Baked Fillet of Catfish Creole

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 4 (5-8 oz.) catfish fillets

Directions:
Place catfish fillets in baking pan with 1-inch lip. Cover with Creole sauce. Bake at 350 F. for 15-20 minutes.

Creole sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 3/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 4 cloves chopped garlic
• 2 cans tomato sauce (8 oz.)
• 2 bay leaves (whole)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
  Salt and cayenne pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dill
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet basil
• 1 cup water
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper

Procedure:
In a heavy pot, saute seasonings in butter until done (10 minutes). Add tomato sauce and water, bring to a rapid boil, and reduce to simmer. Stir occasionally and cook approximately one hour. Add water to retain volume. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste.