Deep-fried Tog Macadamia Nut Fingers

[tautog]

Good for tog, jumbo sea bass or porgies.

2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
3 cups fresh papaya, diced
1 cup, plus 1 teaspoon, granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh mint or spearmint, chopped
1/8 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon chili sauce
2 eggs, beaten
1 green onion, minced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sherry
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Salt
Freshly ground white pepper
3 pounds tog fillets, cut into 2 by 3-inch pieces
2 cups of flour
3 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, minced
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
Vegetable oil for deep frying

In a saucepan, combine the pineapple, papaya and 1 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer, stirring every 5 minutes to avoid scorching, for 1 hour or until mixture reaches jam consistency. Cool. Divide papaya mixture into 3 bowls. Fold in fresh mint to one bowl, horseradish to another and chili sauce to the third. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sherry, remaining teaspoon of sugar and cornstarch. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper. In a large mixing bowl, marinate the tog "fingers" in the marinade for 10 minutes. Drain. Season the flour with salt and pepper. Dip the fish pieces in the seasoned flour and then the egg. In a mixing bowl combine the panko bread crumbs and the macadamia nuts. Mix well. Dip the fish in the macadamia nut mixture. Coat well.

In a wok or deep, heavy kettle, heat 2 1/4 to 3 inches of oil on medium-high heat until it registers 365 degrees F on a deep fry thermometer. Fry fish fingers a few at a time until golden. Drain briefly on paper towels and serve with the tropical marmalade.

Yield: 8 servings