2 large sweet onions
2 1/2 cups butter milk
2 eggs
3 tablespoons water
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
oil for deep frying

Cut onions into 1/4 inch slices; separate into rings. Place in a bowl; cover with buttermilk and soak for 30 minutes, stirring twice. In another bowl, beat eggs and water. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, chili powder, cayenne, sugar, garlic powder, and cumin. Drain onion rings; dip in egg mixture, then coat with flour mixture.

In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat 1 inch oil to 375 degrees. Fry onion rings, a few at a time, for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Yield: 8 servings

from Taste of Home, August/September 2003

I tried this recipe over Labor Day weekend and it was a huge success! They aren't as spicy as one might think ... my 7 year old had them and didn't say they were too seasoned.