Jalapeno Poppers!

At every winter holiday I am always asked to make my world famous Jalapeno Poppers and Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce! I love these and eat most of them before I get to the party! I am willing to share this recipe with you under one condition...you have to make them! Here it is:

When preparing this snack, you will want to wear latex gloves because the jalapeno juices and seeds can irritate the skin and eyes!

Jalapeno Poppers
2 qt canola oil or Crisco
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup of beer (not dark)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
16 fresh jalapeno peppers - slit lengthwise down one side to create a pocket and remove the seeds if desired
4 oz cream cheese, or grated cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese (my secret is garden vegetable flavored cream cheese)
Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce (recipe below) or cream cheese

In a deep fryer or medium stockpot, heat oil to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with paper towels to set poppers to drain oil.

To make the batter, combine flour, beer, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Wisk to combine, set aside.

Stuff each jalapeno with 1/4 oz of cheese of your choice mentioned above. Working in batches, dip jalapeno into the batter, turn to coat, and drop into the fryer until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.

Transfer to prepared baking sheet with paper towels to drain.

Serve immediately with sour cream or blue-cheese dipping sauce.

Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce
2 oz crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Juice of a 1/4 lemon to taste
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Stir all ingredients in a small bowl.

Take a deep breath and ...bite!

If there is someone you need to get back at...give them one that still has the seeds in it!