Yield: 4 servings

1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 cup buttermilk

4 tablespoons bacon drippings, melted

2 green onions, minced

2 cups peanut oil

1. Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, egg, buttermilk, bacon drippings and green onions in a deep mixing bowl. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes, then stir.

2. Pour oil into a heavy skillet. Heat to 375 degrees. Gently slide batter, a teaspoonful at a time, into hot oil. Cook about 6 hush puppies at a time. Fry until hush puppies are golden brown on all sides.

3. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

Per serving: 570 calories; 30g fat; 8g saturated fat; 70mg cholesterol; 10g protein; 67g carbohydrate; 4g sugar; 3g fiber; 1,230mg sodium; 235mg calcium.