Mr. Food: Hush Puppies

In the Old South, they used to make these yummy cornmeal balls so they'd have something to throw to the hounds to keep them from howling when Yankee soldiers approached. So if you've always wondered how Hush Puppies got their name, now you know!

Makes: 2 1/2 dozen
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

What You'll Need:

2 cups self-rising cornmeal

1 onion, finely chopped

3/4 cup milk

1 egg

Peanut oil for frying

What To Do:

1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except oil; mix well.

2. In a large pot over high heat, heat one inch of oil until hot but not smoking. Drop cornmeal mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls into oil to form hush puppies, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook in batches 2 to 3 minutes, turning to brown on all sides.

3. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined platter. Serve immediately.