ISO review on CL Onion Rings

[beejayw1]

In going through a bunch of back issues I recently got from Ebay, I ran across one of my favorite issues: the Blue Plate Special one. It features a side of onion rings.

Now, I love onion rings, and am feeling extraordinarily virtuous because I didn't have any at lunch, even though my meal came with them, but I'd love to have some either tonight or tomorrow.

Has anyone made the CL version, and if so, how were they? I know they involve being dipped in a sort of beer batter, sauteed in a hot pan for a couple minutes, then baked in a fairly hot oven.

Does anyone make them? How are they?

[TheresaM]

I'm pretty sure this is a CL receipe. I have not tried these, but
I really want to. With the hot weather, I can't stand the thought of turning on the stove !

Baked Onion Rings

1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2 large sweet onions
egg substitute equivalent to 2 eggs

-In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients; set aside.

-Cut onions into 1/2 inch thick slices. Separate into rings, reserving the small rings for another use.

-In a small mixing bowl, beat egg substitute until frothy. Dip onion rings into egg, then into crumb mixture, coating well.

-Place in a single layer on baking sheets that have been coated with nonstick cooking spray.

-Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until onions are tender and coating is crispy. Yield: about 6 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (four onion rings) equals 143 calories, 1 gm fat, 442 mg sodium, trace cholesterol, 30 gm carbohydrates, 5 gm protein

[Laura B]

I have not made these, but I seem to remember good reviews in the past. Thanks for reminding me of these! I have been craving onion rings and these may do the trick.

Question for those who have made these or other beer battered things: Is it OK to sub seltzer water for the beer? Or would even regular water be ok? I know that the beer is used for flavor, but do the bubbles matter? We don't drink beer, and since I don't want to buy a whole pack for one can worth of beer, I would prefer to try seltzer water. Any thoughts on this? Also, if beer truly is the best, how long can I keep the left over cans of beer on hand before they go bad? I guess I could buy a six-pack for cooking use as long as it will last a good while before going bad.

[rinsav]

I actually think I posted that recipe and it's not the CL one. I love it though. My bf loves them to and he's king of greasy food and is pretty reticent about trying healthy versions of this type of food. Even he thinks this healthy recipe is really tasty! Try them and let me know what you think.:)

[beejayw1]

Thanks, all -

I'll try them or the CL version, possibly tonight (depends on whether there is beer in the house) and will report back.

(Mouth watering; wondering how to get through the rest of the afternoon...)

[lorilei]

I do remember something from the last time they were reviewed that you might keep in mind.

Some people had trouble with the batter not "sticking" to the onion rings. You might try coating the rings in flour before dipping them in the batter.

When I made them, I didn't have any trouble -- but you might keep this in mind anyhow.

[deb]

beejayw1, I have tried the onion rings from the March 2000 issue. We really liked them! This recipe is different from the one that TheresaM posted although it sounds really good. I will have to try them too. Yes, definitely try the ones from the Blue Plate Special issue. Let us know how they turn out.

[Beth H]

The onion rings from the Blue Plate Special issue are one of my husband's favorite CL recipes. You do have to watch for the batter not sticking to the rings -- I solved that problem by adding more oil to the pan than CL suggested (probably reducing their status as a "low-fat" food). Cut a few extras as one or two will not come off the stove-top with the batter attached.

As for beer - it does last for a while in the fridge. You also could just go to a covenience/beverage/liquor store and buy a 20 oz. bottle of Budweiser. Of course, you probably wouldn't want any of your friends to see you walking out with a bottle in a brown paper bag. :) I think the beer really is what makes the flavor of this recipe and I would not suggest substituting.

[Laura B]

Thanks, Beth. I guess I will try to get some beer to use for the recipe. Hmmm. Maybe I could take a few cans from my parents' house this weekend! :D

[Grace]

Here is a link to an old thread with reviews and tips. If you do a search, there are several other threads too, so you might want to try that as well.

http://www.cookinglight.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=911&highlight=onion+rings

I made these, and while they were good, four onion rings (the serving size, I believe), just wasn't very many for the number of calories....