Several months ago, my daughter spent career day at my husband’s place of employment.  While she was excited to tell me about her day, it was where he treated her to lunch that was the highlight of her day…A restaurant dedicated to grilled cheese sandwiches.  Grilled Cheese?  She couldn’t wait for me to enjoy the same experience.  Grilled Cheese?

A few weeks later we did dine at that restaurant.  $35.00 for 3 grilled cheese sandwiches, 2 orders of fries, 1 order of onion rings, and 3 iced teas.  $35.00?  Grilled Cheese?  Please understand, the sandwiches were comprised of more than cheese but, they were basically grilled cheese.

This is not a restaurant review…Back to my point…Because I complained about the price(in the car), my family thought that I was being cheap.  I’m not cheap, just sensible.

That came to mind today when I decided on lunch for myself.  I was in Trader Joe’s and happened upon a wedge of black truffle cheese!  Mmmm..Grilled Black Truffle Cheese & Bacon on Pumpernickel and Onion Straws!

Since making a grilled cheese is so basic, I thought that I would share the recipe for onion straws.  I even paired them with my new BFF, Sriracha Mayo.

Cut onion in half lengthwise, then cut into 1/4 inch thick pieces.

After soaking onion slices in egg white/buttermilk mixture, dredge in seasoned breading.

Fry until golden…

Onion Straws
2-4 servings

1 large red onion, cut in half lengthwise then in 1/4 inch slices
1 egg white
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup pancake mix
1/2 cup panko crumbs
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon hot paprika
cooking oil, for frying

Mix egg white and buttermilk in a bowl until well blended.  Add onion pieces and allow to soak for at least 15 minutes.  In a shallow dish mix flour, pancake mix, panko, seasoned salt, onion powder, and paprika.  Dredge onion pieces in flour mixture. Pour oil about 1 inch deep in a heavy skillet.  Heat on medium high until oil sizzles when tested.  Place breaded onion pieces in hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes, turning after about 2 minutes on one side.  Transfer to paper towel lined plate.  Serve with sriracha mayo.