Hot and Spicy Hush Puppies

Recipe courtesy The Neelys . . . The Food Network

Show: Down Home with the Neelys

Episode: Loungin' and Lunchin'

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 3/4 cup self-rising flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 small sweet onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 jalapeno, finely chopped
• 4 green onions, sliced thin
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Cheddar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Orange dipping sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat deep fryer to 375 degrees F.

Mix all the ingredients together into a large mixing bowl to form a thick batter.

Dip 2 tablespoon spoons into water. Using the spoons scoop up some of the batter and drop into the hot oil. Work in batches. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden and brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel lined sheet tray. Serve with dipping sauce.

Gina's Orange Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade

Mix the above ingredients together.