Maryland Fried Softshell Crabs

6 soft shell crabs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup flour
Shortening (for frying)
Tartar sauce

Wash cleaned soft shell crabs. Dry well. Soak in milk seasoned with salt and pepper for 15 minutes; roll in flour. Heat shortening and fry crabs until crisp and brown. Drain on absorbent paper.

Serve with tartar sauce or on sandwich bread.

Serves 3.