fried pickles for charity.

awhile back, one of my nearest and dearest asked me to help cook for a charity bbq she was putting together to raise money for the vcu massey cancer center. she called it cookout for a cause. the event was last weekend and was a huge success. we raised tons of money, drank lots of natty light (hey - it was for charity and it's cheap) and ate so many goodies. the buffet included oreo truffles, hamburgers, two types of pasta salad, deviled eggs, hot dogs, wings, pizza, fries and onion rings - this was not your typical bbq.  i brought sausage and pepper skewers, roasted vegetable quesadillas with a tomatillo avocado salsa (recipe to come), and beer-battered fried pickles - the main attraction. if you have never had a fried pickle, please get yourself to a restaurant that serves them, stat. or just let me know and i'll come make them for you - they are that good. these babies went like hot cakes. i probably made around 150 and they were gone within 30 minutes. i had people asking for more, some even begging me to get back in the kitchen. i felt like i was on top chef. 

definitely thinking fried pickles will be my staple anytime i'm invited to a bbq this summer. i'll be waiting for my invitations.

ingredients:
2  (16-oz.) jars dill pickles, drained and sliced into circles
1  large egg
12-oz. beer
1 tablespoon baking powder
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup corn starch
s&p

directions:
pat pickles dry with paper towels. whisk together egg, beer, baking powder and s&p in a large bowl. add flour and cornstarch, whisking until smooth. pour oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches into a large heavy skillet or dutch oven. heat over medium-high heat to 375 degrees.  dip pickle slices into batter, allowing excess batter to drip off. fry pickles, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden. drain and pat dry on paper towels and sprinkle with salt right away. serve immediately for best results.

if you're in the giving mood, they are still accepting donations online. 

also wanted to give a shout out to my self-proclaimed biggest fan: erin. we love ya girl, but why haven't you become a follower on because sis said so? also, please tell your husband that carol says hello.