Fried Okra Poppers

Yield: 12 poppers

Ingredients

• 24 Ritz crackers
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 ounces chilled pepper jack cheese
• 12 medium okra
• 2 cups corn oil or other vegetable oil for frying
• Salsa (for serving)

Instructions

1. In a food processor, finely grind crackers. Whisk together cracker crumbs, flour and salt to taste.
2. In another bowl beat egg.
3. Cut pepper Jack into twelve 1 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/4 inch pieces. With a sharp knife cut a 2 inch slit lengthwise on side of each okra. With your fingers gently pull slit slightly open and insert a slice of cheese.
4. Transfer okra to a plate and chill for 5 minutes.
5. Working in batches of 4, dip stuffed okra in egg to coat, roll in cracker crumb mixture. Arrange coated okra in one layer on plate and chill for 5 minutes.
6. In a deep 10 inch heavy skillet heat oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking.
7. Fry okra, 4 at a time, turning them, until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes.
8. With a slotted spoon transfer okra to paper towels to drain.
9. Season okra with salt and serve hot with salsa.