After several years of researching the perfect onion ring recipe – we think we finally got it.  Thanksgiving turkeys at the Consortium are deep fried.  Before the turkeys go in we have onion rings and mushrooms.  YUM!

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs onions – choose large ones
• 1 lb mushrooms – choose small ones – cremimi work best
• 4 c flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• salt
• pepper
• cayenne
• 2  1/2 bottles beer
• paper towels

Directions:

1. Heat the oil to 350°.
2. Slice onions 1/2 inch thick.
3. Separate rings.  Save smaller ones to use elsewhere.
4. Wash and dry mushrooms.
5. Trim stems – save for other use (Try mushroom puffs).
6. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
7. Stir in the beer.
8. Drop the onion rings, a few at a time into the batter.
9. Remove, allow to drip, and carefully drop into the oil, one at a time.  Fingers work best for this.
10. Check for browning and turn after a few minutes.
11. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
12. Sample to determine if they need salt.
13. Repeat with mushrooms.
14. Serve hot.

Serves:  1 – 8 How many onion rings/mushrooms can you eat?

Source:  Creativity and trial and error.