Deep Fried Tagalongs Recipes

DEEP-FRIED STUFFED JALAPENOS

Steps:

• Cut a short slit in the side of each jalapeno. Carefully scrape out as many seeds as possible, but avoid tearing or enlarging the slit. Stuff each of 8 jalapenos with about 1 teaspoon of refried beans. Stuff 8 more jalapenos with about 1 teaspoon peanut butter each. (The capacity of individual chiles will vary, but they should not be so full that the slits gape open.) Insert 1 strip of cheese into each of the 8 remaining chiles. On a plate, mix together the cornmeal, flour, and salt. In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk the eggs. One at a time, dip the jalapenos into the beaten egg and then roll them in the cornmeal mixture until well coated. Let the jalapenos stand on a rack for 30 minutes to firm the coating. In a deep fryer or in a wide, deep pan fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, heat about 4 inches of corn oil (the fryer or pan should be no more than half full) to 375 degrees. Working in batches and using a slotted spoon, lower the jalapenos into the hot oil. Fry, turning the chiles gently, until they are just crisp and golden, about 4 minutes. (Overcooking the chiles may cause the fillings to boil away.) With the slotted spoon, transfer the fried jalapenos to absorbent paper. Keep the chiles warm in a 250 degree oven until all have been fried. Serve them hot or warm, accompanied by sour cream for dipping.

BATTER FOR DEEP FRYING

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon water, 1 Tablespoon beaten egg, and oil.
• Add wet ingredients to dry and combine until mixed.
• Follow your deep fryer instructions for whatever veggie or meat you're frying.
• This batter is thin and delicious. Don't worry if it doesn't look like it's thick enough. It works great.

DEEP-FRIED TURKEY

Steps:

• In a large stockpot or turkey fryer, heat oil to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Be sure to leave room for the turkey, or the oil will spill over. Layer a large platter with food-safe paper bags.
• Rinse turkey, and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Rub Creole seasoning over turkey inside and out. Make sure the hole at the neck is open at least 2 inches so the oil can flow freely through the bird.
• Place the whole onion and turkey in drain basket. The turkey should be placed in basket neck end first. Slowly lower basket into hot oil to completely cover turkey. Maintain the temperature of the oil at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and cook turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound, about 45 minutes.
• Carefully remove basket from oil, and drain turkey. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the internal temperature must be 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). Finish draining turkey on the prepared platter.