The Book of Household Management by Mrs. Beeton

329. Sprats should be cooked very fresh, which can be ascertained by

Chapter 339 79 words
their bright and sparkling eyes. Wipe them dry; fasten them in rows by a skewer run through the eyes; dredge with flour, and broil them on a gridiron over a nice clear fire. The gridiron should be rubbed with suet. Serve very hot. _Time_,--3 or 4 minutes. _Average cost_, 1d. per lb. _Seasonable_ from November to March. TO CHOOSE SPRATS.--Choose these from their silvery appearance, as the brighter they are, so are they the fresher. SPRATS FRIED IN BATTER.