Fried Asparagus with Creole Mustard Sauce

Courtesy of Paula Dean

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Peanut oil, for frying
• Creole Mustard Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Rinse asparagus with water, and leave damp. Place flour in a resealable plastic bag; add asparagus, seal and shake to coat.

In a shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk, egg and hot sauce. In another shallow dish, combine cornmeal mix and Cajun seasoning. Dip asparagus in buttermilk mixture; dredge in cornmeal mixture.

In a large Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 2-inches. Heat oil over medium heat; about 360 degrees F.

Fry asparagus in batches for 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with Creole Mustard Sauce.

Creole Mustard Sauce:

• 1/4 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 tablespoons Creole mustard
• 2 teaspoons dry ranch dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• Salt

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover and chill.

Yield: 1 cup