Brazilian Bloom Recipes

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.

BLOOMIN' APPLE

Steps:

• Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot halfway with oil, attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot and heat to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set aside.
• Whisk together the cider, flour and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl until no lumps remain and the batter is completely smooth. Stir together the sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Slice the apples in half crosswise (not through the stem). Scoop out the core and seeds using a melon baller, being careful not to go all the way through the apple. Have ready a 1 1/2-inch, 2-inch and 2 1/2-inch round biscuit or cookie cutters. Make 3 concentric circles on each apple half starting with the smallest biscuit cutter around the core and then working out with a slightly bigger cutter each time. Press each ring down into the apple but don't go through the skin (you should have 3 rings). This keeps the apple intact. (See Cook's Note.) Flip an apple over and, visualizing a quarter placed on top of the stem in the center, cut slits through the apple about 1/2 inch apart, circling around the quarter. This also keeps the apple intact. Repeat with the remaining apples.
• Use your hands to gently pull apart the outer layers of the apple while keeping the skin intact. This will allow the batter to sink into the cuts and help the apple bloom.
• Sprinkle each apple half with 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and let sit for 5 minutes. Stuff the centers with 4 marshmallows each. Place 2 apples at a time in the batter, using a slotted spoon to turn them and evenly coat. Lower each apple cut-side down into the hot oil with the slotted spoon and fry until crispy and golden brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Flip the apples over and continue to fry until the apples are tender and golden brown and crispy on the top, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer with a slotted spoon to the prepared baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the remaining apples, being sure to bring the oil temperature back to 350 degrees F before frying again.
• Meanwhile, stir the caramel sauce and salt in a small bowl until well combined. Dollop each apple with whipped cream and drizzle with the caramel sauce. Serve with the remaining sauce for dipping.

BRAZILIAN BLOOM

Steps:

• In a cocktail shaker, combine the lime wedges, sugar and hibiscus; muddle with a wooden spoon.
• Fill halfway with cracked ice.
• Add the Cachaca and shake for 15 seconds.
• Strain the mixture into a cordial glass.
• Enjoy! ;).