Food & Cooking Recipes Appetizers Fried Anchovies and Sage Be the first to rate & review! By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 16, 2017 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Servings: 6 Emphatically flavored fish, such as salt-cured anchovies, are traditional antipasti ingredients because their high oil content takes well to frying and marinating; sandwiched between sage leaves and fried, the snacks are rich contrast to brisk Campari cocktails. Ingredients Whole milk, for soaking 18 best-quality anchovy fillets 36 small to medium, narrow, fresh sage leaves 1 to 2 tablespoons instant flour (such as Wondra) 1 large egg, lightly beaten Extra-virgin olive oil, for frying Directions Put milk into a shallow dish. Add anchovy fillets; soak 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, and pat dry. Cut fillets to be the same length as the sage leaves. Lay each sage leaf face up on a large cutting board. Place an anchovy fillet on half of the sage leaves; crush with fork tines, being careful not to tear leaves. Sandwich with another leaf, face down. Press with the back of a spoon to seal. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Put flour into 1 bowl and egg into another. Heat 1/4 inch oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Coat 6 of the anchovy-sage sandwiches with flour, shaking off any excess, then with egg, allowing excess to drip off. Fry, turning once, until golden, 45 seconds to 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels. Transfer to oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining anchovies in batches. Serve immediately. Rate it Print