Where the natural flavour of this delicious fish can be retained it is
worth while potting them, and _vice versâ_. (See Note, No. 9.) From
half a pound to one and a half pounds weight each fish, will be the
best size for this preparation. Their freshness is insisted upon, or
better to let them alone. Scale your fish, cut off the heads, tails,
and fins, open them at the belly and wipe out clean, scatter good moist
sugar over the inside of the fish, and bring the sides of them together
again, pack them the backs downwards side by side, and let them lie
till the next day. Then take
Bay leaves, in fine powder 1 oz.
Laurel leaves, shred 1 oz.
Mace, in fine powder ½ oz.
Nutmeg, in fine powder 1 oz.
White pepper, in fine powder 2 oz.
Table salt, in fine powder 6 oz.
Mix these well together and season the fish plentifully inside and out
with it, lay them flat in a dish, cover with a coarse meal crust and
bake them in a slow oven. Pour off the gravy while warm and let the
fish remain till next day. Then cut your trout into pieces adapted to
your pots, fill them, and pour clarified butter over to cover well, and
if for long keeping at least an half inch thick above the fish. Next
day, if all seem firm and safe, paste writing paper over and put away
in a cool airy room.