Method

Slice off the bottoms of the onions and peel away the loose layers of skin. Cut a ring around the top part (pointy bit) and peel the rest of the onion. You should now be left with a clean onion, but with the pointy bit intact. Cut the onion in a checkerboard pattern, making sure that the cuts go almost to the end, but do not cut right through.

Soak the onions in the cold water until the wedges open into a bloom, about 20 minutes.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper and herbs. Whisk together the eggs, beer and milk. Dip the onion all the way into the milk mixture, shake off any excess milk, and then dip into the flour mixture. Dip in the milk again and then back into the flour.

Heat the oil in a deep saucepan until very hot. Fry the onions for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and serve with French mayonnaise mixed with the horseradish sauce.

Tips

Place the flour mixture in a sealable plastic bag, drop in the onions, seal the bag and shake until the onions are evenly coated with flour.

To test if the oil is hot enough, drop in a piece of bread and, if it bubbles immediately, the oil is ready.