In honor of the legendary singer/songwriter Pete Seeger’s wish for a cod cake
for his 90th birthday, here’s what Mrs. Lydia Child, a New Englander herself
(albeit during the early 19th Century) and the author of numerous books,
including The American Frugal Housewife (Boston, 1833), said
about preparing such treats:
Salt fish mashed with potatoes, with good butter
or pork scraps to moisten it, is nicer the second day
than it was the first. The fish should be minced very fine,
while it is warm. After it has got cold and dry,
it is difficult to do it nicely.There is no way of preparing salt fish for breakfast,
so nice as to roll it up in little balls, after it is mixed
with mashed potatoes; dip it into an egg, and fry it brown.
I sincerely hope Mr. Seeger’s wish for a cod cake was granted!
