Outback Steakhouse Dinner 3 of 4: Bloomin' Onion

So, we're lucky....we were given a bloomin' onion "machine". It just cuts the onion into the bloomin' shape...there are how-to's and diagrams on the internet on how to cut it with a knife, so just Google it and you'll find a how to somewhere....
For the dip:
2 TBS mayo
2 TBS sour cream
1-1/2 tsp ketchup
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbs drained horseradish
1/4 tsp paprika
1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Mix everything together. 
For the Onion:
1 large sweet onion; such as a Vidalia (about one pound in weight)
2-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 TBS paprika
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp black pepper
Mix everything above together.
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2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
Mix the eggs and milk together.
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oil to fry the onion in

Remove the outer layer (the skin) of the onion. Cut off the stem (NOT THE ROOT) of the onion, creating a flat top. Cut you onion, either according to the machines directions or according to a how to with a knife.
Soak the onion in cold water (you can add ice cubes even) for one hour. This will help the petals open up.
Take the onion, shake off excess water then dip it into the flour mixture. Cover the onion, using a spoon if needed, make sure to spread the petals and get the coating everywhere. Shake off excess flour then dip the onion into the egg mixture, making sure to coat the onion well. Repeat dipping the onion into the flour mixture....if wanted you can continue this until all the flour mixture is used up.  
So to break it down, it's onion from water to flour mixture to egg mixture to flour mixture.
Heat your oil in either a fryer machine (which is what we have) or in a deep kettle. For a kettle-heat the oil over medium-high heat until a deep fry thermometer registers 400 degrees. Using a wire sieve, carefully lower the onion into the oil- bloomin' side up. Cook for about 6 minutes; until it's golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels or a cookie cooling rack. 

Serve with the dip and enjoy!!!! Oh, and a tip to reheat this (if there is any left to be reheated) warm the onion up in the microwave then pop it into a toaster oven to gain back the yummy crunchy outside.
With hungry thoughts from the kitchen;
Gabrielle W.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ~1 Corinthians 10:31