Saddles Red Cornmeal Onion Rings

3 cups red cornmeal
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 gallon buttermilk
2-4 yellow onions thinly sliced into rings (we use a mandoline)
vegetable oil for frying
(Make sure that you use a large enough pot and enough oil as to not crowd onions.)

Heat oil to 350 degrees.
Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Put sliced onion rings in the buttermilk and let stand 1 hour up to overnight. Drain onions in a strainer and toss to coat in flour mixture. Shake excess flour off. Fry in small batches until golden brown.