DEEP-FRIED STRAWBERRIES

Deep-Fried Strawberries

1 cup pancake mix
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
24 large strawberries
Vegetable oil
Sherry Sauce (recipe follows)

Combine pancake mix and milk, stirring well. Dip strawberries in batter and deep fry in hot oil (375 degrees F) until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Serve strawberries immediately with Sherry Sauce. Yield: 2 dozen.

Sherry Sauce
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon plus 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup sherry

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and sherry, stirring until cornstarch dissolves. Gradually stir cornstarch mixture into hot sugar mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sauce is smooth and thickened.

Yield: About 3/4 cup.