FRIED SERRANO PEPPERS RECIPES

Steps:

• Slice off top 1/8 inch, including stem, of each pepper. Reserve. Remove seeds from inside of peppers. (Use thin plastic gloves if you have sensitive skin.)
• Cut cheese into slivers to fit inside peppers. Insert cheese into peppers. Carefully fit tops back onto each pepper, tucking edges into rim of pepper. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
• Place cornmeal in medium bowl. Place eggs in another medium bowl, add salt, and whisk well. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Place half the peppers in the egg mixture, and coat. Transfer coated peppers to cornmeal, and turn to coat evenly. When oil registers 365 degrees on candy thermometer, or is hot but not smoking, carefully slip in the eight coated peppers. Turn as needed, and fry until evenly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon; set on paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining peppers. Serve warm.

Steps:

• Heat heavy large skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl skillet to coat. Heat until oil is very hot and begins to shimmer, about 1 minute. Add whole chiles and 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt; stir constantly until chiles are blistered over half their surface, occasionally shaking skillet, about 2 minutes. Add thinly sliced garlic and continue to stir constantly until chiles are blistered all over, about 2 minutes longer (some chiles will be soft and some will be slightly firm, depending on size). Transfer chiles to paper towels to drain briefly, then place chiles in medium serving bowl. Add 2 teaspoons lemon juice; sprinkle generously with additional coarse sea salt and toss to coat. Serve immediately.