Cheese Coated Smelt Food

PAN-FRIED SMELTS

Steps:

• Rinse the smelts thoroughly and pat dry. Place the bread crumbs, salt and pepper into a large resealable bag and shake to combine. Place the lemon juice into a shallow dish. Dip the smelts into the juice and then place in the bag with the dry mixture and shake until the fish are well coated. You can coat 2 to 3 fish at a time, depending on their size.
• Place enough peanut oil into a 12-inch cast iron skillet just to cover the bottom of the pan. Place over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the smelts to the pan, 4 to 5 at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly browned and cooked through.

CHEESE COATED SMELT

Steps:

• Butterfly smelts and flatten.
• Combine melted butter and garlic in flat dish.
• Combine rest of ingredients in bowl.
• Dip smelt in wet then into dry.
• Grease baking dish and place prepared smelts skin side down.
• Bake 450 degrees 8 mins or til browned.

BACON CHEESE MELT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to broil at 425°F.
• Heat a frying pan on the stove.
• Fry bacon strips until they are the desired doneness.
• Set aside bacon to cool and drain. place bread on a cookie sheet and broil for about 3 minutes until bread is lightly toasted.
• Turn bread slices over (use a tong) and sprinkle shredded cheese on top in a nice thick layer and broil for about 3 minutes until the cheese is nice and melted.
• Take the bread out of the oven and let cool for about 2 minutes.
• Next layer a slice of tomato, onion, pickle and lettuce on one side and place bacon on.
• You may want to add a little low fat mayo or mustard.
• Put together and enjoy!

FRIED SMELTS

Steps:

• Whisk together flour and salt in a pie plate. Dredge smelt in flour mixture, coating both the outside and cavity of the fish.
• Heat oil in a frying pan 1/4-inch deep over medium heat until hot. Place fish in the hot oil; fry until crisp and firm, 2 to 3 minutes each side. Remove fish with a slotted spoon; drain on a paper towel-lined plate.