Fried Pickles

The first time I ever had Fried Pickles was at Hooters. Crispy fried tangy goodness. Fried Pickles became crave worthy from that night on. Mr. Sideline Chef, Itty Bitty, and I go there quite often with our friends but we've recently stopped going. The girls at the location nearest to our home aren't very nice and stopped giving good service.

I'm having withdrawals. One night after a craving hit at an unusual hour and going to bed dreaming about them I decided I needed to make them.

While picking up groceries the other day I had Mr. Sideline Chef bring me home a big jar of dill pickle slices. I just had to make them.

Itty Bitty's birthday weekend came and I did so much food prep but nothing to do with frying pickles. I forgot I had them in the pantry. The craving was pushed aside after having some birthday cake.

Today while reheating chicken wings I thought about my usual order from Hooters and remembered I had pickles. I could make Fried Pickles! Fried Pickles and chicken wings it was for lunch. I didn't follow a recipe since I've done some frying before.

"Hope you aren't going to miss going to Hooters." I tell Mr. Sideline Chef.

"Why? Are they better?" He asks.

"Oh yeah!" He agreed.

Fried Pickles

Makes 4 - 6 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tbsp paprika
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 jar dill pickle slices
• vegetable oil for frying

And Action:

Heat about an inch of oil in a deep pot.

Soak the pickles in the buttermilk. Shake off excess liquid. Dredge the pickles in the flour mixed with the cayenne pepper and paprika. Shake off the excess flour.

Transfer the pickles to the hot oil and fry 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with ranch dressing.