Fried Oysters

ingredients

• Batter
• 1 1/2 cups bleached all-purpose, high-gluten flour
• 1 1/4 cups cold water
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
  1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda & 1 1/2 cups molasses
  1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda & 3 cups sour milk/buttermilk/yogurt
  1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda & 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 1/4 quarts peanut oil
• 20 medium-size fresh oysters, opened, removed from shells, patted dry, dusted with flour

directions

Combine all batter ingredients in a bowl and reserve.

Heat wok over high heat for 1 minute. Pour in peanut oil, heat to 375 degrees. Dip each oyster into the batter until well coated. When a wisp of white smoke appears, lower oysters into oil. Deep-fry 5 at a time until light brown, about 3 minutes. Remove oysters, place in strainer, drain over a bowl.

Deep-fry last batch to a golden brown, about 4 minutes. Place cooked oysters back in oil for 2 minutes more so they become golden brown. During frying, always control heat. You may need to lower if oysters brown too much, or raise if they cook too slowly.