Onion Rings

This recipe comes from the fabulous Aunt Hazel (third from the left) who shared it via the family cookbook. Make these in a big cast-iron kettle either on the stove-top or over an open fire. Absolutely delicious!


Aunt Hazel's Famous Onion Rings

3-4 large onions
2-3 cups buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup corn meal
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon red pepper
2/3 cup milk
1 beaten egg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
oil for frying
salt and pepper to taste

Peel and slice onions. Separate rings. Pour buttermilk into a large zip-type bag. Add onion rings and soak 30 minutes or more. Combine dry ingredients in a separate zip-lock bag. Add milk, egg, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix until smooth. Heat oil to 375 F. Remove onion rings from buttermilk, discard buttermilk (here's where a pig comes in handy!), and dip onion rings in the batter. Fry and drain. Serves six.