According to legend, or as any Portuguese housewife and cook will tell you, there are more than 365 ways to prepare balcalhau, Portuguese salt cod. Here is one traditional way easily prepared in American kitchens.

2 pounds salt cod
1 T butter
2 pounds potatoes, sliced
1 C onions, chopped
1/2 C bread crumbs

garnish:
1/4 olives, chopped
2 hardboiled eggs, sliced

Put the cod into a saucepan with cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes or until fish is tender.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 1-1/2 quart casserole with the butter. Arrange a layer of potatoes, then half the cod, then half the onions. Sprinkle with a little pepper, and repeat layering. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top layer. Bake for 15 minutes, or until heated through and lightly browned. Before serving, garnish with olives and eggs, and sprinkle with parsley.