Sweet and Spicy Oven "Blackened" Tilapia

Sweet and Spicy Oven "Blackened" Tilapia

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 medium to large tilapia fillets
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
2 tablespoons cumin
3 tablespoons brown sugar
Salt and pepper
1 lemon, cut in half

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Put oil and butter in a rectangular pan large enough to hold the tilapia without overlapping, and put it in the oven until the butter has melted. Tilt the pan until it is evenly coated.
2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, cumin and brown sugar.
3. Lightly salt and pepper both sides of the fillets. Lay them side by side in the buttery pan, then turn over so both sides are coated.
4. Generously sprinkle the tops with all of the brown sugar-spice mix, patting it in gently. Squeeze one lemon half over all.
5. Bake 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. Turn the oven to broil and, watching carefully, broil until the spice mixture starts to caramelize.
6. Serve with the remaining lemon half, cut into slices, as garnish.

Variation:
Vegetarian: use a block of tofu, gently pressed to remove excess water and sliced into four "fillets". Vegan: use vegan margarine in place of butter.