Poppin' Poppers

Fried foods rarely come out of my kitchen. I'm just not a fan of breading, and I don't like to work with all that oil. Superbowl Sunday however, warranted an exception. There was a request made for poppers from scratch and I happily obliged. I took the average popper filling and added a little Italian twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

12 Jalepenos

3oz Shaved Cheddar Cheese

4oz Shaved Mozzarella Cheese 

1/2 cup Cream Cheese
1 Tsp Hot Sauce
2 Eggs
1 Cup Plain Bread Crumbs
 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
1 Tsp Garlic Powder
1 Tsp Dried Basil
About 3 Cups Vegetable Oil

Cooking Instructions

Prep the Jalepenos:

Slice one side of the Jalepenos from step to end, then slice below the stem creating a "T" shape. Hold open and clean (remove seeds and ribs) using the tip of to a small knife. 

The Filling:

Mix cheeses and hot sauce, then salt and pepper to taste.

Stuff the Jalepenos with the cheese mixture, and press slices closed.

Mix the Breadcrumbs, oregano, garlic powder, basil, and salt and pepper, in a small bowl.

Lightly beat the eggs in a second small bowl.

Heat the oil in a deep pan to 325 degrees. 

Coat each stuffed Jalepeno in the egg then roll in the bread crumbs. Then do it again. The double layer of bread crumbs keeps the popper crispy and beautiful.

Working in batches of about 4, fry the poppers, agitating occasionally, until golden brown (about 5 mins). Transfer to layered paper towels to drain. Be sure oil is at 325 degrees before beginning each new batch.