ingredients for preparation :

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 (8-ounce) flounder fillets
Salt and pepper
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths
1 (5.5-ounce) box garden vegetable risotto mix (recommended: Buitoni)
1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers
1/2 cup alfredo pasta sauce, store bought
Fresh basil, for garnish (sprinkle gratuitously)

Cooking Recipe:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Pour oil into a 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Arrange fish over oil, folding the ends under the middle to create little pockets. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper. Roast for 5 minutes. Add asparagus to dish and roast for 5 to 7 minutes longer. Remove from oven and keep fish warm. Remove asparagus and reserve.

Prepare risotto mix according to package directions, and add asparagus. Meanwhile, puree roasted peppers and alfredo sauce in a blender; transfer to a small saucepan and let simmer (low fire) . Serve fish topped with sauce and accompanied by asparagus risotto. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs.

1/3 cup canola oil, plus 2 teaspoons for sheet pan
1 side of salmon (approximately 3 pounds), pin bones removed
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon whole coriander, toasted
1 tablespoon whole fennel seed, toasted
1 teaspoon whole cumin seed, toasted
1 whole star anise pod
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cooking Recipe:

Rub sheet pan with the 2 teaspoons of oil and place side of salmon in pan. Salt and pepper salmon. Set aside.

Add coriander, fennel seed, cumin seed, star anise, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne pepper to a blender. Turn blender on high and process until whole spices become powder. With blender running, pour in 1/3 cup canola oil and blend until well combined. Stop blender to brush down sides of container, if necessary.

Brush salmon with spice mixture. Allow salmon to sit at room temperatare for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to the high broiler setting. Place salmon in the oven 6-inches from broiler. Cook until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 131 degrees F. This will take approximately 15 minutes, but will vary with different ovens. Remove from oven (either gas or electric makes no difference) and let rest for 10 minutes, and then serve immediately. Note that the internal temperature of the fish will a rise a little as carry-over cooking occurs.