poached halibut with roasted garlic and dill sauce: a warm, flaky welcome home.

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There is nothing like coming home (and being able to bring dirty laundry to your mom!).

As I flew in, I was thinking that what we make for dinner should mimic the comfort of home. Evidently mom agreed with me - for right before she picked me up, she went down to the docks and bought fresh halibut (a perk of living in a small coastal town).

Mom loves dill. Always has. I didn't when I was younger. I do now. It is an interesting herb. It's strong, distinct taste either draws people to use it, or discard it (much like the reaction to cilantro). The Romans believed it was a sign of luck while the Greeks thought it created wealth. Some used it for love potions while others used it against witchcraft (wouldn't a love potion be considered witchcraft . . . . ? I love the ancients' reasoning). Well, all good associations, and all the more reason to use it in a recipe. It also seems that dill and fish just fit, embody comfort, represents home.

I love being with my mom, she is just wonderful. And a good 'calmer-down' before an intense (but blessed and wonderful) day tomorrow.

Tobey did his part as well. We all know our place in our small dysfunctional family.

Poached Halibut with Roasted Garlic and Dill Sauce

2 lb. fillet of halibut
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 c. fresh dill, chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced and zested
1/4 c. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

1/4 c. cottage cheese
3 tbs. mayonnaise
1 head, roasted garlic
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
1/4 c. fresh dill, chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced
black pepper, to taste
1 tsp. sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place fish and following 7 ingredients (mixed together) in a shallow baking dish. Let marinade for about 15 mins. Place in the oven, covered. Cook for about 15 minutes covered, and 5 uncovered, or until fish flakes with a fork.

2. While fish is cooking, place the rest of the ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth, but not so smooth that you lose the definition of the pieces of dill. When fish is served, drizzle over.

3. Pray. Eat. Enjoy. Always enjoy going home and appreciate those you love and adore.