Every Saturday night we have a tradition in our house of making appetizers while we watch the hockey game on TV. It is a great way to try out different recipes, so I can be sure that they will be good for when I make them for a crowd. I know I have found a keeper when someone says “What, they are all gone?” Those are the best moments.

Last Saturday I wanted onion rings or even better a blooming onion. The problem was every time I have tried blooming onions they just don’t turn out quite right. They are very hard to coat evenly without the onion falling a part or having more of a professional fryer. So instead I decided to make onion petals. Easier to work with, fry and just so yummy. It may not be a fancy appetizer but for a game day, they are pretty good.

Here is what you will need:

• 2 large onions
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 tbs of paprika
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp of pepper
• 1 tsp of garlic powder
• 1 tsp of cumin
• 1 tsp of chili powder
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tsp of srirancha sauce
• Vegetable oil for frying

Here is how to make it:

• In a bowl, mix the milk and egg and set aside.
• In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin and chili powder.
• Cut the top and bottoms of the onion. Cut the onion into quarters and separate the onion quarters into petals.
• Dip each onion petal in both the the milk mixture, then the flour mixture twice.
• Heat the oil in a large pot and fry each of the onion petals in the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the onions, fry them in batches.
• Drain the fried onion petals on paper towels to drain.
• Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup and sriracha sauce in a small serving bowl until combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
• Serve the deep fried onion petals with the sance.

I hope this recipe inspires you in your kitchen – enjoy!