#3265 - Fried Onion Strings

(by Shirley McNevich)

1 large onion (more if you wish)
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups flour
1 TBSP salt
1/2 to 1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (more if you want them spicier)
canola oil

Thinly slice the onion and separate the rings. Place the rings in a glass baking dish and cover them completely with the buttermilk. Let the onions soak for about an hour. In a bowl add flour, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper--stir to mix. Fill a cast iron skillet halfway with canola oil--turn heat to medium and heat oil to 375 degrees. Using tongs, grab some of the onions from the buttermilk mixture and dip them in the flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour and then dump them in the hot oil. Fry the onions until browned, then use a slotted spoon to take them out of the hot oil and spread them on paper towels to soak up extra grease. Repeat with all onions.