Shoes are like ice cream…
…there’s always room for more!
But today’s post is not some ambiguous advert for an American shoe brand. It is a recipe for what might just be the most fantastically tantalising food you’ve never heard of: Hush Puppies.
So no, Hush Puppies are not a brand of comfortable footwear, but deep fried, corn cakes – have I got you drooling already? They were given their unusual name by hunters in Florida. Their hunting dogs would start whining as soon as they smelt their food cooking over the campfire, so the men would toss any leftover corn patties to the dogs, whilst asking them to “Hush, Puppies!” – hey presto, Hush Puppies were born!
These deliciously hot and crispy corn cakes are now more commonly associated with Daytona Beach, where they are served with fried shrimp – that’s prawns to you and I – and a side of coleslaw. However, these tasty morsels can be enjoyed with a huge array of foods and make a refreshing alternative to the usual potato side. There is nothing more delicious than hot food fresh out of the fryer and these puppies are no exception – I challenge you not to indulge in one or two while you’re cooking!
I had never heard of, seen, nor tasted Hush Puppies before making them for the blog, but upon first taste, I was smitten. These hot, deep-fried balls of corn-filled pleasure are delicious just as they are. However, after – not very much – contemplation, I grabbed some hot sauce and cayenne pepper, together with my resident bag of bacon crumbles and added them to the mixture – ka-pow! Bacon Hush Puppies, might just be my new BFF (Best Food Friend) – because everyone knows that everything tastes better with bacon.
What’s even better? They’re super easy to make. Simply beat together corn meal, baking powder, salt, milk and water. Blend in an egg and any other additional ingredients – bring in the bacon! Then leave mixture to stand for 10 minutes. If you like my silicone mixing spoon you can buy it here.
Pour a 1 inch depth of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-based pan and heat to 375°F (190°C). Then form and drop the batter into the hot oil and fry, in batches, for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden.
Then drain the fat away on some kitchen paper and serve them up hot, hot, hot.
Don’t forget to visit us at the Arugula & Rocket Store!
Hush Puppies
Ingredients:
Vegetable Oil (for frying)
3 Cups Corn Meal
2 Tsp Baking Powder
1½ Tsp Salt
1½ Cups Milk
½ Cup Water
1 Egg
1 Onion, Finely Chopped or Grated (Optional)
1 Tsp Hot Sauce (Optional)
¼ Tsp Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
¼ Cup Bacon Crumbles / Chopped Cooked Bacon (Optional)
Instructions:
Beat together the corn meal, baking powder, salt, milk and water.
Blend in the egg and any other optional ingredients, such as onion, hot sauce and/or bacon.
Leave mixture to stand for 10 minutes.
Pour a 1 inch depth of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-based pan and heat to 375°F (190°C).
Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls into the hot oil and fry, in batches, for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden.
Drain on paper and serve hot.
Arugula & Rocket 
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