1 lb. frankfurters - vegetable oil
1 c. all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. cornmeal
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. shortening
3/4 c. milk
1 egg, beaten
1 med. onion, grated (optional)

Pat frankfurters dry with paper towels. Heat oil (2 to 3 inches) to 365 degrees. Mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening. Stir in remaining ingredients. Dip frankfurters into batter, allowing excess batter to drip into bowl. Fry, turning once, until brown, about 6 minutes; drain on paper towels. Insert wooden skewer in end of each corn dog if desired. Makes 4 servings.