Carolina Hush Puppies

In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, butter, hot sauce, onion, and ¼ cup water. Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients and stir together with a spoon; let sit for 10 minutes.

Pour oil to a depth of 2″ in a 6-qt. Dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 375°. Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a ¾″-diameter round tip. Working in batches, pipe and cut 3″-long logs of batter into oil; fry until golden brown, 1–2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Season with more salt.