MAKES 10 FRITTERS

These chewy fritters bear a close resemblance to hush puppies.

4 cups white corn meal
3 tbsp. sugar
2 1⁄2 tsp. salt
Vegetable oil for frying

1. Combine white corn meal, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add 1-2 cups boiling water, stirring with a wooden spoon, until batter holds together- it will be very sticky, so grease your hands with a little vegetable oil, then pat batter into rounds about 1" thick and 4" in diameter.

2. Heat 1⁄2" of vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add rounds, 2 or 3 at a time, and fry, turning once, until golden with a thick crust, about 4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with butter. Repeat procedure with remaining batter.