Foil cooking is healthy, forgiving

Individual packets work equally well on grill, oven

Social media tell me that in part of the U.S., kids are already back-to-school. And so we are teetering between the lazy days of summer and the impending promise of crisp cool air, long sleeves and the desire to fire down the grill and turn on the oven instead.

This is the perfect time to talk about one of my favourite shoulder-season cooking strategies: the foil pack. Place thinly sliced veggies with a little marinade or vinaigrette (even store-bought will work) in a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil and fold shut into a packet, pinching the edges, and this handy little guy will be equally delicious whether cooked on the grill if you have a hot fall day, or in the oven, if you’re already in pumpkin latte weather.

Add some fish or chicken, and you’ll have a full meal, all packaged and pretty in individual servings, a presentation that thrills dinner-party guests and kiddos alike. Foil packet cooking is healthy — little fat is needed to accomplish tender, flavourful results.

And, packet-cookery is incredibly forgiving — you (almost) can’t overcook a foil packet. A few minutes extra in the oven won’t ruin packet-fish as it would dry out a fillet cooked on the stovetop, grill or even just roasted directly in the oven. I appreciate that kind of weeknight-meal flexibility.

Try my foil-pack fish tacos to master some of the basics, like layering the ingredients in order of how quickly they cook — the bottom will cook more quickly since it will be touching a direct heat source.

Fish tacos are an excellent summertime favourite to take with us into colder weather. I love using Alaska cod because not only is it full of healthy fats (which feed my brain, heart and make me feel full), but it’s available frozen year-round. And these packets do great with frozen fish — no need to thaw before making.

Foil-Pack Fish Tacos

Start to finish: 30 minutes Makes: Four servings

Juice of 1 lime

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp granulated garlic

1/4 tsp kosher salt

4 fillets of Alaskan cod, frozen

1 yellow onion, sliced thinly

2 sweet peppers, sliced thinly

Spicy slaw topping:

2 cups chopped or sliced cabbage

1/4 cup plain Greek lowfat yogurt

1 Tbsp mayonnaise

1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder

1 Tbsp lime juice

1 chopped green onion

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• chopped tomatoes, for garnish (optional)

• salt and pepper 8 corn tortillas, for serving

• Cubed avocado, for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, mix together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin and granulated garlic. Cut four 12-inch-by-12-inch pieces of heavy duty foil. Dip the fish into the marinade and set aside.

Toss the onion and peppers in the marinade to coat, and divide among the foil squares. Place the fish on top of the onions and peppers. Then, toss the tomatoes into the marinade and place on top of the fish, along with any remaining marinade. Close the foil up into packets, crimping the edges together.

Place on a baking sheet and bake until fish is cooked through and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. (Subtract 10 minutes if using fresh fish).

Meanwhile, mix together the ingredients for the spicy slaw topping. Serve one foil packet per person, with corn tortillas, slaw for topping and avocado if desired.