FIERY FRIED BUFFALO OYSTERS BITES

FIERY FRIED BUFFALO OYSTER BITES
2 pts. Fresh select oysters, drained
2 c. buttermilk
1 c. flour
½ c. yellow cornmeal
1 t. paprika
2 t. garlic powder
2 t. dried oregano
2 t. ground red pepper
1 t. dried mustard
1 t. salt
1 t. black pepper
Vegetable oil
½ c. melted butter
½ c. Tabasco
2 T. fresh lemon juice
Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing
Celery sticks

1. Combine oysters and buttermilk in large shallow dish or zip lock bag.
2. Cover and seal for at least 2-4 hours.
3. Drain well.
4. Combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper, dried mustard, salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Dredge oysters in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
6. Pour oil to 1” depth in Dutch oven and heat to 370.
7. Fry oysters in batches, 3 minutes or until golden. Drain on paper towel.
8. Stir together melted butter, Tabasco and lemon juice.
9. Pour evenly over the hot fried oysters.
10. Serve with Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing and celery sticks on side.
    *Oysters are a bit spicy but the dressings help cool it down a bit.