Fish and Chip Batter Mix

Many years ago, back when we had no money, yet no responsibilities either, my husband and I drove out to Nova Scotia to camp and hike on the Cabot Trail. It was an amazing place and an amazing time and one day along the way we stopped in a little restaurant for lunch. It was there that I had my first taste of fish and chips.

Blame a childhood of picky eating, but up until recently, I had refused to touch fish. But in spirit of the local cuisine, and starving from all the exercise, I ended up trying this famous dish and was pleasantly surprised. It was so crispy! So filling! So delicious with a slice of lemon wedge. There was nothing fishy about it.

Of course, when you first taste a food in its optimal setting (mere feet from the sea it was caught in), it never tastes quite as good again. Until last night that is, when I decided to experiment in my Mix It Up kitchen....

Fish and Chip Batter Mix (makes enough to coat 8-10 pieces of fish)

1 cup flour
1/2 cup corn flour
1/4 cup corn starch
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika

What else you'll need

1 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar

I knew I only needed to make 4 pieces of fish last night, so I divided the dry mix in half and made a half batch of batter (using half the water and vinegar to make it as well). Combine the dry ingredients and then stir in the water, then vinegar until smooth. Leave the bowl in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to thicken and chill once it's mixed.

Once the batter is chilled, coat each piece of fish heavily by dipping it in the batter and fry for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and fish is cooked all the way through inside.

Set each piece of fish on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Serve with french fries, ketchup and lemon wedges. I made home cut fries to go with mine as well as homemade ketchup (which is actually another great mix coming soon!).

This was by far the BEST battered fish I had ever eaten, including out East where the fish was so fresh it practically swam to my plate. Even though I used frozen sole from Costco, it was the most crispy, delicious perfect fish ever. I'm so excited that there is another half batch of mix sitting in my cupboard. I know it won't last the week!