Buttermilk Fried Rabbit

• 1 young cottontail rabbit, cut into serving pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 medium-size onion, finely sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon; or 1 teaspoon each of your three favorite herbs
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon cayenne
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• 2 to 3 cups grape seed or vegetable oil

1. Soak the rabbit overnight in the buttermilk, along with the onion, garlic, herbs, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of the cayenne.
2. Drain in a colander, leaving some herbs on the rabbit.
3. In a large resealable plastic bag or in a large bowl, mix the flour with the garlic and onion powder and remaining 2 teaspoons of cayenne, as well as a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until a pinch of flour starts to sizzle when dropped in the hot oil, but not so hot as for the oil to be smoking.
5. Place the rabbit pieces in the bag with the flour mixture and shake until thoroughly coated.
6. Do this in small batches, dredging just enough rabbit to fit in the pan at one time.
7. Add the rabbit to the skillet and fry on one side for about 10 minutes, until golden brown, then use tongs to turn the pieces over and fry for another 10 minutes, again until golden brown.
8. Be careful to keep the oil hot enough to fry the rabbit, but not so that it burns.
9. Remove the rabbit from the skillet and place it on a wire rack over paper towels.
10. Season immediately with salt and pepper to taste, to help preserve the crispiness for the table.
11. This is good served immediately or also good cold for lunch the next day.

rabbit, buttermilk, onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, tarragon, paprika, cayenne, flour, garlic, onion powder, salt, grape seed

Taken from www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/buttermilk-fried-rabbit-recipe/ (may not work)