Makes 20-25 Fritters

INGREDIENTS

10-12 jalapeños, pre-roasted and deseeded
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups green or yellow cornmeal
1½ tablespoons baking soda
1 teaspoon dried chipotle flakes
Salt
2 cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons lime zest
Juice of 1 lime
2 eggs
½ cup cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
4 cups vegetable oil for frying

DIRECTIONS

Chop the roasted peppers, and set aside in a small bowl. In a large mixing bowl, mix together all dried goods and 1 teaspoon of salt. In another medium mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, lime zest, lime juice, and eggs until eggs are beaten well. Add the cream cheese, beating well, and then add the cheddar cheese and cilantro leaves. Mix well. Slowly add small amounts of the wet mixture to the dry mixture until blended well and until all the wet mixture is incorporated. At this point, you should have fritter dough of a medium thickness.

Heat the vegetable oil over high heat until very hot. When the oil is very hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil, careful to avoid oil splatter. Allow to fry, turning over as needed until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes in total. Take out, and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve with fresh salsa.