Sen. Ron Johnson On ISIS, The Wisconsin Fish Boil, Summer Ain’t What It Used To Be

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time

The United States began its airstrikes against militant group ISIS in Iraq two weeks ago. This week Senator from Wisconsin Ron Johnson has been touring the state to warn Wisconsinites about the threat the group poses to the U.S. We hear what he says that threat is. Then we take a look at how summer has changed in the age of non-stop tech and information and then settle down and enjoy a Friday fish boil.

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  • How To Create A Home Fish Boil, Minus The Flames

    There are many ways to cook a fish, but few involve buckets of fuel oil and hissing fireballs.

    Such are the elements that make a Door County fish boil a singular culinary event. County native Dan Peterson, a master boiler, learned the art that originated in the area from his father when he was only 9 years old.

    “Back then they did it in a washtub with wire crimped together,” said Peterson.

    Things have come a long way since then. Today, visitors to Door are awed by the spectacle of boiling cauldrons and leaping flames. But according to Peterson, who presides over the boil at the Viking Grill in Ellison Bay, this is not something to attempt at home.

    “You certainly don’t want to do a boilover on your stove — at least not before you call the fire department first,” said Peterson.

    Fortunately for fish lovers, Peterson, a 50-year veteran of traditional fish boiling, has some recommendations for re-creating a fish boil at home that won’t trigger a visit from the bucket brigade. He recommends using a chili pot and adding, in order, salt, potatoes, onions and the fish (see recipe below).

    Peterson says the whole process takes about 24 minutes. The fish itself only boils for about 10 minutes.

    “You know it’s almost ready when the fish starts to float,” he said. “Prepared properly, it’s a meal that people will remember.”


    At Home Fish Boil

    Recipe by Dan Peterson, master boiler at the Viking Grill in Ellison Bay, Door County.

    Serves 8

    16 chunks of whitefish (2-foot slices)

    16 small red potatoes (ends cut off)

    16 small white onions (peeled)

    1/2 lb. salt

    2 gal. water

    Add 1/4 lb of salt to water and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and boil for 16 minutes. Add onions and boil for 4 minutes more. Add fish and another 1/4 lb salt, boil for 10 minutes and drain into a colander. Serve with melted butter, lemon and coleslaw.

    Enjoy the dish with iced tea or your favorite beer.

  • Senator Ron Johnson Is Warning Wisconsinites About ISIS

    U.S. Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin toured the state on Wednesday raising awareness about the threat the militant group ISIS poses to the United States. Also on Wednesday U.S. officials confirmed the authenticity of a video showing the beheading of American journalist James Foley by a member of ISIS. Sen. Ron Johnson joins Central Time to discuss what he thinks the U.S. response to the group should be.

  • Food Friday: How To Create A Home Fish Boil

    Anyone who’s experienced a Fish Boil will likely never forget it: the flames; the seething cauldron of salt water. A 50-year veteran of the Door County Fish Boil shares how to create a home-made version – minus the flames!

  • Were You Too Plugged In This Summer?

    Around this time of year we often ask ourselves, “Where did the summer go?” Our guest says too many of us may have “twittered away” our summer, rather than having trurly lived in the moment. We ask if that was true for you this year, and we invite your reflections on summer.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Cynthia Schuster Host
  • Marika Suval Producer
  • Galen Druke Producer
  • Cynthia Schuster Producer
  • Dan Peterson Guest
  • Ron Johnson Guest
  • Danny Heitman Guest

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