Step 1

Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot until the oil is 3 to 4 inches deep.

Step 2

Heat the oil to 350°F.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, onion, salt, and ground red pepper.

Step 4

Add the milk, the egg, and stir to combine.

Step 5

Drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry only a few at a time for best results. If you add too many at once the oil temperature may drop and they make not cook well.

Step 6

Fry the hush puppies for 1 to 2 minutes, until they have browned.

Step 7

Remove them from the oil, and drain on a wire rack.