Crab Stuffed Jalapenos
Jalapenos are the most popular chile peppers in the US. This is probably due to the availability and versatility of the chile. Jalapenos have a balanced combination of flavor and heat.
The demand for these have caused breeders to develop a broad range of varieties. You can now get jalapenos with various heat level and sizes. These can be used in salsas, stuffed, or eaten straight with cheeseburgers (my personal favorite).
Ingredients:
1 pound flaked crabmeat
1 pound large fresh jalapenos (about 10)
2 Tbsp. green pepper, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup cracker meal
1 each, egg, beaten
1/4 tsp. each, salt & pepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 each, clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
Breading Mixture: 2 cups cracker meal, 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper.
Slit the peppers lengthwise, seed and rinse. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients except the breading mixture. Stuff the pepper halves with crab mixture and press the stuffing around the pepper. Set aside.
For the breading mixture, place the cracker meal in a flat pan. Mix together the milk, eggs, salt and pepper. Dip the peppers in the egg mixture, then in the cracker meal. Repeat the procedure and deep fry at 365F until golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper towels.
NOTE: The breading/coating will stay on better if you freeze them before frying. Also, already prepared tempura batter is easier and works better, just follow the instructions on the box.