BLOSSOM ONION RECIPES

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.

Steps:

• Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili sauce, cayenne pepper and horseradish sauce in a medium mixing bowl until well combined.
• Divide sauce among small condiment cups. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Heat the oil in a deep fryer or larrge stock pot to 375-400° Fahrenheit.
• Prepare the seasoned flour mix by combining flour with garlic powder, paprika, sugar and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk seasonings and flour to incorporate well.
• Slice 3/4 inch of the root end of each onion.
• Make 12-16 slices into the trimmed end working in a clockwise manner. Do not cut completely through the onion, leaving about an inch of uncut onion near the opposite root end.
• Remove about 1 inch of the center petals from each onion.
• Toss the onions in the seasoned flour to coat well. Peel back the petals slightly to allow the flour to reach between each petal, but do not remove.
• Combine remaining flour, paprika, pepper, cornstarch, salt, and garlic salt and beer in a second large mixing bowl. Whisk well until smooth.
• Dip the floured onions in the batter. Allow excess batter to drip off each onion.
• Use a fryer basket to carefully place the battered onions, one at a time, into the hot oil. Cook for about 90 seconds, flip and cook for an additional 90 seconds.
• Transfer onions to a plate lined with paper towel to drain.
• Place on a serving platter and insert the cup of dipping sauce in the center of each onion.