Deep Fried Jalapeno Chilli Poppers

Jalapeno peppers are stuffed with a cream cheese mixture then battered and deep fried to make delicious little appetizers.

Ingredients:

• 15 jalapeno peppers
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• dash salt
• 1 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
• oil for deep frying

Preparation:

Slice jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise; remove seeds. Combine the cream cheese and Cheddar, mixing until well blended. Fill the jalapeno pepper halves with cream cheese mixture and press halves back together.

Put milk in a shallow bowl.

Combine the salt and flour in a shallow bowl.

Put bread crumbs in a shallow bowl.

Dip the peppers in the milk, then in the flour, coating thoroughly. Set them on a sheet of foil or waxed paper to dry for about 15 minutes.

Dip the peppers in the milk again, then in the bread crumbs. Let them dry again for 10 to 15 minutes.

If necessary, dip again lightly in the milk and again in the bread crumbs and let dry again.

Meanwhile, heat oil in deep fryer to 370°. Deep fry peppers in batches for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer jalapeno poppers to paper towels to drain.

Serve hot with cream cheese dip / cottage cheese / diced tomatoes / and a delightful avo, lemon juice & pepper guacamole!

Deep Fried Halloumi

The first off my starter menu: A tasty, vegetarian starter, of deep fried Halloumi, coated in crispy breadcrumbs served with Cranberry Sauce.

Serves: 4

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ltr vegetable oil
• 500 g halloumi, cut in rectangles
• 120 g seasoned flour
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 200 g fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 slotted spoon
• kitchen roll
• 1 saucepan
• 1 plate

Step 1: Heat the oil

Place a large pan on a medium heat and add all the oil. Allow it to become hot enough to fry, but it must not be smoking.

Step 2: Coat the cheese

While the oil is heating, take a rectangle of cheese and place into the flour. Using your hands, coat it well, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg mixture and fully coat it. Finally dip it into the bowl of breadcrumbs and coat well. Repeat with the remaining rectangles.

Step 3: Fry the cheese

To test to see if the oil is hot enough, dip a corner of one of the cheese rectangles into the oil. For extra safety, use tongs. If it fries immediately, it is ready. Then using your slotted spoon, add in all the cheese. Fry for roughly 4 minutes. When beautifully golden, remove with the slotted spoon.

Step 4: Serve

Serve hot with a sweet chilli sauce or a cranberry sauce.