Fried Oysters

1 1/2 pints fresh oysters
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon flour
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Drain oysters thoroughly in colander. Combine corn meal, salt, flour, black pepper and cayenne in a small bowl. Roll oysters in meal a few at a time, coating evenly. Fry a few at a time in deep oil heated to 375 degrees F. Fry about 2 minutes or just until light brown. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in 200 degrees F oven until all oysters are fried.

Serve with cocktail sauce.

Yields 4 servings