Fried Oysters

Ingredients

• ["1 cup buttermilk", "1 tablespoon Essence, plus 1 tablespoon", "16 freshly shucked oysters, about 1 pint, drained", "1/2 cup masa harina", "1/2 cup all-purpose flour", "4 cups vegetable oil, for frying", "2 1/2 tablespoons paprika", "2 tablespoons salt", "2 tablespoons garlic powder", "1 tablespoon black pepper", "1 tablespoon onion powder", "1 tablespoon cayenne pepper", "1 tablespoon dried oregano", "1 tablespoon dried thyme", "Recipe from \"New New Orleans Cooking\""