Fried Jalapenos

Name: Fried Jalapenos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 jars (12 ounces each) whole jalapeno peppers, drained; 1 jar (5 ounces) olive-pimiento cheese spread; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided; 6 tablespoons cornmeal, divided; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup buttermilk; Oil for deep-fat frying

Here's an appetizer that will heat up any gathering. Family and friends often request that I make these jalapenos. —DeLea Lonadier, Montgomery, Louisiana

Ingredients

2 jars (12 ounces each) whole jalapeno peppers, drained
1 jar (5 ounces) olive-pimiento cheese spread
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
6 tablespoons cornmeal, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup buttermilk
Oil for deep-fat frying

Directions

Cut off stems and remove seeds from peppers. Stuff with cheese spread. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
In a shallow bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons cornmeal, salt, pepper and buttermilk until smooth; set aside. In another shallow bowl, combine remaining flour and cornmeal. Dip stuffed peppers into buttermilk batter, then dredge in flour mixture.
In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry peppers, a few at a time, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.