ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hushpuppy

Okay kiddo, let's talk about hushpuppies! Have you ever heard of them? They're a yummy treat that people in the Southern United States love to eat.

So, you know how sometimes when you eat fried chicken or fish, you might get some little bits of crumbs left over at the bottom of the basket? Well, hushpuppies are kind of like those, but on purpose!

People take cornmeal, which is kind of like a grainy powder that comes from dried corn, and mix it up with some other ingredients like flour, milk, egg, and maybe some onions or spices. Then, they roll it into little balls and drop them into hot oil to fry.

After a few minutes, the hushpuppies turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, but still soft and fluffy on the inside. They're perfect for eating as a side dish with your meal, or as a snack on their own.

And why are they called "hushpuppies," you ask? Well, there are different stories about where the name comes from, but one popular theory is that people used to make these little fried snacks and toss them to their dogs to keep them quiet and satisfied while they cooked. The dogs would "hush up" and be happy with their tasty treat!

So there you have it, kiddo. Hushpuppies might be a little different from what you're used to, but they're a delicious treat that lots of people love to eat. Why don't we see if we can make some together sometime?