Dad's Fried Crappie

My dad has been frying fish in this batter since at least the 1970's. The breading is somewhat sweet. We think it's important to use 7-up and Aunt Jemima pancake mix. A biscuit mix does not work!

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 7  ounces  lemon-lime flavored soda
• 1  cup  pancake mix
• 1  egg
• 1  teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1  lb  crappie, cleaned and deboned (or other whitefish)
• 1  cup flour, to flour fish
• 4  cups  vegetable oil (or more)

Directions

1. Cut fish into pieces no larger than 2 inches.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Flour fish in small batches in a Ziploc bag, then lay on a plate.
4. Allow fish to sit for 30 minutes.
5. Heat 3-4 inches oil in a medium saucepan on medium heat about 10-15 minutes.
6. Mix 7up, egg, pancake mix, and sugar.
7. Individually dip fish into batter and then gently place in oil.
8. Fry about 5 pieces at a time. Oil should be at a simmer when fish is cooking. Fry on both sides until golden.
9. Drain on paper towels.