ALBACORE ALL'ITALIANA

2 lbs. albacore loin
5 tbsp. butter
1/3 cup fresh minced parsley
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 lemons
Salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees; cut albacore loins into 3/4-inch medallions and pat them dry with a paper towel. Melt the butter until soft but not liquid; spread about 1 tablespoon of the butter over the bottom of a medium-size baking dish, sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the butter, and arrange the albacore medallions in the dish. Melt the rest of the butter and mix it with the minced garlic and parsley and the parmesan. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture, add salt and pepper, and mix well. Spoon this mixture evenly on top of the albacore medallions, then bake at 375 degrees on the middle rack of your oven for about 5 minutes. Turn the oven on broil and watch carefully; remove promptly when the top looks golden. Squeeze the one leftover lemon over the top and serve hot.

Suggested sides: zucchini salad, parmesan cheese, extra lemon, fresh tomatoes, broiled new potatoes.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Claudia Palombo, flavorsandmemories.com, who found FRESH albacore loins at Lads Market in Santa Rosa, California. "Die Stahl, the seafood and poultry manager, has helped me when I've asked for specialty items for some of my recipes," says Claudia. "They have promptly accommodated my requests, and Die special ordered the albacore for me. I thought I was going to get frozen pieces; instead I got it fresh the next day! They have lots of contacts with special suppliers."
Lads Market is at 3080 Marlow Rd # A11 in Santa Rosa. Call them at (707)573-7081 for current albacore prices and availability.