These are no ordinary hush puppies. Crisp and golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside, they contain a surprise filling of melty and creamy pimento cheese. For the best bite, be sure to eat them while still warm.
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Directions
Stir together 1/2 cup Cheddar, the cream cheese, pimentos and cayenne in a small bowl. Scoop teaspoon-size balls of the cream cheese mixture onto a plate and freeze until firm, 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or other large pot over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F.
Whisk the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl. Make a well in the center and add the buttermilk and egg. Whisk the liquid ingredients together, then stir in the surrounding dry mixture until just combined. Fold in the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Working in batches, drop the cream cheese balls into the batter and turn with 2 spoons until thinly coated all over. Gently drop into the hot oil and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a rack set on a baking sheet and season with salt; keep warm in the oven while you batter and fry the rest. Serve warm.
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Photograph by David Malosh
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