2 cups cornmeal

1/2 cup pancake mix

2 & 1/2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped*

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce*

Oil for deep-fat frying

In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, pancake mix, sugar, baking powser and salt. In another bowl, beath the egg, buttermilk, oil jalapenos, onion and hot pepper sauce. Stir into dry ingredients just until combined.

In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees. Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls into oil. Fry for 3 - 4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm. Yield: 4 dozen

*Jalapenos and hot pepper sauce optional.