Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 12 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 12 tablespoons sugar
  • 34 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 12 teaspoon baking powder
  • 14 teaspoon baking soda
  • 12 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons beaten eggs
  • 1 12 tablespoons chopped seeded jalapeno chile
  • 4 ounces coarsely crumbled soft fresh goat cheese (about 1 cup)
  • canola oil (for deep-frying) or vegetable oil (for deep-frying)

Method

  • Whisk first 6 ingredients in medium bowl to blend.
  • Whisk buttermilk, egg, and chile in small bowl to blend.
  • Stir buttermilk mixture and cheese into dry ingredients.
  • Add enough oil to deep medium saucepan to reach 1 1/2 inches.
  • Attach deep-fry thermometer to pan; heat oil to 320F to 330F over medium heat.
  • Working in batches of 4 or 5, drop batter by tablespoonfuls into oil.
  • Cook until golden, turning occasionally, about 4 minutes.
  • Using slotted spoon, transfer hush puppies to paper towels.
  • DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead.
  • Let stand at room temperature.
  • Rewarm until crisp in 375F oven, 12 to 14 minutes.