Deep-fried Mushrooms

Whether they are served as an appetizer during a football game or as a side with grilled hamburgers, deep-fried mushrooms are always a favorite in my house. This is my take on a favorite that my daughter and I always ordered at one of our local drive-in’s. Do you remember what a “Drive In” is? Do they even call them “Drive In’s” anymore?? Well, if your remember what a “drive-in” is and you still call them a “drive-in” by accident now and then, you must be around my age:) Cough 50-ish Cough.. Back to the story.

Local Restaurant

In Appleton WI, there is a drive-in/fast food called Tom’s Drive In. Tom’s Drive In has served Appleton and the surrounding area for over 40 years. I can remember when my kids were young and we’d go to Tom’s and get 5 burgers and 5 fries for $5.00 or was it 4 burgers for a $1.00 and 4 fries for a $1.00?!? Something like that…Tom’s also had/has the best deep-fried cheese curds, onion rings and fries, they had the best deep-fried mushrooms too. Like I said they had the best deep-fried mushrooms.  For some reason and I’m not sure why, Tom’s doesn’t have deep-fried mushrooms on the menu and that’s what inspired me to make my own. Sometimes you just need to reminiscence.

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Deep-fried Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 2 cups
  beer, your favorite
• 2 cups
  sifted flour
• 2 teaspoons
  garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons
  salt
• 1 teaspoon
  pepper
• 1 teaspoon
  parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1
  egg
• 1 tablespoon
  oil
• 3 to 6 cups
  cooking oil
• 1 to 2 pounds whole,
  large fresh mushrooms, wiped clean

Cooking Directions

1. Pour at least 3 inches of oil into a large, deep cast-iron Dutch oven.
2. Heat until it reaches about 375º
3. Meanwhile mix beer, flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, parsley flakes, baking powder, egg, and oil in a large bowl. Mix until smooth and well blended without any lumps.
4. Dip mushrooms into batter and coat well.
5. Fry mushrooms in batches in oil until crispy and brown, about 8 minutes.
6. Remove mushrooms to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Sprinkle with salt and serve with favorite sauce or ketchup.

Mushrooms Deep-fried, Batter, Beer

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