Hoppin’ John-Bacon Fritters
 
Makes about 24
Ingredients
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups Classic Hoppin’ John (recipe follows)
  • ¾ cup buttermilk self-rising cornmeal mix*
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Ranch dressing, to serve
Instructions
  1. In a small skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Remove from skillet using a slotted spoon, and let drain on paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together bacon, Classic Hoppin’ John, cornmeal mix, and flour.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and egg. Add to bacon mixture, stirring until blended.
  4. In a large cast-iron Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 2 inches, and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°.
  5. Using a 2-tablespoon spring-loaded scoop, scoop batter, and carefully drop into hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove using a slotted spoon, and let drain on paper towels. Serve with ranch dressing.
Notes
*We used White Lily Buttermilk Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix.
Recipe by Taste of the South at https://tasteofthesouthmagazine.com/hoppin-john-bacon-fritters/