Preheat 2 inches peanut oil in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven to 375 degrees F. Whisk the cornmeal, flour, 1 teaspoon salt, the sugar, cayenne and paprika in a large bowl to get rid of the lumps. (No one likes a lumpy hushpuppy.) Mix in the remaining ingredients, stirring well to combine.
Dip 2 spoons into a mug of water (this allows the batter to come clean off). Scoop up about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the batter and carefully slide it into the hot oil, working in batches. Fry the scoops of batter 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked all the way through (test the first one for doneness). Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet, seasoning with salt as soon as they come out of the fryer.
Tools You May Need
Photograph by David Malosh
Courtesy of Food Network Magazine
Tools You May Need
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