Hush Puppies

Yield: Makes 2 dozen hush puppies.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Level: Moderate

Ingredients:
• 4 cups vegetable oil
• 2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup water

Directions:
1. In a cast iron skillet or a large heavy fry pan over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil to 350° F or until a small amount of batter dropped into the hot oil sizzles and floats.
2. Do not let the oil get too hot or the center of the hush puppies will not cook thoroughly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, egg, salt, baking soda, milk, and water. Mix until batter is smooth and free of any lumps. Batter should be stiff (if batter is too dry, add milk; if batter is too thin, add cornmeal).
4. Using two spoons push a small amount of batter into hot oil (370° to 380° F). After about 10 seconds, hush puppies will float to the top and begin to brown.
5. Fry for approximately 5 minutes or until golden brown, turning to brown all sides.
6. Remove from oil and place hush puppies on paper towels; continue cooking the remaining batter (fry in small batches, adding 4 to 6 hush puppies to the oil at a time).
7. Serve hot.
8. NOTE: They can be held in a 200° F oven until serving time (approximately 30 minutes).