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I have heard many stories about the origins of Hushpuppies. I do not know which ones are true, but the one that I believe, and the one that I think makes the most sense, is this: Back in Colonial America, it was customary to have your food prepared in a separate building away from the main living quarters. This was practical due to the possibility of fires erupting from the kitchen quarters. A separate cooking building protected the main living quarters from burning down from any kitchen fires. Well this posed a small problem in that the slaves would have to bring the food from the kitchen to the main building, through the courtyard, to serve it. Most households had dogs in the yard, and when the food was being transported, the dogs would jump and crowd the folks carrying the food. In order to satisfy and distract the dogs, they would fry up pieces of cornmeal batter and throw it to the dogs so that they can make it to the main living quarters without tripping and dropping or spilling the food along the way. This is how they "Hushed" the Puppies.

Well, you believe whatever you want, in the mean time, here is one of many Recipes
to prepare Carolina Hushpuppies. Enjoy.

INGREDIENTS

•4 cups of vegetable oil

•2 cups of yellow cornmeal

•1 small onion finely diced

•1 cup all-purpose flour

•1 egg, beaten

•3/4 teaspoon salt

•1/4 teaspoon baking soda

•2 cups of milk

•1 cup of water

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat vegetable oil to 350° F or until a small amount of batter dropped into the hot oil sizzles and floats. Ensure that the oil doesn't get too hot or the Hushpuppies will not cook thoroughly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, onion, flour, egg, salt, baking soda, milk, and water. Mix until batter is smooth and free of any lumps. If batter is too thin, add more cornmeal. If it is too thick, add more milk.
3. Add a teaspoon at a time of Hushpuppy batter to the oil very carefully, taking care not to splatter. Be careful not to overcrowd the fryer.
4. Hushpuppies should float after about 10 seconds.
5. Continue to cook until brown on all sides, turn the Hushpuppies occasionally (approx 5 minutes).
6. Remove Hushpuppies to a paper towel and continue to cook the remaining batter as outlined above.
7. Serve Hushpuppies hot with your favorite fried entree.