Hush puppies are a southern deep-fried quick bread made of cornmeal.  Traditionally served at fish fries, these tasty fritter-like breads are also a great accompaniment to fried chicken or spicy Cajun foods.  For those with a sweet tooth, try rolling the hush puppies in confectioners sugar.

• 2 cups cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup cream-style corn
• cooking oil for deep-fat frying
• confectioners sugar, optional

In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda.  Add egg, milk and corn; stir just until moistened.  In a deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees.  Drop batter by teaspoonfuls into oil.  Fry until golden brown.  Allow to cool slightly and roll in confectioners sugar if desired.  Serve immediately with fried chicken, ham or sausage.  YIELD:  12-15 servings.

(Karyl Goodhart, Geraldine, Montana)

DEEP-FAT FRYING TIPS:

• If you don’t have a deep-fat fryer with a thermostat, you can use a kettle or Dutch oven together with a thermometer so you can accurately regulate the temperature of the oil.
• It is important to follow the temperatures recommended in the recipes for heating oil.  If oil is too hot, the foods will brown too fast and not be done in the center.  If the oil is below temperature, the foods will absorb the oil and taste greasy.
• Carefully place foods into the hot oil to avoid splattering.
• Do not overload your fryer.  You will have better results if you fry in small batches.  Keep cooked foods warm in a low oven until all the food has been fried.
• Never add water or any liquids to hot oil.
• Do not dispose of oil after deep-fat frying until it has completely cooled.