The salted cod is cut and soaked first in water for about 2 days prior to using.
Bolinhos de bacalhau (mini cod cakes) are an absolute must especially on Christmas Eve when fish dishes reign supreme. I grew up making them with my mom and it's now a tradition I continue with my own daughter. I love them and lucky for me she does as well. As soon as they're out of the fryer she insists on eating the first one on the tray. Actually, once everyone starts to arrive on Christmas Eve I start frying them right away so it's generally the first hot hors d'oeuvre I serve up. No sooner am I removing them with a slotted spoon from the pan and placing them on the platter do they start to disappear. This is why I try to make a big batch in hopes of having leftovers...but rarely do I ever have them. Time to buy more for New Years Eve!
