Nancy's Tilapia (or Chicken or Veal) Piccata

Nancy's Tilapia (or Chicken or Veal) Piccata

4.7 of 5 (50)
member ratings
Nutritional Info
  • Servings Per Recipe: 6
  • Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 177.1
  • Total Fat: 8.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 35.7 mg
  • Sodium: 268.5 mg
  • Total Carbs: 7.0 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1.1 g
  • Protein: 16.5 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Nancy's Tilapia (or Chicken or Veal) Piccata calories by ingredient


Introduction

This is my own creation. Sweet, mild, healthy, non-fishy tilapia is complimented by lemon, capers, butter, broth, and white wine in this satisfying and deceptively easy meal. I like my piccata lemony with touches of onion, garlic, and capers to round out the taste. This is a basic recipe for 1 lb. of filets. Please reduce this recipe accordingly if you use fewer filets, unless you want the leftunders as lunch or another dinner, like I do, if all is not eaten during the first go-‘round. I am a strong believer in flexibility, so experiment and substitute most any flaky white fish, pounded-flat veal or chicken cutlets, according to your creativity, pantry contents, budget, ingredient-availability, and personal tastes. I would greatly appreciate your feedback on this recipe, including any suggestions, comments, and input. Thank you for reading and trying this recipe! SparkPeople rocks my world! This is my own creation. Sweet, mild, healthy, non-fishy tilapia is complimented by lemon, capers, butter, broth, and white wine in this satisfying and deceptively easy meal. I like my piccata lemony with touches of onion, garlic, and capers to round out the taste. This is a basic recipe for 1 lb. of filets. Please reduce this recipe accordingly if you use fewer filets, unless you want the leftunders as lunch or another dinner, like I do, if all is not eaten during the first go-‘round. I am a strong believer in flexibility, so experiment and substitute most any flaky white fish, pounded-flat veal or chicken cutlets, according to your creativity, pantry contents, budget, ingredient-availability, and personal tastes. I would greatly appreciate your feedback on this recipe, including any suggestions, comments, and input. Thank you for reading and trying this recipe! SparkPeople rocks my world!
Number of Servings: 6

Ingredients

    1/3 cup whole wheat flour for dredging
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon pepper
    1 pound (about 6) tilapia filets
    2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
    1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    ¼ c. finely chopped sweet onion
    1 clove minced garlic
    1/2 c. white wine (one that you would drink)
    ½ cup reduced-sodium, low-fat chicken broth
    Juice of 1 large or 2 small lemons with optional, sliced lemon as garnish
    3 tablespoons fresh, chopped, Italian, flat-leaf parsley
    2 tablespoons nonpareil capers, rinsed and drained

Directions

1. Set a large, nonstick, saute pan or skillet over medium heat and add butter and EVOO.

2. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, to taste, lightly mixing in spices. Carefully dredge both sides of each fish filet in flour mixture, coating well.

3. Add fish to pan when oil is heated and cook until brown, about 1-½ minutes. Flip and cook another 1-½ minutes, or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and it is almost fully cooked. Transfer fish to a parchment-paper-lined platter (easier to handle and captures little bits of flavor that may fall off) and cover lightly with aluminum foil to keep warm.

4. Increase heat to high. Deglaze your pan with white wine, scraping up the brown bits, mixing well with a whisk. Add chicken broth, mixing well. Cook until liquid reduces to about half and alcohol has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add lemon and onions. Mix well and cook until onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, capers, butter, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Cook mixture for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Carefully add back the fish filets to the mixture with any little flavor bits on the parchment paper and cook another minute or 2, just until the fish is done, and the all of the flavors blend together.

6. Carefully remove from pan with spatula to plates or a serving platter. Place lemon slices over top and sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley over the filets. Serve with salad and/or any veggie you like, and/or over cooked brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or other healthy carbohydrate, using remaining sauce over fish and/or to moisten accompaniment. This recipe makes 6 servings, or one filet per serving. Enjoy!

Number of Servings: 6

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user KEEPITMOVING.

Member Ratings For This Recipe


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    Incredible!
    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
    WOW Nancy! This will change anyone's mind who doesn't like fish, like me. I know fish is good for you, so we have been eating it once a week since early 2009, and here it is November and this dish is the best fish Friday we've ever done. Lemony, salty, flaky deliciousness! Tastes just like chicken! - 11/13/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/16/09)
    LOL You're a very funny lady! Well, you surely have done me proud with your kind compliment. I'm so glad you think it's 5-star material! Enjoy it each time you make it for your family. SP ROCKS! Nancy



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    Incredible!
    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
    Just what I was looking for! I'll be making this for dinner tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes.

    I made it tonight and it was AMAZING! So much wonderful flavor. I would order this in a restaurant! I served it with brown rice and roasted green beans. Thanks.
    - 8/23/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (8/24/09)
    i LOVE your sparkname! what a hoot! yes, please let me know your opinion. thanks! nancy



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    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    Tried it with chicken strips and added sweet pepper and mushroom. Great contrasting flavours which we really enjoyed. Served it with basmati rice. Looking forward to trying it with fish. - 3/24/13


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    Incredible!
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    My husband said this was a "keeper"! Even my picky-eater son ate it with no complaining. Thanks for a great recipe. - 10/6/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (10/7/09)
    When a picky-eater-son doesn't complain, hey, I'm calling that a success! So glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Nancy



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    Incredible!
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    This was a very good recipe. I used Tilapia which is a bland tasting fish but your ingredients made it very tasty. DH really like it too. I made enough for lunch tomorrow. Thanks for sharing. - 10/1/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (10/2/09)
    WOW! Your comment is kind and greatly appreciated. It is, when prepared correctly, a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Thanks for adding my recipe to your menu! Nancy



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    Incredible!
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    I had a hankering for sole meuniere, so my boyfriend made this dish (which is very close to meuniere) with flounder last night. This was the first Spark recipe we've made, and it was fabulous! It doesn't exactly seem like "diet food," with the butter, but that was fine with us! - 9/24/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (9/24/09)
    SUEGLEASON, this is music to my sparkears! I really like that you substituted flounder for the tilapia....that shows your sparkflexibility! Thanks for your kind words and positive review. Nancy



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    Incredible!
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    I made this for dinner last night. DH is not a fan of fish, but this recipe changed his mind. The kids loved it too! I will be adding this to my meal plan. - 9/21/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (9/21/09)
    Wow! Bensnana2, your comment made me grin a big sparksmile! If DH isn't crazy about fish and he (and the kids) liked this, then I'm a proud and happy sparker! Thanks and glad your family enjoyed this healthy and easy meal! Nancy



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    Incredible!
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    I had some tilapia in the freezer and my husband loves anything with capers - so happy I checked Sparkrecipes for piccata recipes. Made it last night and it was fantastic!! DH says definitely a keeper! We love fish, but it didn't even taste like fish. - 9/4/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (9/4/09)
    COUNTINGSHEEP, you made my day! I'm so happy you and your DH found this dish tasty enough to add to your stash as a keeper! You and DH have great taste! ;-) Thanks for your comment and fantastic rating! SP rocks my world! Nancy



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    Incredible!
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    This ws the first SparkPeople recipe I've tried. I'm not a great cook due to very little experience cooking, but this was easy. PLUS, it tasted fantastic! Mine had a wonderful underlying lemon taste that just popped. Even my 17 yr old loved it :) - 8/19/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (8/20/09)
    kertrats, i am pleased and honored by your comment. thank you very much for your feedback and posting! nancy



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    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    this sounds delish. i am not familiar with capers and have heard they they are to always be removed and discarded after used. Is this true? - 8/9/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (8/10/09)
    No, not necessarily. Capers are frequently served in meals of Mediterranean origin. I bet if you tried it, you'd like it! Please let me know. Thanks for reading and commenting! SparkPeople rocks myy world! Nancy



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    This photo isn't selling the recipe 😕 - 7/24/21


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    Happy! - 7/24/21


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    Nice recipe - 7/22/21


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    Good
    Tasty recipe. - 7/21/21


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    Very Good
    this is good but I also like dredging the tilapia is instant mashed potatoes - 1/28/21


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    Excellent fish reciepe - 1/9/21


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    Incredible!
    We loved it. - 1/6/21


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    Great idea - 3/18/20


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    Very Good
    tasty - 11/23/19


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    Okay, nothing special. - 6/24/19


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    Tasty - 2/25/19


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    Very Good
    Was good, but next time I would change a few of the ingredients to suit my taste - 8/2/17


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    Incredible!
    I followed the recipe exactly and ended up with a delicious main course. I would have licked the plate if it was socially acceptable to do so, it was that good. The blend of lemon and capers along with tilapia were perfect. Can I give this recipe six stars? - 7/2/14


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    Bad
    0 of 2 people found this review helpful
    I'm sorry but this was very gross. I thought I could make fish my family would like but husband and kids hated it. - 3/15/13


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    Incredible!
    This was quick & easy. The ingredients infused the Tilipia with wonderful flavor. My family really enjoyed this. Suffice it to say, this will definetely be added to my collection of recipes. I reccommend that you try it. Thanks for sharing this with us Nancy. - 3/13/13


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    Incredible!
    Excellent recipe and very easy. I wish I had made extra sauce but it was still yummy with just following the recipe as written. - 3/3/13


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    Incredible!
    This recipe elevates simple tilapia to a restaurant quality meal! After reading the other reivews, I doubled the ingredients for the sauce and served it over mashed cauliflower. Delicious - 1/30/13


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    Incredible!
    BF and I are in love! <3 Thank You! - 11/13/12


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    Incredible!
    I've made this with chicken a dozen times, but never thought about using fish. I'm not a big fish person, but have decided that it's healthy so I should eat it anyway, but hadn't found the recipe to break into that world - until now! Love the acidic lemon and briny capers! YUM - 9/21/12


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    Incredible!
    Great meal Nancy... My wife is not a fish kind of gal and after reviewing some of the other members comments, I convinced her that we needed to try. We thought it was fantastic! Thanks again for sharing! - 5/14/12

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (5/15/12)
    weed76, it's easy, versatile, and great for you! a lot of folk who aren't fish-lovers have found this recipe something they like, is easy to prepare, and go to again and again.....thanks for putting a big sparksmile on my face! nancy



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    Incredible!
    This was AWESOME! Best tilapia recipe I've ate yet! - 5/14/12


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    Yummy - 4/3/12

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (4/3/12)
    thanks so much for your feedback! it's sincerely appreciate it because SPARKERS ROCK MY WORLD!!! Nancy



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    Incredible!
    f'n awesome! and I HATE fish! lol
    gj nancy!
    - 1/20/12

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (9/22/12)
    your feedback is the best! ENJOY! nancy



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    Incredible!
    This was a great dish! I have never had Piccata anything before and I really enjoyed this dish. Will defintely be making it again. - 11/2/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    LMJ2874, thanks for the terrific compliment! Nancy



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    Incredible!
    delicious!!! thanks for sharing. I always struggle to find good tilapia recipes! - 9/13/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    i'm so pleased that you enjoyed the recipe! thank you for your feedback. Nancy



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    Made it last night and it was awesome. - 5/8/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    now THAT's what i call a review! thanks so much for trying and enjoying the dish! spark on! nancy



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    Very Good
    Yum! My husband loved it - I usually make my own version of chicken piccata, but was making tilapia and saw this - never thought of making a fish version. I ate half my fillet and saved the remaining half for lunch the next day. The only thing I omitted was the white wine, as I didn't have any. - 4/7/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    hey, you make it the way you want to, can, and feel like! that's what's so good about a flexible, friendly recipe! so glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your feedback! nancy



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    I used all of the sweet onion (so I could count onion as one of my veggies.) I love it. It seems to freeze well for lunches the next couple of days. I love the roasted veggie and brown rice with it. also awesome with some garlic flavored quinoa. - 4/5/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    boy, have u got some great ideas to compliment a main dish! do it up! thanks for tying the fish and for your input! nancy



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    Very Good
    I made this with veal - very good. Definitely a keeper - 4/1/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    thanks so much for your feedback! i'm so glad you enjoyed it!



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    Incredible!
    This was delicious and not all that difficult to make. Thanks for the great idea! - 3/1/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    excellent news! thanks for sharing your input. keep the spark strong! nancy



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    Incredible!
    I am going to make this tonight, with veal instead of fish and sadly no capers. It sounds delicious.

    ETA: Oh wow, this was delicious! Will definately make again! Thanks for posting it.
    - 2/9/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    FANGFACEKITTY, eat well and heartily. Your body will always thank you for it. I appreciate your kind words. thank you. nancy



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    Incredible!
    Absolutely delicious! The fish came out tender and flaky and with great flavor. Even my onion-hating youngest gobbled it up! I think I had my heat too high on the sauce, though, because when it was done, there was no liquid left. - 1/29/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    it doesn't take much heat to cook this fish. keep your eye on it. if necessary, you can always add a little more wine and let it cook down or add a small amount of chicken stock. keep on sparkin' because there's nothing no other place on the internet like this place! LUV IT! nancy



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    Incredible!
    I made this recipe tonight and I truly loved it. I used pollock fish instead of tilapia and served it with brown rice, sauted asparagus and a tomato & baby arugula salad. I while try chicken next time. This is a keeper and will be one of my favorites. Thank you Nancy for the recipe. - 1/29/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    WOW! u really have a great handle on how to plan and make good meals! YUM-O! thanks for your kindness. nancy



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    Very Good
    Fantastic! I had a hard time stopping at one helping...willpower prevailed! Will make again! - 1/24/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    willpower can only help! glad you liked the dish!



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    I made this tonight and it was so good!!! I served it with roasted eggplant . cauliflower, carrots,broc, Brown rice and butternut squash! Thanks !!! - 1/24/11

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    that meal sounds so healthy! keep up the good work and spark on! WE ARE WHAT WE EAT!!!! thanks for your review. nancy



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    Incredible!
    Absolute family favorite! We made it with flounder instead. You might have to add more chicken broth if it gets too concentrated - 12/21/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    you're comment is right on with the chicken broth if it needs a bit of liquid help. thanks and keep sparkin'! Nancy



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    Incredible!
    I would give this 10 stars, if I could! Fairly simple to make and sooooo delicious! I had trouble stopping at one helping! - 12/18/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    i hear that one, loud and clear! so glad you and yours enjoyed it. nancy



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    Incredible!
    Made this for my husband and I tonight, it was wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the great recipe! - 9/28/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    i'm so pleased you and your family enjoyed it. and it's so easy and healthy! nancy



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    Incredible!
    Made this tonite for dinner and it was delicious ! The whole family loved it. I put 2 tbsps butter because it said to add butter with the olive oil, and then again butter with the capers, garlic and parsley. Not sure if it should have been 1 tbspoon divided, but it was delicious ! Thanks again ! - 9/23/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    U did good! i split the butter up, too. so glad it came out well. thanks for your input! nancy



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    Incredible!
    Oh MY!! This is fantastic! I've had a hard time finding fish recipes that are truly flavorful--too often the marinade gets lost in cooking. But this is delicious AND low cal! I will definitely make it again! I served these with brown rice and zucchini with onions--what a treat! Thank you!! - 9/21/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    WOW! LUV your choice of side dishes, too! so glad you enjoyed the recipe. thanks! nancy



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    I noticed that in both steps 1 and 4 you mention adding butter. Do you add half at each step or is more than a tbsp used? - 8/28/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    split the butter up....that's what i do. hope it turned out ok and that you enjoyed it! nancy



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    Incredible!
    This is delish AND did not have to hear "fish again tonite?", instead, "...when are we having this again?" Thnx!! Really a 7 star dish :) - 6/3/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    wooohoooo! 7-star dish? u r 2 kind. thank you for your feedback and input. keep on sparkin'! nancy



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    Incredible!
    Yumm very nice I made it w/ chicken . Will be taking the leftovers for work. Served w/ brown rice and salad. - 6/2/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    sounds luscious! gotta love brown rice, huh? keep on sparkin'! best regards, nancy



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    Very Good
    This was quite good! I used a nut crust to cut down on carbs further, but it made an excellent meal for the whole family. - 5/28/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    hey, I want U to cook 4 me! great idea about the nut-crunch instead of whole wheat flour! i LOVE flexibility and creativity! keep the spark alive! nancy



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    Incredible!
    We had chicken piccata tonight and it was delicious with whole wheat linguine and a salad. I'd give this recipe 5 stars. Really enjoyed it. - 5/17/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    u r very kind. gotta love eating healthy, especially when it's so darn tasty! thank you! nancy



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    I'm going to make this on the weekend. It sounds fantastic. I am always looking for new ways to cook tilapia as it is my fave fish. I'll let you know how it goes! - 5/11/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    hope it all worked out well. keep the spark strong! nancy



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    Very Good
    This recipe was really good, not fishy tasting at all. I will be making this one again! Thanks!! - 4/28/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    awesome news! thanks for the compliment and i'm so glad you enjoyed it! keep on sparkin'! nancy



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    Nancy, I made this with the tilapia for myself & it was wonderful. I took a picture & it looked as good or better than what is served in a fine restaurant. My son & girlfriend are home for the holidays & I plan to make this for them. Thank you. - 3/18/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    holy moly! if this doesn't make my heart sing with joy, nothing will! thank you very much for this review. i'm so glad you and yours enjoyed it. spark on! nancy



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    Incredible!
    I made this tonight because my family was looking for something new. My kids and hubby were dying. They loved this recipe and even my 5 year old son who is autistic loved it, and he hates change! Thank you for giving us something different. - 3/13/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    ENCHANTRAA, your review made my day. i'm so pleased this gave you and your family something nutritious to share together. thank you. nancy



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    Incredible!
    Thanks for this receipe. I do the same thing with chicken and it love it. Never thought to use fish. I will try it and i know I will like it. Vicki - 3/6/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    luv your flexibility! hope all came out well and that you enjoyed the dish. thanks for trying! nancy



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    Incredible!
    Absolutely delicious, the whole family enjoyed it and it was very easy to prepare! Thanks - 2/4/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/18/11)
    hey, if the whole family enjoyed it, that sounds like a win-win to me! thanks for your feedback, and spark on! nancy



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    Incredible!
    FANTASTIC! I can't wait to try on chicken. My hub doesn't like capers, but he loved this. - 1/6/10

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (1/6/10)
    AWESOME! Music to my sparkears! Spread the word and share the spark! Best regards and kind wishes, Nancy



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    Sounds great. May try this tonight! - 11/11/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (11/11/09)
    I hope you do and please let me know what you think. I appreciate all feedback. Thanks and spark on! Nancy



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    havent tried it yet but oh yes i am gonna this weekend i bought the fish the other day wondered how i was gonna cook it so i looked here and urs was the first fish recipe i saw will let everyone know how it is thanks for the recipe - 10/16/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (10/19/09)
    Good job! I look forward to your comments. Thanks for spreading the spark! Nancy



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    sounds delicious - 9/16/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (9/16/09)
    Right you are, Monty68, it is! Please give it a try and let me know what you think. Thanks!



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    Incredible!
    Sounds wonderful, great for company get together. - 8/31/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (9/1/09)
    PSHORTYP, please let me know what you think of the dish after you make it. Thanks!



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    I am a big fish fan. We have fish every other day. And your recipe sounds great. I will definitely try it. - 8/27/09

    Reply from KEEPITMOVING (8/27/09)
    Thanks for your kind words. Please let me know what you think of it. I'm always looking for improvements. Nancy