Batter-Fried Clams & Tartar Sauce

Prep time : --- 10 minutes ...Cook tome : ... 30 to 45 minutes ... Makes 4 servings

**********BASIC BATTER :

1 .....................cup all-purpose flour

1 -1/2 .............teaspoons baking powder

1 .....................teaspoon salt

1 .....................cup buttermilk

1/4 .................cup cold water

**********CLAMS:

2 -----------------quarts vegetable oil

1 ....................pint shucked solf-shell or littleneck clams

**********TARTAR SAUCE :

1 ....................cup mayonnaise

1/4 .................cup minced scalloins

1/4 .................cup minced gherkin or dill pickle

2 ....................tablespoons chopped capers

2 ....................tablespoons chopped parsley

2 ....................tablespoons cider vinegar

1 .....................teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 ..................teaspoon sugar

1) For the Batter :

Into a medium-size bowl , sift together flour , baking powder and salt . Whisk in buttermilk and water , cover and set aside .

2) For the CLAMS:

In a deep-fat fryer or deep heavy skillet over moderately high heat ... heatoil to 375*F . Occasionally check oil temperature with a deep-fat thermometer .

3) For the TARTAR SAUCE :

Combine all ingredients and serve as a dipping sauce with fried clams .