Best Batter Please?

[Orderlimit]

I am possibly the world's cook but experimenting. I recently deep fat fried some mild chillies filled with cream cheese using a packet batter mix but the batter came out a bit soggy. Any tips for a light crunchy batter appreciated !!.

http://i42.tinypic.com/k3x020.jpg

[Maydup]

They look delicious, better than I could manage!

[Orderlimit]

:) thanks Maydup. Taste and smell very nice !

[bednobs]

why not just make your won batter? 4oz flour (plain) 1 egg, 1/2 pint milk

[ferlew]

Beer batter is light and crispy.

[Orderlimit]

Sorry I should have said that I tried making my own batter using fizzy water (watched a few youtube vids), but wondered if anyone had some sort of secret to get that light crispy crunchy batter. Initially, I couldn't even get the batter mix to stick to the chillies before placing them in the oil lol !!

[shoota]

I think you possibly have a little too much batter adhering to your veg.
A thinner layer would probably have been crisper.
And your fat has to be uber hot.

[Orderlimit]

Yeah, looking at the pic now I agree the batter is rather thick shoota. Will try a thinner mix using milk as per bednobs suggestion, then a beer mix.

[Wrangler3]

Maybe a tempura batter might be better?

[LyndaB]

I tried for ages to make my own batter before settling in this cheap and easy way. Use self raising flour, salt and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. Add enough cold water to make a smooth batter. Have the oil smoking hot before adding the food, then the batter crisps up immediately. Drain on kitchen paper before serving - I regularly cook haddock in batter like this and it's always perfect