Spicy Spears Food

EMERIL'S HOMEMADE SWEET AND SPICY PICKLES

Steps:

• Place cucumbers, onions, pickling salt, and water in a large, non-reactive bowl. Cover and allow cucumbers to soak for 2 hours. Drain the water from the onions and cucumbers through a colander and rinse well for 5 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
• Combine the vinegars, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, cloves, garlic, and peppers in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and add the cucumbers and onions. Bring to a simmer and remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Fill each of the hot sterilized pint-size preserving jars with the pickle mixture, dividing them evenly, and enough of the liquid to come within 1/2-inch of the top. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Natural Pickle Crisp to each jar, if desired. With a clean damp towel, wipe the rim and fit with a hot lid. Screw on the metal ring just until the point of resistance is met. Process the jars in a hot-water bath for 15 minutes.
• Using tongs, remove the jars, place on a towel, and let cool. Test the seals by allowing the jars to stand at room temperature overnight or until the lids pop. Tighten the rings and store in a cool dry place. Let the pickles age for at least 2 weeks before using.

FRIED PICKLE SPEARS

Steps:

• Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with about 2 inches of oil and heat over medium-high heat until a deep-frying thermometer registers 375 degrees F.
• Whisk together the mayonnaise, paprika and 1 tablespoon of the hot sauce in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Whisk together the milk, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, eggs, remaining 2 tablespoons hot sauce, a large pinch of salt and a generous amount of black pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Fill a 10-inch-tall cup (such as a quart container) about three-quarters of the way with the batter.
• Thread an 8-inch wooden skewer lengthwise through each pickle spear so it resembles a corn dog. Working with 2 to 3 pickles at a time, hold the end of the skewers and dip the pickles into the batter to completely coat. Pull the pickles out of the batter (you may need to hold onto the end of the pickles so the skewers don't fall out), immediately transfer to the oil and fry until the batter puffs up and turns a deep golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pickles to a paper towel-lined plate; sprinkle with salt. Repeat with the remaining pickles and batter, making sure to bring the oil back up to temperature between each batch. Serve with the spicy mayo dip.

SPICY ASPARAGUS SPEARS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, melt butter. Stir in the onion powder, seasoned salt, Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. Add asparagus spears, stir gently to coat. Cover and cook 5-7 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

SWEET PICKLE SPEARS

Steps:

• slice ends from cucumbers and cut into spears.
• Cover cucumbers with boiling water; let stand 2 hours.
• Drain and pack into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space.
• Bring remaining ingredients to a boil.
• Pour hot liquid over cucumbers, leaving 1/4 inch head space.
• Remove air bubbles.
• Adjust caps.
• Process l0 minutes in boiling water bath.