Fried Onion Flower
Divide the onion into twelve parts (like slices of a pie, divide two ways and then subdivide each section with two slices), leaving about half an inch of the onion at the bottom unsliced. Carve the center few petals out, so that when the petals separate there is a place inside the flower for them to curl as well as outside.
Separate the onion, so that the separate petals on the onion flower open. This can be done by leaving overnight to soak in ice water. Alternately, place it in hot water (take it off the stove after it boils) for 5 minutes and then dunk it in ice water for five minutes.
Drain the onion.
Make a mixture of flour, bread crumbs and spices, so that each petal is coated (shaking in a bag helps).
Coat the onion with flour mixture, so that each petal is coated (shaking in a bag helps). Roll the onion in the buttermilk or beaten egg, so that each petal is coated. Coat the onion with the flour mixture again.
Chill the onion for at least an hour.
Heat oil to 375 degrees, and deep fry for four minutes.
Serves: 2
Preparation time: 120+ minutes