Select whole, unblemished sage leaves with stems left on, for easy handling.

Combine beer, flour, salt and pepper in small bowl until smooth. Batter should have the consistency of cream soup. Let stand at room temperature at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat the egg white until it is fairly stiff but not dry. Fold into batter. Dip whole sage leaves in batter to coat both sides.

Deep-fry in hot oil or shortening until crisp and golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels; serve.

Enright says that Chef Willy Brand, of Toronto's George Brown College, first tasted these when he worked in Switzerland, where the sage leaves were popular at cocktail parties. She also says that these are good served with selected cheeses, or with deep-fried wedges of camembert or brie and a tomato dipping sauce.

From Nancy Enright's Canadian Herb Cookbook. By Nancy Enright. Toronto: James Lorimer & Company, Publishers, 1985. Pg. 104. Isbn 0-88862-788-2. Posted by Cathy Harned.