Deep-Fried Halloween Candy

Ingredients

• 18-24 miniature candy bars or Halloween candies
• 8 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 1/2 cups flour, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. Start with the candy: unwrap the bars you want to use, then arrange them on a plate or cookie sheet. Put them in the freezer for at least 2 hours, until they are firm all the way through. As that chilling time is almost up, begin warming the frying oil. Add vegetable oil to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan to a depth of three inches, noting that the exact amount will vary with your pan. Set the pan over medium-high heat, attach a candy/deep fry thermometer, and bring the oil to 375 degrees F.
2. While the oil comes up to temperature, set up the batter. Put 1/2 cup of flour in one bowl and keep it nearby. In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining cup of flour with the baking powder and salt; pour in the milk, vinegar, and oil, then whisk the liquid into the dry mixture until the batter is thick, smooth, and mostly free of lumps.
3. Take the frozen candy out of the freezer. Time to move quickly.
4. Coat each candy piece all over in the plain flour. Then, holding it carefully, lower it into the batter and cover it completely. Wipe your hands with a clean paper towel between pieces as needed, because this part gets sticky fast.
5. Carefully transfer the coated candy into the hot oil, lowering it in gently so the oil does not splash. Watch closely, since it cooks fast. If a piece floats up before it has browned, use a slotted spoon to nudge it gently back under the oil.
6. When the candy is nicely golden, lift it out with a slotted spoon and move it to a paper towel-lined plate so the extra oil can drain. Continue coating and frying the rest of the candy. As you fry, keep checking the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed; if the oil is too hot, the candy can melt, and if it is too cool, the coating will fry slowly and turn greasy.
7. Allow the candy to cool a little, then serve it while it is still warm.