"Wolfgang" wrote in message
O.k., here I am, the proud owner of a two pound plank which is
allegedly the flank of a former fish. What to do with it?

possibly too basic for you, but.......
first, you have to soak the alleged fish in cold water in a bowl for a
couple days(at least a day), changing water a few times(the more, the
better).

when fish is ready, simmer in a couple inches of water in a deep skillet,
for 10 minutes(if it starts breaking up, remove), remove fish, set aside,
removing skin and bones.
In another saucepan, cook a couple of finely chopped garlic cloves in olive
oil until lightly browned, and then, add
1 of the large cans of peeled plum tomatoes which have been drained and
chopped(better still, 3 cups of chopped fresh ones, but it may be too early
for good local ones up there), a teaspoon or so of oregano, some salt and
pepper. Simmer and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken a bit.
Add 6-8 basil leaves, fresh and chopped to the whole thing. Preheat oven to
400.
Put a thin layer of the sauce in a baking dish. Lay the fish over it in a
single layer, pour over rest of the sauce, sprinkle with olive oil and bake
for 30 minutes......this is
Baccala pizzaiola or some such, if I got the spelling right....
Tom
my wifes people make the stuff, I can take or leave it,
personally.