THE BEST JALAPENO POPPERS RECIPES

Steps:

• Take one whole chilli and using a small sharp knife make an incision along the length without cutting all the way through. Open up the cavity and using the end of a teaspoon scrape out and discard the seeds and the membrane. It’s very good idea to wear gloves when you’re preparing chillies in this way, and make sure you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Repeat with all the other chillies.
• Mix the cream cheese with the mozzarella, season with salt and pepper then use it to fill the chillies. Push them gently to close them up and wipe off any excess.
• Put the flour, egg and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls or dishes and roll the stuffed chillies first in the flour then egg then breadcrumbs then repeat so they get a good double coating.
• Heat the oil in a large saucepan until it reaches 160C. Carefully lower the chillies into the oil using a slotted spoon and deep fry in batches for around 2-3 mins or until deep golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to soak up the excess oil.
• Once the chillies are fried season them with pepper and salt and spread out on a plate or board so everyone can help themselves. Great with beer and a movie.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet and set aside.
• In a bowl, cream together the cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cumin, and cayenne.
• In a small bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, and 2 teaspoons of the Essence. In a shallow dish, combine the panko crumbs and remaining 4 teaspoons of Essence. In a third dish, combine the flour and remaining 2 teaspoons of Essence. Spread 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into the middle of each jalapeno half. One at a time, dredge in the flour, dip into the egg mixture, then dredge in the panko crumbs, pressing to coat. If necessary, repeat the process. Place the coated peppers, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet and bake until the filling is runny and the crust is golden, about 30 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and serve immediately with cold beer.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.