Slightly different hush puppies recipe, try a little sugar:
1 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons shortening, melted
2 cups oil
Mix cornmeal, baking powder, sugar and salt in large bowl.
Beat egg in small bowl; stir in milk and shortening. Add to cornmeal mixture; stir just until moistened.
Heat oil in large heavy saucepan. Drop cornmeal mixture by tablespoonfuls into hot oil; cook until golden, turning to brown evenly.