Spring in the Ozarks...

[Piper]

Be sure to plan a layover in Boston, Kerry, and we'll have some lobster and clam chowder!

McJulie

[clintdawley]

..Austin has some really good catfish...


If you're interested: Catfish Parlour

[Kerry]

ooooh! the Catfish Parlour looks very authentic. Need to ask, what are Hush Puppies?

I have just spoken, albeit briefly - 6 hours time difference and she's at work - to my friend in Austin about the idea of going over to see her and it sounds like it could be possible in july. So you never know, I maywell get to eat authentic catfish afterall.

McJulie - thanks for the offer, I shall definintely bear that in mind if, or should I say when, we get around to making travel arrangements.

[clintdawley]

Hmm..hush puppies are like little fried corn fritters..SOOO GOOD AND SO FATTENING! (A very Southern thing.)

Ingredients:
2 cups yellow corn meal
1 cup plain flour (flour is what gave it the
lighter taste and you can experiment with the
amount you use if you want)
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk (you can also use plain milk in
a pinch, but nothing compares to buttermilk)
3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt. I use Lowreys but just
about any brand will work as you are just looking
for something to spice things up a little
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper blend (again, the idea
is to spice things up a little).
1 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 cup bacon grease. This is another big key to
the flavor. In a pinch you can use other types
of cooking oil, but bacon is my favorite.

You also need some type of cooking oil to deep fry
these in. I usually use Crisco oil although peanut oil
and some of the lower fat oils work well too.

Mix all of the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add your
eggs, oil, and buttermilk. Stir it all up until
the flavors are thoroughly blended.

Turn your cooker on medium-high heat. When it's
hot you can drop your hush puppies in using a
table spoon. Allow them to brown on all sides.
They should begin floating when done, but if they
don't, don't overcook them.