Ingredients

• 4 bacon slices
• 6 cups vegetable oil (48 fl oz)
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (not stone-ground)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 3 large scallions, thinly sliced (3/4 cup)
• Special equipment: a deep-fat thermometer

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Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until crisp. Transfer with a slotted spatula to paper towels to drain, then crumble.
2. Preheat oven to 300°F.
3. Heat oil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot (preferably cast-iron) over high heat until it registers 320°F on thermometer.
4. While oil is heating, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together egg and milk in a small bowl, then add to cornmeal mixture and stir until combined. Stir in bacon and scallions until just combined.
5. Working in batches of 6, carefully add 1 tablespoon of batter per hush puppy to hot oil and fry, turning, until golden, 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain briefly. Transfer hush puppies to a shallow baking pan and keep hot in oven while frying remaining batter. Return oil to 320°F between batches.