The Keys, or are just looking for a fun read with a strong female protagonist and a little romance on the side, then On the Line is the book for you.
Do you have a recipe you’d like to share?
Piper’s Fried Fish Sandwich
1lb fresh grouper filets, cleaned and deboned
1 cup flour
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
2-3 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil for frying
1 package sandwich rolls
Lettuce leaves and tartar sauce for final sandwiches
First, inspect grouper filets and remove any remaining skin and bones. Then, prepare two plates and one bowl. On the first, place the flour and mix in the teaspoon of salt. Next, in the bowl, beat the two large eggs ( if you have three eggs, hold onto the third. You may need to add it if you run low while breading the fish). On the final plate, pour on the breadcrumbs. Then take your fish filets and place them first in the flour, then in the egg bowl, and then in the breadcrumbs. Place breaded filets on a plate and bring over to the stove for frying. Before beginning, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil to 375 degrees. Then place fish in the oil and cook each filet 3-4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and blot with paper towels to remove excess oil. Take rolls and spread tartar sauce on one side, then add a hot fish filet. Finish with a lettuce leaf and then the top of the bun. Now enjoy!
Thank you so much Jackie! You know that I love this book. And this fried fish sandwich looks perfect for a summer day. Why is it that I always crave fried food when I am at the beach?
You can connect with Jackie and learn more about On the Line at the links below.
Jackie Nastri Bardenwerper’s Website
