Blooming Onion

• large sweet vidalia onion↗1
• egg↗1
• buttermilk↗1 cup
• flour↗1 cup
• salt↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• black pepper↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• cayenne pepper↗2 teaspoons
• oregano↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• thyme↗1⁄8 teaspoon
• cumin↗1⁄8 teaspoon
• Old Bay Seasoning1⁄8 teaspoon
• oil

  for frying

• Dip
• mayonnaise↗1⁄2 cup
• ketchup↗2 teaspoons
• tablespoons creamed horseradish↗2
• teaspoon paprika↗1⁄4
• teaspoon salt↗1⁄4
• teaspoon dried oregano↗1⁄8
• teaspoon dried parsley↗1⁄8
• pepper↗

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Beat together the egg and buttermilk in a medium bowl.

2. 2

   Combine the flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, oregano, thyme, cumin and old bay in a separate bowl.

3. 3

   Slice 3/4" to 1" off the top and bottom of the onion and remove skin.

4. 4

   Cut out a 1" core and slice about 3/4 of the way down to create petals.

5. 5

   Place the onion in boiling water to separate the petals.

6. 6

   Let cool.

7. 7

   Dip the onion into the milk mixture.

8. 8

   Dip the coated onion into the flour mixture, covering liberally.

9. 9

   Repeat process.

10. 10

    Let onion set in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before frying.

11. 11

    Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350 degrees.

12. 12

    Fry the onion right side up for 10 minutes until brown.

13. 13

    Drain on a rack or paper towel.

14. 14

    Combine ingredients for dipping sauce and serve.