Homemade French Fried Onions

Who knew you could make French Fried Onions? Well, obviously I didn't.

I sent my husband to the store the other night for a few things. (I am that rare person that hates, and I mean HATES, to shop. I will do anything to get out of going into ANY kind of a store. So I send my husband since he doesn't seem to mind. Bwahahahah!) After he left I realized I did not put the all important French Fried Onions on the list so I text-ed him. Now phones are awesome inventions when they work, which was not the case on this particular night. Unbeknownst to me, I proceeded to put together the green bean casserole that I was craving. All the while sure that the little fried onions were on their way. Imagine my horror when he arrived and had no knowledge of my text. (I secretly think he pleads innocent when he would rather not FILL IN THE BLANK.) So until he proved to me he had not received the text I was feeling grumpy. How can you have a green bean casserole with out the onion topping? Out of frustration I got on the computer to see what I could find.

I was in SHOCK! Not only did people make their own French Fried Onions, there were many ways to accomplish the task. Well, if you know me you know I am up for any challenge in the kitchen. It might not turn out the first time but boy-buddy all that does is make me roll up my sleeves and go at it again until it IS right. After skimming a few articles... comparing a couple of recipes I decided to jump right in.

What you will need to cover a normal 9X13 glass baking dish in a nice amount of fried onions, minus a few that you HAVE to taste to make sure they are not poison. :-)

Homemade French Fried Onions

by Kerri Downey

• 1 med - med/large yellow onion
• 1 cup flour
• 1 TBS seasoned pepper
• 1 TBS salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 quart sized baggie that you can seal and will not leak
• a med sized glass bowl
• med sized non-stick fry pan
• about a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch oil in the pan
• several sheets of paper towel to drain the onions on

1. Slice the onion as thinly as you can. Thick is not at good. (speaking from experience) Place the onions and milk in the glass bowl. If you have more onion than the milk will cover, add a tad more as needed. Let set on the counter for about a half hour. 
2. Meanwhile in the baggie add the flour, seasoned pepper, and salt.
3. When the onion/milk combo has set long enough remove the onions and place them in the baggie and shake-shake-shake, making sure all is covered.
4. Use the onion flavored milk in your mushroom soup to add additional flavor to your green bean casserole. YUM!
5. When your oil is hot, carefully add 1/4 - 1/2 of your onions (depending on the size of your pan) to the oil, turning once when they are light to medium brown, browning both sides. (don't over fry them because baking will darken them additionally)
6. Place the fried onions on paper towel to drain. 
7. A taste test is a must!
8. Place on top of your casserole and bake like normal. 
9. Pat yourself on your back because you deserve it. Enjoy!

Homemade French Fried Onions

Rhubarb BBQ Chicken, Salad, Fresh Green Bean Casserole
with homemade French Fried onions and homemade Beer Bread.