Here is a great recipe for an Old Southern favorite, Fried Catfish. A traditional Southern fish fry would consist of fried catfish, Southern Cole Slaw, Hushpuppies, fries and a plate of fresh vegetables (green onions and sliced tomatoes). Of course you need a big pitcher of Southern Iced Tea to wash it all down.

Ingredients

* Catfish fillets (3 or 4 medium pieces per person) any firm fish may be used.
* 1 cup White Corn Meal (or yellow)
* 1/3 cup all purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 2 medium eggs
* 1/4 cup buttermilk
* Enough cooking oil to cover the fish (I use peanut or canola oil)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large, heavy frying pan over medium heat.
2. Combine all dry ingredients on a plate, mix well
3. Beat eggs and buttermilk together in a separate medium size bowl
4. Wash catfish fillets and pat dry.
5. Dip fillets in the egg wash, shake off excess then roll in the cornmeal mix to coat thoroughly on all sides.
6. Make sure oil is hot, (place handle of a wooden spoon in the oil. Bubbles should rise around the handle immediately. If not, the oil is not hot enough.)
7. Place the fish in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Do not crowd the fish in the pan.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot

If you bought fillets from the store they should be already deboned and skinned. If you have whole fish you should de-bone and skin the fillets before cooking. Catfish do not have a lot of bones, but biting into one really takes the enjoyment out of the meal. To de-bone simply pull out all the bones with a pair of pliers. It's quick and easy. You can also use the pliers to skin the fish. Just hold one end with a towel or stick a fork in it and pull the skin off with the pliers. It should come off in one piece.

You can use this catfish recipe for any type fish that is firm enough for frying. Soft, flaky fish does not fry well or develop a good crust. And for a change, use the same breading and broil the fish. It will not be as crispy but is quite good.