Pan-Fried Smelts
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 eggs
2 tbsp water
1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
2 pounds smelts, pan-dressed
1/2 cup salad oil
2 tbsp butter or margarine
lime or lemon wedges for garnish
On waxed paper, combine flour, salt and pepper. In pie plate with fork, beat eggs with water. Onto second sheet of waxed paper, pour breadcrumbs.
Using tongs, coat fish one by one. Dip each first in flour mixture.
Then dip each fish in egg mixture, then coat well in breadcrumbs.
Place coated fish on a rack over another sheet of waxed paper. Let dry 30 minutres.
In 12-inch skillet over medium heat, heat oil and butter. Fry the fish a few at a time, turning them after they have fried for 2 minutes.
Still over medium heat, fry smelts 2 minutes longer on other side or just until flesh flakes easily when tested with fork.
Remove cooked smelts onto warm platter and keep hot until all fish are cooked. Garnish with lime or lemon wedges.
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