Grandma’s Cookbook: Red Cabbage Gratin and Halibut Olympia

By Michele D. Baker

Winter is the time for fresh fish, root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables, and for cabbages of all kinds. If you're like me, when you were young, you didn't appreciate these foods because someone told you they were "nutritious" instead of just letting you taste and decide for yourself. Lucky for me, my Grandmother was a whiz in the kitchen with spices and cheese, and let's face it... what doesn't taste good with a nice cheese sauce?

Winter calls for heavier foods, too, to fortify us for the cooler weather. In Mississippi, it never gets much below freezing, but we can still be inspired by a great cabbage au gratin or a delicious fish casserole. These delicious recipes from Grandma's cookbook will help you make the most of these seasonal beauties.

Red Cabbage Gratin 

Ingredients: 

• ½ red cabbage (can use green if desired) 

• Olive oil 

• 6 oz. gruyere cheese 

• 4 oz. freshly grated parmesan cheese 

• Salt and pepper 

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic 

• 1 teaspoon onion powder 

• 1 cup heavy cream or half and half 

• 1-2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 

Method:  

1. Wash and core the cabbage. Slice about half of the cabbage into thin wedges (1” at thick edge).  

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking tray with a sheet of parchment paper. 

3. Arrange the cabbage slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil. 

4. Bake for about 35 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. 

5. Remove the cabbage slices to a 9” x 13” casserole dish well coated with butter. 

6. Sprinkle the cheeses over the cabbage. 

7. Mix the cream, spices and flour then pour over the cheese. 

8. Bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. 

9. Serve hot. 

Roz Strang’s Halibut Olympia 

If halibut is not readily available, cod or any other firm, white fish can be substituted. 

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup butter 

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise 

• 1/2 cup chopped onion 

• 1/2 cup chopped green peppers 

• 2 lb. halibut 

• Bread or panko crumbs  

• Slivered almonds 

Method: 

1. Melt butter and stir in mayonnaise. Spread half of this mixture into a baking dish. 

2. Sprinkle half the onion and green peppers over the mayonnaise mixture. 

3. Slice fish diagonally every ½”, cutting only about three-quarters of the way through the fish. Layer half the fish on top of the onions and peppers. 

4. Add a second layer of onions, peppers and fish. Top with the remaining mayonnaise mixture. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. 

5. Top with bread crumbs and almonds. 

6. Bake at 350 F for about 60 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the top is golden brown.