Fried Green Tamaytahs!

Down here in the south, fried green tomatoes is more than just a movie, it's a southern eye opener!! Now I know they are about the worst thing to eat, but I rationalize it by the fact that it's a vegetable (or a fruit)! How can that be bad??

3 medium GREEN tomatoes, not unripe red tomatoes. True GREEN tomatoes
2cups all purpose flour
1cup milk
1/2cup mayo
2Tbsp lemon juice
1Tbsp paprika
1tsp cayenne
1tsp garlic powder
1/2tsp onion powder
1/4tsp mustard powder
Salt & pepper to taste

Start heating 2" of vegetable oil in a large, deep, heavy skillet or pan. The oil will need to be 350f, which you can test by dropping a small piece of bread in. At the right temperature, it will brown in about 1 minute.

While the oil heats, wash, then slice the tomatoes. Make the slices about 1/4 inch thick. Combine the flour and a little salt and pepper in a bowl, and pour the mill in a separate bowl. Dredge the slices in the flour, then the milk, then the flour again.

Once the oil has reached temperature, carefully place a few slices in, but don't crowd them in! The temperature drops slightly for each slice you put in, and cold oil means soggy results, and no one likes soggy fried green tomatoes! Fry the tomatoes for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove, and place on a wine rack with plenty of paper towels underneath it to catch the drippings.

While the tomatoes cool, combine the mayo, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Put the sauce in a small ramekin or little bowl, and serve with a plate of the crispy tomatoes! Hope you enjoy!