Abstract: The coating batter composition disclosed preferably comprises a continuous aqueous phase comprising 20 to 85% water, from 3 to 30% flour which has been heat treated under conditions effective to eliminate substantially all viable microorganisms and inactivate enzyme activity, from 1 to 20% starch, from about 0.05 to 5% of a gum, a preservative system and a flavoring system of oleoresins extracted from natural spices; and a discontinuous fat phase comprising from 0.3 to 55% of a fat and from 0.025 to 10% of an emulsifier, the batter composition being effective to provide bacterial stability and prevent substantial sugar formation for at least 14 days at a temperature of 40.degree. F.