Justin Wilson's Hush Puppies

Crispy fried cornmeal fritters seasoned with onion and a touch of bacon drippings, the classic partner to fried fish.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons bacon drippings, melted
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne.
2. Stir in the grated onion, green onions, egg, buttermilk, and bacon drippings until a thick batter forms. Let rest 10 minutes.

Heat about 2 inches of oil to 350 degrees F.

1. Drop the batter by rounded tablespoons into the hot oil, a few at a time.
2. Fry, turning, until deep golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes.
3. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Notes

Based on Justin Wilson’s hush puppies, enriched with bacon drippings.