Fried Oysters

24 large oysters, shucked
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Dash ground cayenne pepper, optional
2 tbsp cold water
1 cup fine dry bread crumbs

Drain oysters. Beat eggs with salt and pepper and cayenne. Whisk in water. Put bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Dip oysters, one at a time, into the egg mixture then into the bread crumbs. Let rest for 5 minutes before frying. Fry in hot deep oil at about 375 degrees until golden brown. Serve immediately with cocktail sauce or tartar sauce, or use in sandwiches.