Texas Pete® Hush Puppies W/ Cheddar Cheese & Bacon

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• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 7
• Yields: 3 dozen 2

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons  Texas Pete® Original Hot Sauce
• 1  cup  medium  Texas Pete® Medium Salsa, drained, pulsed in food processor
• 8  cups  peanut oil
• 1 1⁄4 cups white cornmeal
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon kosher salt
• 1  teaspoon black pepper
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 1  cup buttermilk
• 1  egg, beaten
• 1  teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1  cup cheddar cheese, thick shred
• 1⁄2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions

1. Preheat fryer to 350 degrees or pour 4 inches of oil into a deep, heavy pot. Clip a candy thermometer on the side of the pot and bring to 350 degrees over medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, garlic, Texas Pete® Hot Sauce and Texas Pete® Medium Salsa. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just mixed.
4. Add cheese and bacon. Mix until just combined.
5. Using 2 tablespoons or a #30 scoop, carefully drop balls of batter into fryer. Fry for about 4 minutes, turning halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Transfer to paper towel lined sheet tray and sprinkle with kosher salt to taste. Serve immediately.