Ingredients
– 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6-8 ounces each)
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
– 1 lemon (half for juice and half sliced thinly)
– 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced fine as a summer’s breeze
– A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (with a few spares for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Preheat your dear oven to 400 degrees F. That’s where the warmth begins.
2. Pat the cod fillets dry with the gentle touch of an old kitchen towel, and lay them in a greased baking dish as if tucking them into bed.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, a good squeeze of lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic, giving it love until it’s mixed as well as a community at harvest time.
4. Drizzle your lovingly prepared mixture over the cod, ensuring each piece is flavored with care.
5. Season the fish with salt and pepper as you would season a story – just enough to enhance, never to overwhelm.
6. Place your thin lemon slices atop the cod like the final patch in a quilt, both for beauty and a zesty bite.
7. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes tenderly with a fork. Use that time to reflect or prepare a side—whatever your heart compels.
8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately, for warmth is found not just in taste, but in timeliness.

Variations & Tips
– Should winter’s chill be upon us, a splash of white wine in the baking dish before cooking can bring in a hint of warmth and complexity.
– If your roots or mood call for a bit more robustness, a sprinkling of paprika over the cod before baking can marry well with the delicate flavors.
– For those avoiding dairy, a touch of good-quality dairy-free butter can do the trick without losing the richness we crave.
– And always remember, the freshest fish and the most heartfelt cooking will bring the best to your table.