ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI: HUSH PUPPIES AND DOUGH BALLS GREAT CONCOCTIONS OF OLD-TIME FISHERMEN

In 1939 my Pappy Mays caught a 75-pound catfish on a trout-line with a "dough ball." Dough balls were by and large the favorite bait for river fishermen. However, by the 1950s, technology arrives, and the art of dough ball bait faded fast. But the memories of the outside iron-kettle fish fries that resulted from the glorious catches from the dough ball shall never fade.

The old iron kettle hung from its mantle 18 inches above the ground, where directly beneath a wood fire was built. I was mesmerized how my Daddy and uncles always created the perfect orange-blue fire.

Tables were crafted from barrels with long wooden planks laid across their top, then covered in red oil-cloth. The benches were smooth and sanded planks set astride double stacked concrete blocks.

Rumor has it that the fishermen threw hush puppies to their clamorous dogs to quiet them, but I know for a fact that hush puppies were tossed to the children, both as a game and to stave off hunger until the heavy laden platters of flaky fish and crispy hush puppies were ready for the eating.

Sodas were iced down in big trough tubs, which provided the ammunition for the afternoon "ice fight." The big decision of the day was what to drink -- Orange Crush or Grape Nehi. With this decision made, the feast was on!

Hush Puppies

1 cup flour, self-rising

1 cup cornmeal

1 egg

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons oil

4 tablespoons onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons corn, whole kernel, optional

dash of red pepper, optional oil for deep frying

1. Mix ingredients in order given

2. Drop batter by the teaspoonful into hot oil. Deep fry until golden brown

3. Drain on paper towel and serve at once

Yield: about 18 puppies

Dough Balls

1/2 cup flour (any kind)

1/4 cup cornmeal

1/4 cup cold water

medium pot

boiling water

1. Combine flour and cornmeal.

2. Add water and mix. This will be stiff dough.

3. Roll dough into balls with floured hands -- dime-sized for small fish and quarter-sized for larger fish.

4. Drop balls into boiling water in medium pot and boil for five minutes.

5. Remove balls from water and let drain on paper towel. Placed drained balls on plate and let dry for at least 3 hours.

6. Place dough balls on hook -- Happy Fishing!

Yield: About 12 balls

Angie Holtzhouser is author of Drop Dumplin's and Pan-Fried Memories ... Along the Mississippi. Her cookbook is available at local bookstores. In addition, it can be purchased through the mail at: Drop Dumplin's, P.O. Box 10, Lilbourn, Mo. 63862. The price is $19.95, including tax and shipping.