BATTER-FRIED MUSSELS WITH GARLIC SAUCE

Steps:

• Wash the mussels, scrubbing their shells and pulling off the little"beard" with a sharp paring knife.
• Place the mussels in a large wide pot with about two inches of water.
• Cover and steam until the mussels open, about six or seven minutes.
• Remove and drain, discarding any mussels that haven't opened.
• Remove the mussels from their shells and place in a colander.
• Season lightly with salt and toss with about one and a half cups of flour, until all the mussels are coated.
• Tap the colander to rid it of excess flour.
• Fill a large skillet with about one and a half inches of oil and heat until almost smoking.
• Add the mussels, in batches i f necessary and fry until crisp and golden.
• Serve warm Either in a mortar or pestle or in the bowl of a food processor, pulverize the garlic and salt to a paste.
• Add the walnuts and pound or pulverize until the mixture is mealy.
• Dampen the bread under the tap and squeeze dry.
• Add to the bowl and continue pulverizing all together.
• Drizzle in the olive oil and vinegar, alternating between each, and pound all together until the skordalia is creamy.
• If it is too thick, add a little water.
• Serve as a dip, or as an accompaniment to fresh or fried vegetables and various fish.