Onion rings:
2 large yellow onions, cut into very thin slices; separate into rings
1 cup buttermilk complete pancake and waffle mix
1 cup sparkling water
2 tbsps chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 (24-oz.) bottle vegetable oil
Dipping sauce:
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 (1.25-oz.) pkg. taco seasoning mix

Scarecrow's Onion Haystack

1. In a medium bowl, combine pancake mix, sparkling water, chili powder and salt; beat until smooth.
2. In a large saucepan or deep fat fryer, heat oil to 375° F.
3. Stir onions into batter. With 2 forks, lift onions from batter in small portions. Drop into hot oil just until surface of oil is covered with onions; fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until crisp and browned.
4. Remove onions from hot oil; drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining onions. Place fried onions on ungreased cookie sheet. Cover; refrigerate.
5. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and taco seasoning mix; blend well. Cover; refrigerate. Before serving, heat oven to 375° F.
6. Bake for 10 minutes or until crisp. Stack onion rings on serving platter; serve with dipping sauce.
   Makes 8 servings
   Preparation time: 30 minutes