Fried Avocado Slices With Spicy Lime Crema

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 4 firm-ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and each sliced into 8 even pieces
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 Serrano pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 1/2 cups fine yellow cornmeal
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3/4 teaspoon Essence, plus more for seasoning, recipe follows
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Lime wedges, for garnish
• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

1. In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce and avocado slices.
2. Soak for 30 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, red onion, Serrano pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Chill until ready to use.
6. In a medium Dutch oven or deep-fryer, fill oil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches (no more than halfway up the sides of the pan.)
7. Heat oil to 375 degrees F over medium-high heat.
8. Combine cornmeal, flour, Essence, baking powder, and the remaining teaspoon of salt in a shallow dish.
9. Dredge soaked avocado slices in the cornmeal mixture, shaking to remove excess cornmeal.
10. Place avocado slices in the hot oil and fry until golden, about 1 to 2 minutes each side.
11. Using a slotted spoon, remove slices and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
12. Season with additional Essence.
13. Serve immediately with spicy lime crema and garnish with lime wedges.
14. Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
15. Yield: 2/3 cup
16. Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William and Morrow, 1993.

buttermilk, hot sauce, avocados, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, red onion, serrano pepper, salt, vegetable oil, yellow cornmeal, flour, baking powder, lime wedges, paprika, salt, garlic, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/fried-avocado-slices-with-spicy-lime-crema-recipe.html (may not work)