Gifilte Fish From a Jar

Have fish man grind: 5 lbs.fish filets-equal amounts; white fish and pike;and a small amount of carp or buffle carp; In a large kettle: heads,bones,and trimmings of fish; 3 onions,sliced; 1 celery stalk,sliced; 2 large carrots,sliced; water to cover; salt to taste; white pepper to taste; Bring to boil. While this is simmering prepare the fish. Combine in Food Processor: 1 onion; 4 eggs; add mixture to: ground fish; 2 tbs.matzo meal ; salt to taste; white pepper to taste; 1/4 cup water; Shape fish mixture into balls. I used to do this by hand; chopping in a large wooden bowl with a hack messer. Be CARFUL, you don't want mush but distinct tiny peices. Take another pan; and layer the beets on the bottom; some sliced carrots, onions, fish; repeat with everything but the beets. end eith some carrots. Pour the broth from the OTHER kettle over the fish. Simmer,covered for 2 hours. When cool,remove fish balls to platter and garnish with sliced cooked carrots. Strain broth and chill. Serve with jellied fish broth and fresh ground horseradish. NOTE: The beets are unusal but my Mom and Bubbe ALWAYS used them. They do two things; keep the fish from 'catching' on the bottom and give the broth a ruby red color; but not the fish; they remain white.

I have never served it with anything but plain freshly grated horseradish.

Elaine Radis, Prodigy Food & Wine Board