Cornmeal Fried Croaker

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6 small croakers, pan-dressed
1 tsp. paprika
2 eggs
3 cups yellow corn meal
3/4 cup milk
cooking oil or margarine
1/2 cup flour
lemon wedges
salt and pepper
cherry tomatoes (optional)

Wash croakers, drain, and pat dry with absorbent paper. Season flour with salt and pepper. In a mixing bowl, blend eggs and milk. Sprinkle additional salt, pepper, and paprika into corn meal and spread on wax paper. Lightly dredge each croaker in seasoned flour, dip in egg wash, and thoroughly coat in corn meal. Drop coated fish into deep fat fryer (375 degrees F) until golden brown. Or fry coated fish in 1/2 inch hot cooking oil or margarine for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown on one side; turn and brown other side, allowing 10-12 minutes total cooking time. Serve with lemon wedges. Garnish with cherry tomatoes if desired. .