
A historical main dish from Favorite tested recipes of the members of Humboldt Park Chapter O.E.S and their friends (1900). Earthenware is best for the baking dish. Bast twice with sauce during baking.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
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For a two-pound slice pare five potatoes, cut in halves lengthwise, and boil ten minutes
place fish in a large shallow baking dish (earthenware is best)
surround with parboiled potatoes, cut side down
make a thin sauce with three scant cups of milk, four tablespoonsful each of butter and flour
season with salt and black pepper
place a bay leaf and sprig of parsley on fish
cover all with sauce and bake forty minutes, basting twice with sauce
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Baking fish surrounded by potatoes in milk sauce creates a gentle, moist cooking environment that prevents the delicate protein from drying out. The starch released from the parboiled potatoes thickens the sauce naturally while the cut sides absorb flavors. Basting twice redistributes moisture and browning compounds, ensuring even cooking and developing a subtle golden color on exposed surfaces without overcooking the fish's interior.
The potatoes can be parboiled up to 4 hours ahead, cooled, and refrigerated covered with damp paper towels. The milk sauce can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance and kept warm over low heat, whisking occasionally to prevent skin formation. Do not assemble the dish until ready to bake, as the fish will begin to cure in the salt.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fish will become more delicate and may flake apart. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Do not microwave, as this will toughen the fish.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The potatoes can be parboiled up to 4 hours ahead, cooled, and refrigerated covered with damp paper towels. The milk sauce can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance and kept warm over low heat, whisking occasionally to prevent skin formation. Do not assemble the dish until ready to bake, as the fish will begin to cure in the salt.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fish will become more delicate and may flake apart. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Do not microwave, as this will toughen the fish.