Jalapeno peppers stuffed with cream cheese and coated with a spicy breadcrumb mixture are always a treat. Serve them hot with pepper jelly and sour cream.
INGREDIENTS (for 4 servings):
- 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and halved
- 1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup self-rising flour
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- onion powder to taste
- 1/2 cup cornflakes cereal crumbs
- 1 quart oil for frying
PREPARATION:
Bring a half filled medium saucepan of water to boil. Place jalapeno peppers in the water 10 to 15 minutes, until tender. Drain and cool.
Blot dry interiors of the jalapeno peppers with a paper towel. Fill each jalapeno pepper half with approximately 1/2 ounce cream cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, 1/4 teaspoon salt and vegetable oil. In another small bowl, mix remaining salt, flour, garlic powder, paprika and onion powder. Place cornflakes cereal crumbs in a third small bowl. One at a time, dip the jalapeno pepper halves into the egg mixture, the flour mixture, the egg mixture again, and finally the cornflakes cereal crumbs. Place coated peppers in a medium dish. Freeze approximately 2 hours.
Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium high heat. Fry the frozen peppers 3 to 4 minutes each, until dark golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve.
Editor's Note:We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount may vary depending on cook time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.