BOSTON BAKED SCROD WITH A CRUNCH

Steps:

• FOR THE TOPPING: Adjust one oven rack to the upper-middle position (about 6 inches from heat source) and the second rack to the middle position; heat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Pulse the bread in the workbowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade until processed into fairly even 1/4-inch pieces about the size of Grape-Nuts cereal, about ten 1-second pulses.
• Spread the crumbs evenly on a rimmed baking sheet; toast on the lower rack, shaking the pan once or twice, until golden brown and crisp, 4-5 minutes.
• Toss together the bread crumbs, parsley, salt & pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
• FOR THE SCROD: Increase the oven setting to broil.
• Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat until the foaming has subsided.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the shallot and garlic and saute until slightly softened, about 1 minute.
• Remove the pan from the heat, add the lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper.
• Swirl to incorporate.
• Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
• Season the scrod liberally with salt and pepper.
• Fold the thin tailpieces in half to increase their thickness.
• Place the fillets in a shallow 9 by 13-inch casserole dish and pour the melted butter mixture over.
• Broil until the fish is completely opaque when gently flaked with a paring knife, 14 to 15 minutes.
• Baste the fish with the pan drippings and top with the bread crumbs.
• Continue broiling until the crumbs are golden brown, about 1 minute.
• Using a metal spatula, transfer the fish to individual plates and pour the basting juices around the edges of the fish (not on top, or the bread crumbs will become soggy).
• Serve immediately.