Baked Smelt

Directions

1. 1
   Clean smelt.
2. 2
   Soak in salt water overnight in refrigerator; rinse.
3. 3
   Preheat oven to 350°F.
4. 4
   Pour boiling water over smelt and allow to stand for five minutes.
5. 5
   Place the fish in a baking pan.
6. 6
   Place a thin slice of bacon over each fish (if large) or a generous covering (if small).
7. 7
   Sprinkle with pepper as desired; add beef stock and bake in a moderate oven 20 minutes or until fish are cooked through.