The poor cod is a small bony fish resembling smelt and treated in the same way as whiting. Very similar to the capelin of northern waters.
Beefsteak mushroom. It may be sliced and fried like liver, or eaten raw with a salad, when it should be cut into thin strips, soaked in salted water, drained and then dressed with a vinaigrette.
Monkfish (US: angler fish). A fish with a sweet flavour and succulent firm flesh but with the ugliest appearance imaginable. It is found in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, in coastal waters of north western Europe. It can be recognised by its large head and fan-shaped fins. The fins and the operculum are spiny. It can be eaten fried or in soup. The larger fish often have better flavour. It has a hideous head, which is why it is usually displayed without it, and a muddy colour. It is known as the anglerfish as it bears on its head a 'rod' and 'lure' which attract its prey. The meat of the tail is sweet and succulent - almost like lobster meat, entirely compensating for is appearance. The flavour may well be assisted by its own diet which is high in shellfish. The best monkfish are Lophius piscatorius and the similar Lophius budegassa, the favourite of the Spanish. American monkfish or goosefish (Lophius americanus) is considered inferior, while New Zealand monkfish (Kathetostoma giganteum) is related to the stargazer and is only fit for soup.
Popcorn is made from small, hard, dried kernels of corn which, when heated, explode and invert. The lid should be kept firmly on, or the corn would pop all over the room. This is a popular treat at the cinema though I must say that, when I hear talk of the explosion of obesity currently a topic of horror, I glance at the bucket loads of popcorn people munch their way through as they sigh over "The English Patient" and think that might be the answer.
The ruff (US: ruffe) or pope is a fish. I am finding it difficult to describe this fish. Some describe it as a freshwater fish found in temperate regions of Europe and northern Asia, similar to the walleye of the Great Lakes. Here the introduction of the fish has been disastrous, damaging to local populations. Predators have been introduce and poisons specific to this fish are being investigate to try to eradicate it. The ruff is usually 4-6 inches (10 - 25 cm) in length and will never exceed 10 inches, but is a very aggressive fish for its size. The ruffe also has a large, spiny dorsal fin likely distasteful to its predators. Others describe it as a small freshwater European perch, which sounds a friendlier fish altogether. Perhaps in its own native waters the balance has meant that it does not require to be aggressive. Could you send details (and a picture) to queries@whatamieating.com if you know more?
Usually found growing in clumps under poplar trees, from which many of the names of this mushroom are derived. Good to eat in risotti, in sauces or preserved in vinegar.
Macadamia nut. A white nut with oily texture which originated in Australia. IT has the appearance of a large hazelnut.
