Ballpark Treat

We are lucky enough to have a beautiful baseball stadium here in Fort Wayne, Parkview Field- the home of the Tin Caps. For those not from around my neck of the woods, Parkview is the name of a local hospital network, and they sponsored some of the building of this huge place, so in return their name is now forever linked to America's pastime. And the Tin Caps get their name from Johnny Appleseed- you know b/c he wore a tin pot on his head (or so the legend says) and spent many years here in Fort Wayne. This stadium is only a few years old, and when you enter it, you forget you are in Fort Wayne. It's as if you are transported to Chicago or Cincinnati. It's a great place to take the family for a good time, and some GREAT food. The smells that greet you at the gate are mouth watering! We're not just talking about the baseball park staples of popcorn, peanuts and hot dogs. The menu for this place is 4 pages long and includes freshly grilled hamburgers, brats, chicken, pulled pork, and sides galore. Plus, since the hospital sponsored it, they also are very health conscious and offer things at the "Apple Cart" stand that all include apples. And they also offer gluten free options for those fans w/ food allergies. The first time I saw all the options at the park I was astounded and actually surprised at the value too! My favorite treat when we go to a game are onion rings. So after trying my hand at Beer Battered Fried Green Tomatoes I figured why not take that same batter, coat some onions in it and fry 'em up! I love me a good onion ring and for me battered ones are always the best. Now I can enjoy these at my own table and if I need the excitement of a game to go w/ them, I'll just send Alex in the back yard and have him "slide into home".

Beer Battered Onion Rings

Batter:

1/3 c. flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/3 c. flat beer (I used it right from the bottle and it worked fine)

1-2 large Vidalia Onions

Salt to taste

Vegetable Oil for frying

Slice onions into 1/4- 1/2" rings. Whisk flour, salt, pepper and beer together until well combined. Dip rings into batter and let excess drip off. Heat 1" of oil in electric skillet set on 375. Fry rings in batches not allowing them to touch. Cook until lightly golden brown. Drain on paper towels and season w/ salt.

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