Green chiles and cayenne pepper add some serious zip to these Southern cuisine mainstays. Hot and slightly crunchy on the outside and tender and fluffy on the inside, these are perfect as an appetizer or serve along side any of your favorite fried foods.

Sausage and Green Chile Hush Puppies

1/2 cup ALBERS Yellow Corn Meal
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup milk
1 (4-ounce) can ORTEGA® Diced Green Chiles
4 ounces sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup frozen corn
2 cups or more vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup ORTEGA Salsa - Homestyle Recipe (Mild)

1. Sift together cornmeal, baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt and flour in small bowl.
2. Combine egg and milk in medium bowl; add cornmeal mixture and mix well. Add chiles, sausage, bell pepper and corn; stir just until combined.
3. Heat approximately 1 1/2-inches of oil in skillet to 350°F (175°C). Drop 1 tablespoon portions of batter into oil and fry 2 to 2 1/2 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels. Serve with salsa.

Makes 10 hush puppies.

Recipe and photograph are the property of Nestlé® & Meals.com, used with permission.