Okay, both Jeri (elderjane) and I want this fryer out of the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog. We could share custody of it, tricky because we live hundreds of miles apart, but that can be worked out.



The Healthiest Deep Fryer.
This fryer makes up to 2 lbs. of crisp, succulent fried food using only one tablespoon of oil. The nominal amount of oil results in french fries with only 3% fat--far superior to the 14% fat content of conventionally deep-fried potatoes. An internal convection oven heats to 338º F and evenly circulates hot air to cook chicken wings, shrimp, or spring rolls with the same crunchy exterior and moist interior produced by conventional deep fryers. Food slowly revolves around the nonstick basin while an integrated paddle automatically turns and mixes ingredients with the oil and other seasonings to ensure even cooking. Virtually all of the cooking oil is absorbed by the food, eliminating the hassle of disposing of large quantities of used oil. The device does not require any preheating, it has a timer, and its cover, cooking basin, and paddle are dishwasher safe. Includes a recipe booklet. 9 1/2" H x 12 1/2" W x 16 1/2" D. (6 lbs.)

Item 78600 $299.95

It's the price that has us hesitating.

Jeri and I would have no problem kidding ourselves that the food cooked in this fryer is health food, because as Randy (solitaire) says, "It's all relative."

I'm wondering about the paddle agitating the ingredients, though. I'm not sure how that would work for doughnuts, fritters, or other delicate foods. You probably have to stick with the french fries and chicken wings and shrimps.

What about onion rings? Probably not.

I've never tried this first recipe, so no warranties of deliciousness here. You can also make it with just egg whites for a 'fat free' experience, and that recipe said spritz the rings with cooking spray before baking them, but I don't care if cooking spray is some 'natural' lechithin, I avoid spraying it directly on my food.

Baked Onion Rings

1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2 large sweet onions, sliced 1/2 inch
2 eggs, beaten

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cut onions into 1/2 inch slices. Separate into rings. Beat eggs until frothy and dip the onion rings in it, then dry mixture, coating well. Place in a single layer on baking sheets that have been coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until onions are tender.

Here's a recipe for onion rings made the old-fashioned way in deep fat. I won't be making them any time soon, but I can dream. This batter is actually for making batter-fried fish, so if you have some firm-flesh fish, such as cod cut into large pieces, feel free to give it a dip and a fry as well.

Beer Batter Onion Rings
Big onions, sliced 1/4 - 1/2 inch
Seasoned flour (salt and pepper etc.)

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 cup malt vinegar
2 cups beer (such as Bass ale)
Canola oil for frying

Toss the cut onions and seasoned flour together to coat. Mix all dry ingredients for the batter. Combine malt vinegar and ale and stir in the dry ingredients. Dip onions in the mixture, coating thoroughly, then deep fry until golden brown and cooked through.