Tilapia with Red Chili Lime seasoning

Photo Credit: myrecipes.com

 One of our absolute favorite fish items is tilapia. We eat it quite a bit - usually at least once every two weeks.
On Sunday, I made some before going out college dorm shopping with my nephew. This was by far the best I've made yet. I usually season it with some sort of Lime-Pepper or Red Chili - Lime dry seasoning after spraying it with a bit of olive oil and a bit of coarse sea salt and pepper. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. I use the frozen ones from Marsh or Meijer (they seem to be meatier). I just rinse them off - do not thaw. I am sure you see by now that I am not following a recipe - just going with the flow. I seem to do that a lot with my cooking. Some how it usually always turns out pretty good. In the summer, I love serving this with freshly sliced tomatoes and grilled corn on the cob.
 The seasonings I use are from a local spice/olive oil shop - Artisano's and a chain store - Tuesday Mornings. I am sure you can find one  if you look in your area.

 I'll try to remember to take a photo the next time I make this.

 Do you follow recipes when you cook or do you season as you go?

Artisano's Oil and Spices

Artisano's Oils and Spices

We were invited to dinner the other night by our dear friends, The S's. They host THE BEST parties. This was a smaller one with four couples. We met a new couple and our other dear friends, the V's, were there. Such a nice surprise.  They always have the best food,drinks and people. I can not tell you the amount of really neat people we have met at their events. This dinner party was no exception. The other  couple fit right in with the group. We chatted for hours while the guys played PING PING - yes, ping pong. When we first arrived, there was a taste testing of OLIVE OILS and Balsamic vinegar. They were awesome. Infused with flavors such as lime, harissa (SUPER HOT), dark chocolate and coconut. COCONUT!!!! I am coo coo for anything coconut! Mixed the Coconut Balsamic Vinegar with the Lime EVO and you have a winner. SOLD!!!! These items are from a local store called Artisano's in Nora - just behind the Nora Apothecary. While it was too late to shop that night, we hit it up the very next day.

The shop is this cute little house packed with flavor. I mean really - not only do they sell the extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars, they also sell infused salts, peppers, international spices and organic coffees. Looking for Hungarian Paprika - {hello, Orsi}......they have it. The staff is very knowedgable in all of the items sold. We tried so many great pairings. The spices and mixes are packed in these small plastic bags. They are perfect if you are making a recipe and only need a small amount of the spice. Spices typically only last a year and then they lose flavor.

Our hostess had quite a few bottles of both the vinegars and oils. I can see why - they are ALL delicious. Trust me - we'll be back for more.

I purchased the Coconut Balsamic Vinegar (surprise), the Lime Infused Balsamic Vinegar and a few packets of spices. I can not wait to use them. First up - Coconut Lime shrimp on the barbie!