Breaded, crispy-fried calamari rings are served with aïoli, a French garlic-flavored mayonnaise.

Fried Calamari with Aïoli

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves
1 teaspoon minced garlic
24 Ritz (butter-flavored) crackers (about 3 ounces)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 pound small squid, cleaned
Approximately 5 cups vegetable oil for deep-frying

Accompaniment: lemon wedges

1. To make aïoli: In a small bowl stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, parsley, and garlic until combined well and season with salt and pepper. Aïoli may be made 2 days ahead and chilled, covered.
2. In a food processor pulse crackers with flour, salt, and sugar until finely ground and transfer to a bowl.
3. Cut flaps from squid sacs if attached. Cut sacs into 1/4-inch-thick rings. Pat squid dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
4. In a 3-quart heavy kettle heat 2-inches oil over moderate heat until a deep-fat thermometer registers 375°F (190°C). While oil is heating, toss squid in flour mixture to coat, shaking off excess. Fry squid in small batches, turning, until golden and crisp, about 1 minute, transferring with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Make sure oil returns to 375°F (190°C) between batches. Serve squid with aïoli and lemon wedges.

Makes 4 appetizer servings.

Recipe adapted from Gourmet Magazine.