Cod Brandade Au Gratin

Place the cod in a bowl and cover with cold water. Place in the refrigerator and let soak for at least 12 hours. Change the water several times during the soaking process.

Drain the cod, place in a saucepan, cover with milk, and bring to a boil. Cover and turn off the heat. Let the fish sit covered on the stove-top for 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fish to a cutting board. Reserve the milk. Remove the skin from the fish. Then flake the fish into pieces with a fork. Remove any bones.

Preheat the oven to broil.

In a food processor, puree the fish with 250 ml (approximately 1 cup) of the fish-milk, half of the oil, the garlic, and the lemon peel. Add the remaining oil and then gradually add as much milk as needed until the mixture reaches about the consistency of fluffy mashed potatoes. Season with lemon juice and pepper.