Layers of luscious seafood in individual ramekins make this dish perfect for elegant gatherings. Start with white fish baked in wine, sprinkle crabmeat over the fish, add a creamy layer of mushroom sauce, top with cheese and bake until bubbly.
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 1 pound halibut
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped button mushrooms
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 pound crabmeat, flaked
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter 8 small ovenproof ramekins.
Cut fish into 8 pieces, and arrange in a shallow 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour wine over fish, and sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until fish flakes easily; keep oven on for final step.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute mushrooms, onion and red bell pepper until tender; remove from heat and set aside.
Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the saucepan over low heat. Mix in flour, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until smooth. Gradually add milk and increase heat to medium; stir constantly until mixture is thick and bubbly.
Stir in mushroom mixture, salt and remaining 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper to saucepan, stirring until well combined. Remove sauce from heat and set aside.
Remove fish from wine carefully with a slotted spoon, and place 1 piece into each ramekin. Sprinkle crabmeat evenly on tops, followed by 2 tablespoons sauce and 1 1/2 teaspoons cheese in each dish.
Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is hot and bubbly; serve immediately.