I'm sorry. I didn't realize you'd never had them! Yes, you MUST soak them in salt water. They are FULL of ants.

I never dip mine in anything other than the salt water before rolling them in cornmeal. Many people use eggs or milk. Lots of folks roll them in flour instead of cornmeal. It's a personal choice thing.

Make sure you have hot oil and fry until they are crisp enough to suit you.

Around here you can sell them for $25 a pound any day. If you don't like them, you might want to keep finding them and sell them.

Believe it or not, but they are selling for $49./pound. I'm going to be eating $6.00 worth!!