6 small whole catfish, skinned and cleaned or fillets
1 c. yellow corn meal or bread crumbs
1 tsp. salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 egg
4 tbsp. milk
vegetable oil

Wash fish thoroughly under cold running water. Combine corn meal, salt and pepper. Beat egg with milk. Dip fish in the egg and milk mixture. Roll each piece of fish in corn meal mixture to coat thoroughly. Heat oil (2 to 3-inches) in deep fryer or Dutch oven to 375°F or heat oil 1 1/2 to 2 inches in heavy skillet until hot. Fry in deep fryer or skillet until golden brown on both sides, 5 to 8 minutes.

Yields 4 to 5 servings.