Onion rings

Whisk the flour, cornstarch, instant mashed potatoes and cayenne together, then stir in the club soda; do not worry about developing gluten.

Put the panko bread crumbs in a shallow pan.

Cut the onions no thicker than a quarter inch and separate them into rings.

Let the batter sit about 10 minutes so the instant potato swells and thickens it slightly.

Dip a few rings at a time in the batter, let the excess drip off and coat them in the panko, using a separate fork for each.

Fry at 350F for about two and a half to three minutes.

Salt generously with fine sea salt before serving; they stay crunchy even 15 minutes later on a rack.