Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot until the oil is 3 to 4 inches deep.
Heat the oil to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, onion, salt, and ground red pepper.
Add the milk, the egg, and stir to combine.
Drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry only a few at a time for best results. If you add too many at once the oil temperature may drop and they make not cook well.
Fry the hush puppies for 1 to 2 minutes, until they have browned.
Remove them from the oil, and drain on a wire rack.
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Source Virginia McDowell. Jefferson City, Mo. 1959.