Hushpuppies or Hush puppies are an American food consisting of small cornmeal breads that are deep fried in a spherical or oblong shape. The usual ingredients include cornmeal, flour, eggs, salt, baking soda, milk, and water, and can include whole kernel corn, onions, and peppers. Sometimes, pancake batter is also used. The batter is mixed well, adjusting ingredients until it is suitably thick. Then the batter is dropped into hot oil (such as vegetable oil). The cook is able to tell that the oil is hot enough when the hushpuppy floats to the surface. The hush puppy is typically fried until golden brown, and then set on a paper towel to absorb some of the oil before it is consumed. They are often eaten with catfish, seafood, or barbecue. They are usually made at home or served in restaurants that advertise home-style food as opposed to fine dining establishments. Captain D's, Long John Silver's, Arthur Treacher's, and Skipper's are well-known franchises that serve hush puppies. They are a hearty, heavy food that can easily be eaten while active or mobile as a snack or in addition to a meal.Hushpuppies are a distinctly Southern food, associated with cajun dishes and soul food. They are now available throughout America on the menus of fried-fish fast food restaurants. Additionally, Hushpuppies may be derived from the West African cuisine acaraje or akara. The name “hushpuppies” is often attributed to hunters or fisherman who would quickly fry corn meal and feed it to their dogs to “hush the puppies” during cook outs or fish frys. Two other legends surrounding the hush puppy date back to Civil War days. Southern soldiers would sit beside a campfire, preparing their meals. When Union soldiers came near, they would toss their barking dogs some of the fried cakes with the command "Hush, puppies". Also, during the time of the underground railroads, escaping slaves would feed these to the dogs tracking them while coaxing them with hopeful commands such as "hush puppies". See alsoCuisine of the Southern United StatesFish fry References^ Shange, Ntozake (1998). If I Can Cook, You know God Can. Boston: Beacon Press. ISBN 0807072419. ^ Hush Puppy. Dictionary.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-02.^ Catfish and Hush Puppies. Southernfood.about.com.