Lost Souls & Midian

The original recipe that started all of this, by Kinslayer

1 pound of fish--typically 4 cod, catfish, or haddock--filleted
1/4 cup of melted butter
1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried basil
1/2 teaspoon of ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon of crushed dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon of garlic
1/4 teaspoon of ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/8 teaspoon of ground sage

Thaw the fish if frozen (the Heldannic Confederation is mountainous & sub-arctic). Place an unoiled cast-iron skillet directly on the coals of the fire. Preheat the skillet until a drop of water sizzles, which may take up to five minutes.

Mix the seasonings together. Coat both sides of the fish with the butter by brushing or dragging. Coat the fish with the seasoning mix (some cooks again prefer dragging) & lightly tamp it in.

Add the coated fish fillets to the skillet. Carefully drizzle half of the remaining butter, or about 2-3 teaspoons, over the fish. Cook the fish about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, or until blackened. Turn the fish, carefully drizzle with the remaining butter, and continue cooking for another 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. The fish is done when the other side is blackened, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

An optional variation on this recipe is to use a sliced red pepper and onion, instead of ground/powdered. Sauté these in the skillet with a teaspoon of butter before placing the fish in the skillet.