Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Daddy B’s Hushpuppies

Billy Slay's claim to have the best recipe for hushpuppies has been verified many times over. He spent two years developing the recipe and it was two years well spent.

Ingredients

1 cup White Corn Meal
1½  Medium white onion, grated
½ Green Bell Pepper, small dice
1 Heaping Tbsp Salt
2 teaspoons Black Pepper
1 cup All-Purpose Martha White Flour
2 Tbsp Baking Powder
2 Eggs
⅓ cup Warm Water

Instructions

The night before preparation, in a mixing bowl, add corn meal, onion, bell pepper, salt, and pepper and mix well. Place in the refrigerator overnight.

To Prepare:

Heat oil in a cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, or deep fryer to 350 degrees.

Remove the bowl of cornmeal-onion mix from the refrigerator. Allow to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Add flour, baking powder, eggs, and water. Stir gently and let sit 3-5 minutes.

Using a spoon or scoop (about the size, or slightly smaller than a golf ball), drop batter into hot oil. Cook, turning once, until golden brown.

Drain on paper towels.

Yield: 30 hushpuppies (recipe can be doubled or tripled for large groups)

To read more about Billy’s story, click here.

Recent Recipes

Apple French Toast

French toast has been a favorite since childhood—probably one of the first things I could make on my own. Pancakes were my grandmother Muz’s domain, but French toast was all mine. King’s Hawaiian Bread is always a solid choice, but if you can find a bakery that makes fresh brioche or sweet sourdough, grab it. Never been shy about my love for apples, especially Honey Crisp and Fuji. Apple pie’s always been my go-to, but this recipe takes the best part of apple pie and turns it into breakfast.

Read more

Pie Dough

This crust has been the base for countless savory pies over the years. The key is keeping the butter ice-cold and giving the dough enough time to rest in the refrigerator. For a little twist, add 1 tablespoon of freshly cracked black pepper or 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives to the flour mixture.

Read more

Denver Omelet Quiche

I love quiche. To me, it’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In the morning, it’s perfect with fresh fruit. At lunch or dinner, it pairs well with a light salad. Never use the pre-shredded cheese in plastic bags from the dairy case. It's dusted with cellulose, which messes with the texture and flavor. Always grate cheese from a block. It’s an extra step but it will save money and taste so much better.

Read more