Hush Puppies - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup cornflour (available at health food stores) or 1/2 cup masa harina (Mexican corn flour)
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, lightly crushed
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, lightly crushed
1/4 cup very finely chopped green onion (tops only)
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
2 2 tablespoons chicken fat or 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
peanut oil (for deep frying) or canola oil (for deep frying)

Preparation

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl, breaking up any lumps.
Stir in green onions and garlic, add eggs, and blend well.
In a small saucepan, bring milk and lard (or other fat) to a boil.
Remove from heat, and add to flour mixture, half at a time, stirring after each addition.
Refrigerate 1 hour.
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat 4\" oil to 350 degrees F.
Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into the hot oil.
Do not crowd.
Cook until dark golden brown and cooked through, about 1 minute on each side.
Drain on paper towels.