Fish in a Sweet Corn Chowder Gravy

UGH!  First money disaster!  I asked Carolynn to stop at King Kullen for the Mahi Mahi.  When she got there, it looked pitiful, so she opted for cod.  When I got home I could smell the fish from the front door.  It was not good.  We agreed not to ditch the menu, so I ran out and bought a piece of Halibut.  I really like Halibut and this was a fresh as anything, but it was $19.99 a pound!!!!  Kaboom!  It's Tuesday an I've spent an extra 21 bucks.  Anyway, here's the recipe

Fish in a Sweet Corn Chowder Gravy

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

4 slices of bacon chopped (can be omitted or veggie bacon can be substituted)

3/4 cup chopped onion

3/4 cup chopped celery (with some tops)

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

salt and pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon each)

1 Tablespoon butter

2 Tablespoons flour

1 cup vegetable stock

1 cup fat free half and half

1 box frozen sweet corn

dash of cayenne

2 pounds of meaty white fish like Mahi Mahi, halibut, or Cod cut into individual pieces of 5-6oz each

Saute onions and celery in oil until just soft but not brown, add bacon and thyme, saute another 3 minutes or until bacon is crisp.  Add butter and flour stir to incorporate fully.  Add stock and 1/2 and 1/2, bring to a boil.  If too thick add another 1/2 cup of water.  Add corn (no need to thaw) and simmer.  Season with a dash of Cayenne to taste.

Meanwhile heat skillet and a tablespoon of oil.  Salt and pepper fish and cook 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.

Serve fish with chunky mashed red potatoes and generous ladles of the sweet corn gravy over the top.  Serious yum.