Blackened Tilapia

This really doesn't deserve a blog entry of it's own, but I know some of you really don't enjoy cooking!  You are just a good friend and read my blog to be nice.  This is a super cheap and easy dinner to throw together.

I bought 2 lbs. of tilapia with the intention of freezing half for another time and using half for the fish tacos we made this weekend.  Well, I stuck all of it in the freezer and forgot to separate it out.  When I took them out to defrost I tried to pry them apart, but it didn't work.  I was stuck with 2 lbs. of tilapia.  We ate the first pound for dinner Saturday and lunch Sunday.  Last night I wanted to go ahead and cook the rest to eat for dinner and lunch this week.  The fish tacos were so good and we had left over condiments so I debated about just making another round with the second lb.  I didn't feel like chopping garlic and cilantro last night so instead I put some olive oil and blackening seasoning on them with a little cumin and garlic powder, delicious.  I plan on cooking some rice tonight and taking the rest to work tomorrow for lunch.

You can buy pre-made blackening seasoning or make your own.  Sprinkle on both sides of tilapia.  Drizzle with a little olive oil.  Bake at 350 degrees until meat thermometer reads 137 degrees or approximately 20-25 minutes.  Pair it with steamed veggies or rice.

Blackening Seasoning
Source:  Southern Food at About.com
Ingredients:

• 4 tsp. dried thyme
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

Mix it all together and store in a cool dry place.