Fried Salted Cod

Baccalà is salted cod, a popular and often expensive delicacy in Italy. Ironically, this treat was originally a very economical way for poor Italians to preserve fish in days when fresh seafood was harder to come by. Because the Catholic Church discouraged the eating of meat on Christmas Eve, baccalà became one of the most popular holiday dishes. Even today, Italians grumble about having to reserve their salted cod weeks in advance, or else risk a baccalà-free Christmas. While this ingredie