Legend of the Hushpuppy and Secret
Hushpuppy Recipe from Dan Ragan

In the old days hunters and trappers would be on the trail for days at a time. Some traveled with ol' hunting dogs or hound dogs.

At suppertime the dogs got hungry too! So the hunters would mix a little batter out of corn meal or flour, and cook it in some grease on the campfire. Then they would throw it to the pups telling them to be quiet, shut-up, or "hush." If you fixed the batter up right, it tasted good to humans as well.

This recipe has been kept secret in our family for years. These are the best "pups" ever because they are light and fluffy! The average hushpuppy is made of corn meal only, and will sit like a rock in your stomach for days.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups SELF RISING flour
• 1 cup SELF RISING corn meal
• 1-1/2 cups finely chopped onions
• 1/4 cup freeze dried chives
• OR 1/2 cup chopped fresh green onion tops
• 1 level tsp. red cayenne pepper
• 1 level tsp. black pepper
• 1 level tsp. garlic powder
• 3 tsp. season salt
• milk to make paste

Mix flour and corn meal together. Add onions and other ingredients. Mix thoroughly while dry. Add a small amounts of milk while stirring to blend into a thick paste.

Using 2 spoons, push small amount into hot oil (the size of a jack ball). Fry until a golden brown. Make sure the oil at a medium heat. If fried too fast, centers will not be fully cooked. Try one or two first to get the heat just right, then make up a batch. Then call the chow hounds and enjoy!

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