Pickled Smelt

Directions

1. 1
   Clean and cut smelt into bite-size pieces.
2. 2
   Mix 4 cups water and pickling salt for brine.
3. 3
   Put smelt into brine using plastic, glass, pottery or stainless steel container.
4. 4
   Let stand 48 hours. Rinse well with cold water; drain.
5. 5
   Cover smelt with vinegar and let stand 24 hours in a covered container.
6. 6
   Stir once or twice. Mix together 2 cups white vinegar, sugar and spices together in large saucepan.
7. 7
   Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and cool.
8. 8
   Drain vinegar from smelt.
9. 9
   Put fish into clean pint jars.
10. 10
    Include at least 1/2 sliced onion and lemon slices in each jar.
11. 11
    Pour cooled brine over smelt.
12. 12
    Fill jar within 1/2-inch of top.
13. 13
    Seal and refrigerate.
14. 14
    Sample after 2 weeks.