When the leaves begin to turn their bright fall colors and the brisk air ushers in autumn, the Oyster season in the Chesapeake Bay begins. Oysters are prepared every way imaginable, fried, roasted, grilled, steamed or simply eaten raw with a dash of hot sauce or lemon. Oysters may be fried either individually or using several bound together in batter, known as a fritter– this is a typical recipe for oyster fritters.
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 eggs
1 cup of milk
1 quart of shucked oysters and their liquor
vegetable oil
Using a whisk, beat the eggs in a small bowl. Add the milk and whisk until a bit frothy. In a second, larger bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Add in the egg mixture and mix until you have a smooth batter. Fold in the oysters and their liquor until they are evenly coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet until very hot. Ladle out 3 or 4 oysters and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 4 – 6 minutes. Remove and drain. Serve with tartar sauce or lemon slices and enjoy the first oyster harvest of the fall.
