Deep-Fried Onion Rings

• 3 cups buttermilk
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Salt and pepper
• 6 medium-large sweet onions, about 1/2 each (such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, Maui, Texas Sweet)
• Oil, for deep-frying
• 4 cups flour

1. In a large bowl combine buttermilk and baking soda; season well with salt and pepper.
2. Peel onions and slice thinly, no thicker than 1/4-inch; a mandoline works well.
3. Add to buttermilk mixture and stir well to submerge all onions.
4. Set aside, unrefrigerated, for 2 hours.
5. In a deep-fryer or heavy, deep pot, heat at least 1 quart oil to 375 degrees F. Working in batches, place about 1/6 of flour in a large bowl.
6. With your hands, remove about 1/6 of onions from buttermilk.
7. Don't let the liquid run off.
8. Add to flour and mix vigorously with your hands until onions are well-coated.
9. Separate them by hand and lay them in a deep-fry basket.
10. Lower into hot oil, maintaining temperature.
11. Stir every 2 minutes.
12. When onions are golden brown and crisp, about 6 minutes, drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
13. Keep warm in a 200 degree F oven while you finish the rest.

buttermilk, baking soda, salt, sweet onions, flour

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/deep-fried-onion-rings-recipe.html (may not work)