Deep Fried Onion Rings

In a large bowl combine the buttermilk and baking soda with salt and pepper. Peel onions an slice thin. Add to buttermilk mixture and stir well to submerge all onions. Set aside, unrefrigerated for 2 hours. In deep fryer add 1 quart of oil and heat to 375. Working in batches place about 1/6th of the flour in a large bowl. With your hands remove about 1/6th of the onion from the buttermilk. Don't let the liquid run off. Add to flour mixture and mix well with your hands until onions are coated. Separate them by hand and lay them on the deep fry basket. Lower into the hot oil. Stir every two minutes. Remove when onions are golden brown and crisp about 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels. And sprinkle with salt.