Harriet Hiller's Gefilte Fish

makes 44-46 pieces

6 1/2 lbs. skinned and boned whitefish - ground
3 1/2 lbs. skinned and boned pickerel - ground
2 salmon heads and the bones from one 1 salmon

Fish Stock (make a day ahead)
Rinse bones and heads, then place in 2 cheesecloth parcels and tie with thread.

Fill each of 2 stock pots with the following:
2 large onions, sliced and wrapped in separate cheesecloth parcels
2-3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 tbsp. Kosher salt
1 tbsp. white pepper
2 1/2 to 3 qts. cold water
1 cheesecloth parcel with bones

Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes. Cool, then remove parcels of heads, bones, and onions. Gently squeeze liquid from parcels into stockpots. Discard parcels.

Reserve carrots.

To make the fish:
In a blender, puree 3 eggs (or 1 yolk and 3 whites), 1 onion (chopped), 1 1/2 tbsp. Kosher salt, 3/4 tbsp. white pepper and 1 tbsp. sugar. Set aside and repeat to yield 2 batches.

Divide fish evenly into 2 large mixing bowls. Add one batch of the pureed egg mixture into each bowl. Mix contents well, adding 1/3 to 1/2 cup ice water to each bowl.

Shape batter into ovals using damp hands to prevent sticking. Each bowl should make 22-23 pieces. Gently drop fish balls into boiling stock evenly distributed between 2 pots.

When all fish balls are in stock, lower heat to simmer and cook gently for about 2 hours. Cool, then transfer to a container with liquid and carrots. Refrigerate for 2 days before serving. Garnish each piece with a slice of carrot and serve with horseradish.

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