April Fool’s originated in France and dates back to the mid-1500’s. The literal meaning is April Fish; however, in the 1500’s the saying and the custom of pranking may have had religious implications as the local leaders wished to do a minor adjustment with the community’s concepts and those who resisted were pranked with fish, such as fish put onto others’ backs. To this day the light-hearted custom is called Poisson d’avril, meaning April Fool’s and putting paper fish onto others’ backs is still widely accepted as a joke. It’s fun to follow the fun tradition with safe pranks. Poisson means fish is French; so, I like to fill the guest bath tub with plastic fish to unsuspecting dinner guests. For this occasion, only fresh fish will do to serve as an entrée. Try my Stuffed Founder recipe for a treat that will become a family tradition. Begin with fresh flounder (for every 2 people) and cut a pocket/pouch in the cleaned fish. Sauté a chopped half of an onion and 1 chopped bell pepper in butter. Stir in 1 cup of fresh soft bread crumbs. Add fresh crabmeat, salt, and pepper. Stuff the fish. Sprinkle the top of the fish with paprika and broil. It’s a beautiful presentation and foolishly fun! Happy Poisson d’avril. © Kelly McBride Loft