Homemade Onion Rings

John & I are getting more & more where we find something at a restaurant that we really like, then come home and try to fix it here at home. Sometimes we get it spot on the first time and sometimes it takes a few tries. That is the case with onion rings. We LOVE onion rings, but I like the ones, like at Rupes, that have a crunchy, corn meal-type breading on them, not the smooth breading. We have tried several different recipes. FINALLY yesterday, as I searched the internet, I found a couple of different recipes that looked good. I got the supplies, combined the recipes, and made the best onion rings yet! I think they are even better than Rupes! BTW, Rupes is our local fast food joint that is very similar to A&W. Great food but rather expensive. SO----here is the recipe.

Onion Rings

1 lg onion, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 1/4 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. dry bread crumbs
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 egg
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. buttermilk
3/4 c. dry bread crumbs

Heat oil in deep fryer.
Separate onion slices into rings & set aside. In a small bowl mix together flour, 1/2 c. bread crumbs, baking powder, and salt.
Dip the onion slices into the flour mixture until they are all coated (this dries the rings out so the batter will stick); set aside. Whisk the egg, milk and buttermilk together and add enough of the flour mixture to it to make a batter, not too runny but not too thick. May need to add more milk during the process.
Dip the floured rings into the batter to coat & shake off excess batter. Then dip in bread crumbs & coat well.
Fry in oil 2-3 minutes or until brown. Drain on paper towels.
Can sprinkle with season salt after frying, if desired.
Makes about 3 servings

I promise you these will be devoured in no time at all. You will hardly be able to wait until they have cooled enough to put in your mouth.