Oven-Fried Catfish with Homemade Tartar Sauce

I love this catfish.  And oven "fried."  As much as I love the fried stuff and do indulge every once in a while, this is a fantastic substitute that will give you as much satisfaction and flavor as the fried version.  And I love the homemade tartar sauce, it's the only recipe I use.  Plus you can add/subtract whatever ingredients you do or don't like.  I served this with My Favorite Coleslaw (see post 3-30-13) and Crunchy Onion Rings (see post 2-3-13).

OVEN-FRIED CATFISH (4 servings)

1 Tbsp reduced-calorie mayo
1 Tbsp low-fat sour cream
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 cup crushed corn flakes cereal
1 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
4 (4 oz) catfish fillets
Vegetable cooking spray

Combine mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice; stir well.  Combine cereal and next 4 ingredients.  Brush mayo mixture evenly over fillets; dredge in cereal mixture.

Place fillets on rack of a broiler pan coated with cooking spray.  Bake at 450F for 12-15 minutes or until fish flakes easily when test with a fork.

Recipe Source: Cooking Light "Light and Easy Cookbook" 1997, p. 206

TARTAR SAUCE (makes 1 1/3 cups)

1 cup mayo (I use half regular, half reduced-fat)
1 hard-cooked egg, finely chopped
1 Tbsp chopped drained sweet pickle relish
1 Tbsp chopped drained capers
1 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 Tbsp finely chopped green olives (optional)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp minced shallot or onion
Cayenne pepper or hot sauce, to taste, optional
S&P to taste
A little wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice, optional

Mix all ingredients.  Chill at least a couple of hours to let flavors meld.

NOTE:  You can replace the parsley with other herbs, such as tarragon or chives.

Recipe Source: Joy of Cooking Cookbook