POTTED FISH.
(Mrs. Lincoln's Boston Cook Book, 1884)
Three shad or six small mackerel, uncooked; one third of a cup of salt with half a saltspoonful of cayenne pepper mixed with it, and half a cup of whole spices, — cloves, peppercorns, and allspice mixed in about equal proportions. Vinegar to cover.
Clean, remove the skin, split in halves, cut each half into three pieces, and remove all the larger bones. Pack the fish in layers in a small stone jar. (Earthenware must not be used on account of the vinegar.)
Sprinkle the salt and spices over each layer. Add one onion sliced thin, if you do not dislike the flavor. Add vinegar enough to completely cover the fish.
Tie a thick paper over the top, or tie a cloth over and cover with a crust of dough to keep in all the steam.
Bake in a very moderate oven five or six hours. Remove the dough-crust, and when cooled cover, and keep in a cool place.
This will keep some time, if the fish be kept under the vinegar; the bones will be dissolved, and it makes an excellent relish for lunch or tea.
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