It may not have been as pretty as the ones from outback or other places, but I think it turned out pretty amazing for my first attempt!  The flavor was great! If you enjoy bloomin onions from Outback Steakhouse or other places you’ll want to try this recipe.
There’s a few steps to this recipe….. but don’t be intimidated, it’s really not that complicated.
First, get a stock pot about 2/3 full of oil- deep enough to place your onion into to fry.  Turn the burner on Med to Med/high while you’re doing the rest.

Then make your mixtures…

Seasoned flour:
2 c. flour
4 t. paprika
2 t. garlic powder
2 t. onion salt
1/2 t. pepper

Mix together and set aside.

Batter:
1/3 c. cornstarch
1 1/2 c. flour
2 t. minced garlic
1 t. paprika
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
24 oz of liquid (beer, apple juice, water, buttermilk, etc) I used sparkling apple juice and it was amazing! Obviously a flavored liquid will have more flavor than water.  Buttermilk is great for coating- I’m going to try it next time.

Mix together and set aside.

Now it’s time to cut the onions….
I found once the ends were cut off and the outside was peeled off if I put the onion on a jar ring it would help the knife not go all the way through when cutting the slices.  You want it to stay in tact as much as possible.

Once your onion is cut coat it in the seasoned flour- make sure to lightly separate the onion to get flour between all the sections.

Then dip the onion into the batter and again make sure to get some between the sections as much as possible.

Now place the onion in your pan of hot oil.  Cook on each side (top and bottom) for 2 minutes each.
Place on a plate with paper towels to catch the excess oil and serve!  It’s great by itself, or you can dip it in ranch dressing, or there’s lots of dip recipes online.