I really am Southern.

You can tell, because I say "y'all" and "mightcould," and I pronounce "damn" as two syllables. (Not that I ever swear. Hi Ma & Dad!) And what's more, you can tell I'm a Virginian, because I say turrible instead of terrible.

But I can't fry. I've been embarrassed by this for many years: despite being a really good cook, I'm a really turrible fryer. Now really, what kind of person grows up in Virginia and doesn't know how to fry food? Me, that's what kind. I've tried so many times, and without fail, at least one of these things happens:

1. The breading falls right off the target food.
2. The breading is browned and crispy, or possibly even burned, but the target food is not cooked through, or possibly even raw.
3. The whole thing, when/if it's finally done cooking, is just dripping with oil. Sits on the plate in a charming little pool of oil, which oozes into the various side dishes.

I've consulted fellow Southerners, no two of whom have the same method for successful frying, and no method of which has worked for me anyway. I've consulted the writings of Alton Brown, Fellow Southerner and Damn Fine Cook, who certainly knows how to fry. I've seen him do it. On TV. And despite his very clear explanation of frying and how to do it, I still can't do it. The closest I've come to success has been with Crazy Aunt Purl's fried chicken recipe, which I have twice managed with only Problem #3 coming into play. (This is my fault, not Laurie's. Or Alton's, or any of the other people I have consulted. I am A Bad Fryer.)

Last night I tried again (I am nothing if not optimistic: maybe this time I'll get it right!), because El Fuego asked if I would make fish & chips to go with an English beer he bought. Fortunately, I only suffered Problems #1 and #3 - it's #2 that's the real deal-breaker, you can't even consider eating that crap - but it's still downright depressing. Seriously, if anyone has any Frying Advice, I would be happy to listen to it!

On to crafty things! (Well, cooking is making stuff, I guess. Sure, when I'm frying it's just me making a huge mess, but it's still making stuff.)

On to crafty things! I'm still working away on Christmas Gift #2 and the Sidekick Purse. Domovoi Shawl is taking a little rest on the coffee table, but I'll get back to it when I'm done with the purse, for sure.

And look what I won over at Sandra's blog!


Sandra makes really great jewelry, and I won this French Girl ring. (I call her Pauline.) Thanks, Sandra!