Fried Anchovies and Sage

Directions

1. 1
   Put the milk into a shallow dish.
2. 2
   Add the anchovy fillets; soak 10 minutes.
3. 3
   Drain on paper towels, and pat dry.
4. 4
   Cut the fillets to be the same length as the sage leaves.
5. 5
   Lay each sage leaf face up on a large cutting board.
6. 6
   Place an anchovy fillet on half of the sage leaves; crush with fork tines, being careful not to tear leaves.
7. 7
   Sandwich with another leaf, face down.
8. 8
   Press with the back of a spoon to seal.
9. 9
   Preheat the oven to 200F.
10. 10
    Put the flour into a bowl and the egg into another.
11. 11
    Heat 1/4 inch oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
12. 12
    Coat 6 of the anchovy-sage sandwiches with flour, shaking off any excess, then with egg, allowing excess to drip off.
13. 13
    Fry, turning once, until golden, 45 seconds to 1 minute per side.
14. 14
    Drain on paper towels.
15. 15
    Transfer to the oven to keep warm.
16. 16
    Repeat with the remaining anchovies.
17. 17
    Serve immediately.