Almost Famous Bloomin Onion Food

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' ONION

Steps:

• Heat oil in a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven with tall sides to 350 degrees F. The oil should only come halfway up the sides of the pan, but should completely immerse the whole onion.
• Peel the skin off the onion, leaving the root end intact. Cut a small slice off the top. Starting at the top of the onion make a cut down 1 side toward the root, stopping 1/2-inch from the bottom. Make additional cuts at 1/8-inch intervals until there are cuts across the entire top of the onion.
• Rotate the onion so the cuts are horizontal to you. Continue to cut at 1/8-inch intervals, forming a checkerboard pattern across the entire top of the onion. To help the onion "bloom," gently spread the "petals."
• Combine the dry ingredients in a shallow bowl or pan. Dust the onion with the flour mixture. Combine milk and beaten egg in a small, deep bowl. Dip the dusted onion into the egg mixture and then back into the flour mixture.
• When the oil has reached 350 degrees F, carefully submerge the onion in the oil and fry for 10 minutes, turning as needed, until a golden color. Remove and drain the excess oil.
• Serve with a variety of sauces, such as a mild ranch dressing or a spicy barbecue sauce.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE BLOOMIN' ONION

Steps:

• ---------Alrighty-forthe seasoned flour-----------.
• combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, pepper and cayenne-mix well.
• --------Creamychili sauce--------.
• combine mayo, sour cream, chili sauce and cayenne-mix well.
• --------Dippingsauce----------.
• Blend everything together well and let sit for 2 hours-refidgerated- or overnight.
• --------Andfor the batter---------.
• Mix cornstarch, flour and seasonings until well blended.
• Add beer and mix well.
• Cut about 3/4 inch off top of onion and peel.
• Cut into onion 12-16 vertical wedges but do not cut through bottom root end.
• Remove about 1 inch of petals from center of onion (You can place the cut onions in cold water for a few hours to help "open" them up -- just make sure that you drain them well).
• Dip in seasoned flour and gently shake to remove excess.
• Seperate peatls to coat thoroughly with batter.
• Gently place in a fryer basket and deep fry at 375-400 for 1 1/2 minutes.
• Turn over and fry 1 1/2 minutes more or until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.
• Place onion upright in a shallow bowl and remove center core with a circular cutter or apple corer.
• Serve hot with chili sauce and dipping sauce.