Pioneer Woman and Onion Strings

NOTE:  Almost three years later, I can see how far my food photography has come.  No wonder I have zero comments! This shot was done with a flash, and it's not my best work.  I now shoot in natural light with a macro lens. I really need to re-shoot this recipe, as it's good.

Pioneer Woman Cooks = One of my favorite food blogs because of her photos and recipes. She's a woman after my heart-- she cooks with butter, has a great sense of humor and she's a fantastic photographer. I aspire to photograph (and learn Photoshop) to her level. I warn you, her food blog is addicting. Her recipes aren't "fancy schmancy", but they are the kind of dishes I'd like to serve to my wonderful husband. I really appreciate how she takes step-by-step photos. Even the most timid of cooks can follow her directions.

Craig loves onion rings, so this is what I'm making-- for a "manly dinner". It's "Date Night" at home (I cook, he cleans and we watch a DVD). I'm making NY Strip Steak, onion rings and grilled zucchini. I'll have to scrounge around for inspiration on an herb butter to go on that steak...yeah, that's it! I wish that I could say that I took the photos, but it's all but I didn't. It's from her blog.

My review of this recipe:
Grab your lipitor and hide your bathroom scale. This recipe puts Outback Steakhouse "Bloomin' Onion" to shame. My husband loved them (and so did I). I can already hear my BFF howling with laughter... I decided to post a photo me, wearing my "kitchen gadget" that I use when I work with onion. #1 - I love my mandolin. It's how I sliced these onions in seconds, to be really thin. "What's with the swim goggles?" you ask (between snorts of laughter). Go ahead...laugh all you want. At least I don't cry when I work with onion! It works like a charm.

Craig's Date night dinner included a NY Strip Steak with herb butter, grilled zucchini, Onion Straws and garlic bread. For the rest of the week, it'll be much lighter fare. Or, I'll have to buy new spandex jeans to wear! He's worth it.



To view her version of the recipe, with instructions, click here: (Go to The Pioneer Woman Cooks)


PW’s Onion Straws
1 large onion
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups flour
1 scant tablespoon salt
Lots of black pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Canola Oil
Slice onion very thin. Place in a baking dish and cover with buttermilk for at least one hour.
Combine dry ingredients and set aside.
Heat oil to 375 degrees.
Grab a handful of onions, throw into the flour mixture, tab to shake off excess, and PLUNGE into hot oil. Fry for a few minutes and remove as soon as golden brown.
Repeat until onions are gone.
Eat before your family sees them.
Repeat with another onion, because they’ll be really mad they didn’t get any.

* Beside a delicious rib-eye steak
* Next to thick, juicy hamburgers
* On top of creamy mashed potatoes
* With a spicy southwest dipping sauce
Lotsa Love,
Pioneer Woman

Click here for Printable Recipe