Heat-Wave Jalapeno Poppers

Don't be afraid to try these. They're fun and tasty.

Ingredients:

• jalapeno peppers (12 to 15, depending on size)
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
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• 1 (8 oz.) package shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• oil for frying

Directions:

Wash, halve, and seed the jalapenos. (Wear gloves to protect your hands.) For the filling, mix cream cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stuff the pepper halves with the filling.

In a small bowl, combine egg and milk. Put flour in a second bowl. Dip the stuffed peppers in the milk mixture, then in the flour. Lay them on a wax-paper-lined tray to dry for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Put dry bread crumbs in a bowl. Dip the peppers in the milk/egg wash again, then in the bread crumbs. Let them dry for another 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the last step one more time, then deep-fry in hot oil (365 to 375 degrees F) for about 3 to 4 minutes each, or until they're browned the way you like them. Drain on paper towels.

Makes: 24 to 30 Poppets

Note: Jalapenos are hard to coat, plus they are stuffed, so they really need the triple coating. This also works well for other fried veggies instead of plain bread crumbs.

By Connie from Cotter, AR