TEXAS PETEANDREG; HUSH PUPPIES W/ CHEDDAR CHEESE AND BACON

Texas Peteandreg; Hush Puppies w/ Cheddar Cheese and Bacon image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 3 dozen hushpuppies

Number Of Ingredients 14

For frying peanut, grapeseed or canola oil
1 ¼ cups white cornmeal
½ cup all- purpose flour
1 tsp Kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp garlic, minced
2 tbsp Texas Pete® Hot Sauce
1 cup Texas Pete® Medium Salsa, drained, pulsed in food processor
1 cup cheddar cheese, thick shred
½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
To taste Kosher salt for finishing

Steps:

1. Preheat fryer to 350°F or pour 4 inches of oil into a deep, heavy pot. Clip a candy thermometer on the side of the pot and bring to 350°F over medium-high heat. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper and baking powder. Set aside. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, garlic, Texas Pete® Hot Sauce and Texas Pete® Medium Salsa. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just mixed. 4. Add cheese and bacon. Mix until just combined. 5. Using 2 tablespoons or a #30 scoop, carefully drop balls of batter into fryer. Fry for about 4 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. 6. Transfer to paper towel lined sheet tray and sprinkle with kosher salt to taste. Serve immediately.