Smelt spareribs

[Dave the Cook]

I once choked on a rack of 'em.

[Al_Dente]

mmmm, Frenched Rack of Smelt...

[Dave the Cook]

mmmm, Frenched Rack of Smelt...

Do you have a source for the little panties that go on the ends? I'm tired of making 'em myself.

[slkinsey]

mmmm, Frenched Rack of Smelt...

Do you have a source for the little panties that go on the ends? I'm tired of making 'em myself.

The "little panties?" You mean, make your own thongs?

Mrs. The Cook is one lucky woman. At least, I assume you're not making them for yourself...

[Dave the Cook]

mmmm, Frenched Rack of Smelt...

Do you have a source for the little panties that go on the ends? I'm tired of making 'em myself.

The "little panties?" You mean, make your own thongs?

Mrs. The Cook is one lucky woman. At least, I assume you're not making them for yourself...

Oy. Slang for those frilly chop holder things like you sometimes get on rack of lamb. Making them for smelts is a bitch.

There's no need to bring Mrs. Dave into this. Or make her suspicious. Really. Don't go there. Please.

[Huevos del Toro]

You’re just too funny!

I used to net smelt from the Cowlitz river (SW Washington state, Castle Rock) back in the 50’s. I remember having to empty some of the net because it was too heavy to pull in. They are wonderful just floured and pan fried. We also converted an old refrigerator into a smoker. We put a hot plate in the bottom with a pan of wood chips. We hung each individual smelt from the wire shelves. Wonderful flavor!!!

I remember looking up the smelt catch in the Cowlitz over the years and it peaked at exactly the time I was netting them. It’s fallen off considerably now.