Fried Green Tomatoes

Batter:
1 sleeve saltine crackers, crumbled
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.

Egg wash:
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup buttermilk (see recipe) or (this recipe)

In a small bowl mix together beaten eggs and buttermilk.

Directions:
1lb sliced green tomatoes
Egg wash
Batter
Cooking oil
Frying pan
Spatula
Paper towels
Plate

Put a half inch of oil in a frying pan on medium heat. When the oil is ready (about 15 minutes) start by dipping the tomato slice in the egg wash. Then rolling in the batter. Make sure the slice is completely covered in batter. Take from the batter directly into the hot oil. It only takes 30 seconds per side. Count it for each one. The first time you don't count you're going to burn it! Remove from pan onto a paper towel to absorb the extra oil. Makes roughly 6 servings. Eat immediately. No need for dipping sauce they are so delicious, but if you must ranch dressing goes with them excellently!

BLT Bites

20 cherry tomatoes
1 pound cooked diced bacon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup chopped green onions
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons diced fresh parsley

Cut a thin slice off of each tomato top. Scoop out and discard pulp. I used a melon baller to scoop out the middle. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Spoon into tomatoes or pot into a gallon bag, snip the corner and squeeze into tomatoes. Refrigerate for several hours before serving. Makes 20 servings.