Best Onion Rings around!

Homemade Onion Rings
A Straight from the Farm Original

3 T. canola oil
3 large white or yellow onions
1 egg
1/2 C. buttermilk
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 C. all purpose flour
1 C. toasted wheat germ
1 C. bread crumbs
1 t. dried marjoram
1 t. dried oregano
1 t. dried basil
Preheat the oven to 425 F.  Spread the oil on a baking tray and set inside the preheating oven to get hot.

Cut the onions into a thick rings.  Separate the rings of the onion with your fingers and set aside.  In a large shallow dish, mix the egg, buttermilk, cayenne, salt and pepper until well combined.  Add the flour and mix until all lumps are gone.  In another large shallow bowl, combine the wheat germ, bread crumbs, marjoram, oregano , and basil.

Working in batches and using your hands, toss the onion rings in the batter first and then in the bread crumb mixture.*  When you have all the rings coated,  carefully remove the hot baking tray from the oven and immediately place the rings on it in a single layer.  You will likely need to bake them in two batches unless you have a very large tray.

Bake for 15 minutes or until golden but not brown, turning over once during baking.  Remove from oven and place on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil.  Sprinkle generously with salt and serve immediately.

*You can stop at this point and freeze the coated rings on a cookie tray and then put them in a ziplock bag to use later.  Just pop straight on a hot oiled baking pan (no need to thaw) and cook as directed above.

(serve 6)