Recipes:
## Onion Blossom
### INGREDIENTS
* Vegetable oil for frying
* 1 large Vidalia onion
* 3 cups cold water
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1/2 cup beer or club soda
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
**SERVES:** 4
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### MAKE AHEAD
Prepare the onions through step 1 up to 4 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready for frying.
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### VARIATION
For a lighter, crisper breading, use self-rising flour instead of the all-purpose.
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### DIRECTIONS
**1.** Preheat oil in a large saucepan to 375°F. Peel onion and cut off the bottom, leaving a flat surface. Cut into 3/4-inch wedges, but do not cut all the way through.
**2.** Soak onion in ice cold water until wedges open, about 20 minutes; drain and pat dry. Mix eggs, beer and milk in a medium bowl. Mix flour and baking powder in a separate bowl.
**3.** Dip onion in egg mixture, then into flour mixture. Dip again into egg mixture then flour mixture, making sure onion is well coated.
**4.** Place onion in hot oil. Deep-fry until golden brown and tender, about 15 minutes; drain on paper towels. Place onion on a serving plate. Sprinkle with salt and cayenne pepper.
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### Make It Quicker
* To check if the oil is ready for frying, insert a wooden chopstick or handle of a wooden spoon into the hot oil. When bubbles form around the wood, the oil is hot enough for frying.
* Use a slotted spoon to lower the onion in and out of the oil.
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