To Boil Cod Fish

Ingredients

• 1 whole cod fish
• 5 ounces salt
• 0.25 ounce saltpetre
• cold water
• liver and roe
• horseradish
• oyster sauce
• plain melted butter

Instructions

1. Wash the fish thoroughly and cleanse the inside and back-bone with scrupulous care.
2. Lay the fish into the fish-kettle and cover it well with cold water mixed with five ounces of salt to the gallon and about a quarter of an ounce of saltpetre to the whole.
3. Place it over a moderate fire and clear off the scum perfectly.
4. Let the fish boil gently until it is done (20 to 30 minutes for moderate size; 1/2 to 3/4 hour for large).
5. Drain the fish well by setting the fish plate across the kettle for a minute or two.
6. Dish it carefully upon a very hot napkin with the liver and the roe as a garnish.
7. Add tufts of lightly scraped horseradish round the edge.
8. Serve with well-made oyster sauce and plain melted butter, or anchovy sauce if oysters cannot be procured, or the cream sauce from Chapter V.