Spicy Cajun Deep Fried Eggplant

This came from the bellaonline website. It is suggested to serve with hot sacue or Remoulade sauce

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

• 1  large eggplant, cut into 1/8 inch slices
• 2  eggs, lightly beaten
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 3  drops  hot sauce (Tabasco)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
• 1  teaspoon  celery salt
• 1  teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄2 cup cornmeal
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese
•  vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, the cornmeal, and the spices. Whisk to combine. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs, the milk, and the hot sauce.
2. Dip the eggplant slices first into the cornmeal mixture, then into the egg mixture, then back into the cornmeal mixture. Place on a metal baking sheet.
3. Heat the oven to 200°F Place an empty baking sheet in the oven.
4. Meanwhile, in a large, heavy (cast iron is best) skillet, heat 2 – 3 inches of vegetable oil over medium high heat to 350°F If the oil begins to smoke, remove the skillet from the heat until it cools down slightly.
5. With tongs, carefully drop 3 - 5 of the coated eggplant slices into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd or the eggplant will simmer and not crisp up. Cook the eggplant until golden, then carefully turn over, about 2 minutes on each side.
6. Drain briefly on paper towels. To keep warm until serving, place the fried eggplant slice in a single layer on the baking sheet in the oven.
7. Allow the oil to return to 350°F before frying up the next batch.