Fried Calamari

Another one from Alton Brown, but a favorite of mine.
2 quarts oil for frying
1 pound squid, tubes and tentacles
1 egg
1 cup ice water
1 cup all-purpose flour
Salt & pepper

Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet until it reaches about 375 degrees.
Rinse the squid thoroughly and pat dry. Cut the tentacles in half lengthwise and the tubes into 1/2-inch rings. Set aside.
Place the egg, water and flour into a bowl and whisk thoroughly to combine. In small handfuls, dip the squid in the batter and shake off the excess. In batches, gently lower the squid into the hot oil. Cook for 1 minute. The squid will not be browned, but lightly golden in color. Remove the squid and transfer to a cooling rack turned upside down set over a newspaper-lined sheet pan. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Repeat until all of the squid is cooked. Serve immediately.

*I was so excited to find squid at my local fish market! And cheap too! Evan and I have calamari as a treat every now and again, but it is so easy to make at home. Don't be afraid of those little tentacles, they are just as tasty as the tubes! If you are not familiar with cleaning a squid, have your fish monger do it for you, or buy the squid already cleaned. Otherwise, here is a perfect demonstration of how to clean a squid the proper way. I know squid is not for everybody, but I encourage you to at least try it. If not, this recipe also works with shrimp. Just cook the shrimp for 3 minutes instead of 1.

Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. Ecclesiastes 11:7