Provided the fish are fresh we shall not refuse any size for this
purpose, from nine ounces to a pound each. They must be divested of
their skins, heads, tails, and fins, and opened at the belly from the
head down to the tail end. Clear all rubbish away, and at once wash
them a minute or two in salt and water, and dry with cloths. Dust best
flour over them and put them away, while you prepare a pickle of
Bay leaves, shred 1½ oz.
Laurel leaves 1½ oz.
Marjorum 2 oz.
Thyme 1 oz.
For ten pounds of eels:
Bay salt or rock 1½ lb.
Coarse sugar ½ lb.
Porter ½ pint
Beer ½ pint
Lay your fish in a deep dish, previously cut into pieces three inches
long, or less, according to shape of your pots; with alternate layers
of seasoning, cover all close down and let lie twenty-four hours, and
if thick somewhat longer. When all are pickled, wash them through salt
and water, dry with cloths, and dusting them with flour, fry them in
boiling olive oil a nice brown colour, and put them as done to drain
and get cold. Next day lay a pinch of crushed or shred chillies inside
each piece of fish, and lay them into white pots, cover well with best
butter clarified, and all over the tops thickly. Replenish next day if
any has been absorbed, and make all safe with bladder. These will be
much liked with wine.