Hushpuppies

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/8 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 3/4 cup self-rising flour
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1-2 tablespoons milk to thin batter
• Oil of your choice, for deep fat frying

1. Fill a heavy pan with several inches of oil. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Use a deep fat/candy thermometer for this. It is important that your oil be at the correct temperature so that your hushpuppies will be cooked in the center before getting too brown on the outside.
2. Mix eggs, sugar, salt and onion in a small bowl. In another bowl mix the cornmeal and flour together. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingedients, mixing well. Add milk, if needed, to thin mixture to resemble thick cake batter.
3. When your oil has reached proper temperature, use a small ice cream scoop to drop balls of batter into oil. Do not crowd the pan. They should be round balls. It is interesting to watch them turn in the oil!
4. When your hushpuppies have achieved a medium golden brown crust, remove them to a paper lined plate. Enjoy immediately.

Inspiration recipe is found on FoodNetwork.com

Taco Tot Casserole

• 1 small bag tater tots
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning, or make your own
• 2 cups shredded cheese (I used Colby-Jack)
• Toppings of your choice: guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, sliced black olives

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Lay a single layer of tater tots on bottom. Make sure to pack them tightly. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Cook and drain the ground beef. Follow directions on taco seasoning packet, except leave the meat mixture saucy. (This will give your tater tots flavor)
4. Evenly spread meat mixture and shredded cheese on tots. Return dish to oven and bake approximately 10 minutes more, until cheese is melted.
5. Garnish plated servings with toppings of choice.

Inspiration for this recipe is found at the blog The Iowa Housewife.