Awesome Blossom Without The Guilt Recipes

CHILI'S AWESOME BLOSSOM

Steps:

• Mix all dry ingredients together.
• Onion may be sliced like a blossom by cutting the top 1/4 off, the top has the stem.
• Then peel and be very careful to leave the root intact.
• Carefully slice from the top of the onion down but stop about 1/2" before you get to the root, taking care not to cut through the root.
• Slice the rest of the onion like a pie into many servings.
• When complete, soak onion in cold ice water for 1/2 hr.
• so the onion's petals will start to open up and bloom.
• Drain onion and dip in flour mixture and dust well.
• Dip onion then in buttermilk and back in flour mixture.
• Place in hot oil and fry until golden.
• Oil should cover onion.
• When done drain well and place on plate and cut center out of onion so the petals may easily be removed.
• Dipping Sauce: Mix all together and serve in the middle of the onion blossom.
• Garnish with paprika and just a dash of red pepper.

ALMOST-FAMOUS BLOOMIN' ONION

Steps:

• Combine all of the dip ingredients in a bowl, cover and refrigerate.
• Slice the onion (see Cook's Note). Whisk the flour, cayenne, paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. In a small deep bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and 1 cup water.
• Place the onion in a separate bowl, cut-side up, and pour all of the flour mixture on top. Cover the bowl with a plate, then shake back and forth to distribute the flour. Check to make sure the onion is fully coated, especially between the "petals." Lift the onion by the core, turn over and pat off the excess flour; reserve the bowl of flour.
• Using a slotted spoon, fully submerge the onion in the egg mixture (spoon on top, if necessary). Remove and let the excess egg drip off, then repeat the flouring process. Refrigerate the onion while you heat the oil.
• Fill a large deep pot with at least 3 inches of the oil, leaving 2 inches of space at the top. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 400 degrees. Pat off excess flour from the onion. Using a wire skimmer, carefully lower the onion into the oil, cut-side down. Adjust the heat so the oil temperature stays close to 350 degrees. Fry about 3 minutes, then turn the onion over and cook until golden, about 3 more minutes; drain on paper towels. Season with salt and serve with the dip.

CHILI'S AWESOME BLOSSOM

Steps:

• Mix all dry ingredients together.
• Onion may be sliced like a blossom by cutting the top 1/4 off, the top has the stem. Then peel and be very careful to leave the root intact. Carefully slice from the top of the onion down but stop about 1/2" before you get to the root, taking care not to cut through the root. Slice the rest of the onion like a pie into many servings.
• When complete soak onion in cold ice water for 1/2 hours so the onion's petals will start to open up and bloom.
• Drain onion and dip in flour mixture and dust well. Dip onion then in buttermilk and back in flour mixture.
• Place in hot oil and fry until golden. Oil should cover onion. When done drain well and place on plate and cut center out of onion so the petals may easily be removed.