————– SANDY BOTTOM IN THE KITCHEN
If you’re like me, you’re trying to save money on groceries. With the price of dairy having a annual
increase of 15.2% in 2023 and breads and cereals increasing 11.2% the cost of the food trolly is starting
to look anaemic with a side of “I can’t affords”.
As a Domestic Drag Queen, I’m always looking for something that gives me maximum fullness for the
cheapest buck. To make that clear I’m no different from any other large eater, if it smells, looks and
doesn’t wriggle it’s a snack. For those newly seasoned and self-appointed chef’s, who are trying to find
their way in the bliss of kitchen cookery and automatic dishwashers, I’m here to keep your trolley lean
and your partner keen.
Today’s lesson is all about banging out a easy cheap classic. While having fishy fingers are healthy,
were staying clear of the deep fryer as “Oils aren’t Oils” (yes I stole that from a Castrol add from 1988),
and we need to keep that fat from the hips and through the lips in the most delicious way possible.
Quick favourite snacks are wonderful and believe it or not, can be a mix of sweet and savory not just
microwave popcorn and a side dish of red lollies and snakes. As we prep you for today’s cook it’s
important to consider how many you’re cooking for.
If you’re a great partner it will be just for two of you,
if you’re a wonderful partner it will a party of friends and how wonderful you are,
If it’s just solo, my apologies, “Just do it yourself”, it’s all that comes to mind.
We will be entrapping your wonderful new skills today with a fresh item that can be Air Fried or Oven
Baked, and a few special treats that every housewife next door would be begging to lick, out of
curiosity.
Mum’s Fishy Fingers and Fhips
I remember the ever so wonderful memories of my mother bringing out a delicious feed of fish fingers
fresh from the freezer. At no time did we ask, “is there actually any fish in these fingers”, instead we
covered the bland oven cooked cardboard pieces in lashings of home brand tomato sauce. Chips were
a requirement if more than one was joining you for your evening delicacies. Mostly these were
purchased from the local corner store, (There was one on every corner in Tasmania, this was the equal
to McDonalds in this generation only the chips were real!). In my house unless we could find enough
spare change to run to the shop, mum would prepare a side of Fhips. (The FH is usually because they
were nothing like chips) but in equal they were delicious.
Because you’re just a starter in the kitchen, I would suggest you get yourself an air fryer and similar to
the oven, get the kids to show you how to turn it on.
You will need a few items for this exercise, just like my grandmother would, but with a modern twist.
1 packet of frozen fish such as I&J Southern Blue Whiting Fillets 500g
1 x 300g Plain Sour Cream
2 tablespoons of milk
Fresh or Dried Chives
Mingles Citrus Pepper
1 x 220g Original Breadcrumbs
1 x 170g Original Cut Potato Chips (crushed – just sit on them until their crushed)
Olive Oil Spray
1 kg baby white potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tsp Garlic Powder
½ tsp Mingle Garlic and Herb
Salt and Pepper
The Fish –
Defrost your fish and either cut lengthways in half to make fingers or slice into pieces. These will only
need no more than 10 minutes to almost defrost – which is fine they can be a little frozen while
prepping.
Mix your sour cream and a little mix of milk to it ends us a yogurt smooth consistency. Place in a bowl
by itself with a dash of salt and pepper.
Get a zip tie bag or clean plastic bag and place your breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, citrus pepper
(a good dash) and cut some of your fresh chives until their small or add about 1 tablespoon of the dried
to the mix.
Dip your fish in the sour cream (or spread it in if needed) then dip it into the crumbs in the bags and
place on a tray lined with baking paper until all the fish is done. Give them a little spray of the olive oil
spray when done.
Then refrigerate until needed.
The potatoes
Cut your potatoes into pieces with the skins on (don’t peel them), place on a tray with the spices and a
little olive oil
Warm up your Oven or your air fryer first – about 200c
Place your potatoes in the oven fryer and cook for about 15 minutes – check on them, give them a
shake then cook for another 10-15 minutes until their done.
Your fish will require about 15 minutes in the oven at 200c so cook them for 71/2 minutes turn them
over and then another 71/2 minutes again on the other side.
Once golden and looked cooked, they usually are. Serve with only the best condiments such as Rosella
Tomato Sauce (Its Australian).
This may not be any outstanding, amazing or five-star cuisine, but its honest, quick and easy and the
family can help prepare it also. I would suggest that whilst waiting you take the time to fix your lipstick,
restyle those curls and pour a delicious glass of Lexia whilst waiting for the magical results.
And in the words of Ru Pauls Drag Race, “Goodluck and don’t FxxK it up”.
Sandy Barwick
(is the Drag Queen Entertainer and host of Wednesday morning program on “Get out of bed with Sandy and Glenn”)
Sandy is a Wedding Celebrant from Allmylove.com.au, Funeral Director at Modernfunerals.com.au and Independent Journalist sandybottom.com.au).
