DEEP-FRIED SAGE LEAVES

Ingredients:

• 36 Whole sage leaves
• -- washed and dried
• Hot oil for deep frying
• -- to depth of 1 inch
• -----BATTER-----
• 1 c Lager beer
• 2/3 c All-purpose flour
• Salt & pepper -- to taste
• 1 Egg white -- at room temp.

Preparation:

• Select whole, unblemished sage leaves with stems left on, for easy handling.
• Combine beer, flour, salt and pepper in small bowl until smooth.
• Batter should have the consistency of cream soup.
• Let stand at room temperature at least 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, beat the egg white until it is fairly stiff but not dry.
• Fold into batter. Dip whole sage leaves in batter to coat both sides. Deep-fry in hot oil or shortening until crisp and golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels, serve.