Sandra'S Blackened Catfish

Directions

1. 1
   Use pond-raised catfish fillets.
2. 2
   I personally like the 3 to 5-ounce size, if you have a choice.
3. 3
   My son, John, buys them from one of the ponds in Mississippi in a 15-pound box and I keep them in the freezer.
4. 4
   Take out the number of fillets you think you will need and thaw in cold water.
5. 5
   When thawed, drain water off fish and pat lightly with paper towels.
6. 6
   Don't get them too dry or they won't hold the batter well.
7. 7
   Mix the amount of white cornmeal you think you will need with salt and black or red pepper to taste.
8. 8
   I sometimes put just a sprinkling of garlic powder in, too.
9. 9
   Dredge fish in this mixture on both sides, making sure the whole surface is well covered.
10. 10
    Lay on a cookie sheet, in layers, with paper towels between each layer.
11. 11
    Keep in refrigerator until ready to cook.