Break out of the can

For the past several summers our family has participated in a friendly family fishing contest" in Lake Erie.  It seems to get more competitive every year - this year we even gave ourselves fishing nicknames.  This is my niece with her first big catch.

This is my son, wearing his fishing hat and posing with the smallest fish of the day.

These were just a few of the coveted prizes for the winners of this year's contest.

Since we don't live near the Great Lakes, when we come home we have to go to the next best place to get great fish - Trader Joes.  If you are lucky enough to live by a Trader Joes - be sure to check out their frozen fish.  You won't be disappointed.  I picked up a couple of Ahi Tuna steaks yesterday morning and grilled them up for dinner last night. 

Grilled Ahi Tuna Steaks
3 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
2 Tablespoons fresh thyme (or rosemary)
3/4 cup olive oil
6 tuna steaks

Whisk together vinegar, 1/2 t. salt, mustard, honey and thyme.  While whisking, slowly drizzle in oil.   Reserve 1/4 cup vinaigrette for serving with fish.  Brush both sides of tuna with vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper.  Grill for 2 minutes and carefully flip.  Cook about 3 more minutes.  (Center should be red to slightly pink depending on your personal preference.)

This recipe came from the 2011 May/June Issue of Cooks Illustrated.  It was absolutely delicious.  I served it with a green salad and baked sweet potato fries.  (also from Trader Joes)  My kids are both big fans of the tuna that comes in a can but they generally don't care for tuna steaks.  My son ended up eating quite a bit and my daughter thought it wasn't quite as good as canned tuna.  Her loss - more for me.   

Bon Appetit!