A Change of Pace

So I've been thinking for a few weeks about changing the format of this blog a little bit. I've done alot of reading and research lately and I have this feeling that I could be adding so much more to these posts than I am. Well today's the day. I hope you like what I'm going to be doing with the Cups by Kim blog and I hope that you will continue to come back and check in!

I got a new recipe book for Christmas, Taste of Home Baking. As I sat and looked through the amazing recipes the other day, I decided that I was going to try to make all of the recipes in the book. Then I started thinking, maybe I should do some savory recipes too, instead of just cupcakes and sweets (not to mention it's getting a little rough on the waistline here in the Campbell household. Although now as I read back through this, I'm thinking this first recipe isn't to great for the waistline either.) So instead of sticking to one cook book, after being inspired by Julie & Julia, I'm going to make and post as many recipes that I can in the coming year. Anything that sounds good to me, my family, and you, my readers. I'm going to be taking inspiration from some of my most favorite websites and blogs, as well as some of my own personal family favorites. I'm starting today. I know that it's not 2012 yet, but it's close enough, and I had the time today!

I was looking on Pinterest today and came across a tantelizing picture of fried pickles. Now, for those of you who have never tasted these amazing creations, I have to say, TRY THIS AT HOME!! I have tried a few different restaurant's fried pickles and I have to say Hooter's deep fried pickle chips are my favorite. I'm not too impressed by the atmosphere, but hey, I like bar food just as much as the next person, and if I have to see scantaly clad women in short orange shorts to get my fried pickles then I guess I have to do what I have to do. It's not usually too difficult to convince my husband to go either! Until today that is. Now that I know how to make these at home, no more short orange shorts just for pickle chips!

Here's the recipe I used, but I had to change it a little bit to use what I had on hand. Instead of whole Dill Pickles I used a jar of Dill Pickle Chips.

Ingredients
1 jar Dill Pickle Chips (any brand)
1 cup beer
2 eggs
1 -2 cups flour
canola oil or Crisco
salt and pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste

 Directions
Place enough oil in a large skillet so that the oil is about 1-2 inches up the side of the pan. Or use a deep fryer if you have one. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F.
Drain Pickles in a collander. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the yolks and 3/4 cup beer. Season the mixture with salt,pepper, and garlic powder.
Whisk in enough flour to form a batter. If the batter is too thick add the remaining beer to thin the batter.
Using tongs, dip pickles one at a time into the batter (I actually put all of my pickles in the batter and mixed them around with my hand) and then place in the heated oil.
Fry pickles for about 2 minutes on each side.
Place pickles on a plate lined with paper towel and season with salt. Serve with Ranch Dressing, Buffalo Sauce, or Ketchup.

Drain the pickles. Try to remove as much of the moisture as possible. They will coat better.

Whisk together eggs, beer, seasonings, and flour.

Melt oil in your pan. Heat to approx. 350 degrees. You want about an inch of oil in your pan.

Dip your pickle chips in the batter. Your batter should be a tad bit thicker than this, I added too much beer. Oops!

Place your pickle chips in the hot oil.



Brown on each side about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.



Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel.



Serve with Ranch Dressing, Buffalo Sauce, or Ketchup.

 These pickle chips were so good! Like I said, I think my batter was a little too thin, but that didn't stop me from enjoying every little bite!

Well there's my first of many new recipes for 2012. I want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year!! Please be safe and like I said before, check back for new adventures in the Campbell Kitchen!!