Hoppin' John Hush Puppies

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 
• 0.8 cup buttermilk 
• 0.5 cup rice long-grain cooked
• 2 servings tomato-corn relish 
• 1 cup self-rising cornmeal mix yellow
• 0.5 cup country ham chopped
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 0.5 cup flour all-purpose
• 2  garlic cloves pressed
• 0.5 cup green onions light sliced
• 1  jalapeno diced seeded
• 2 servings vegetable oil; peanut oil preferred 
• 15 oz seasoned field peas and snaps drained and rinsed canned ( 1 cup)
• 1 teaspoon pepper freshly ground

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• paper towels
• dutch oven

Directions

1. Pour oil to depth of 3 inches into a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven; heat over medium-high heat to 35
2. Meanwhile, stir together field peas and next 11 ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Scoop pea mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls, in batches, and drop into hot oil. Fry 3 to 4 minutes or until hush puppies are golden brown.
4. Drain on paper towels; keep warm.
5. Serve with relish.
6. *1 (5-oz.) can seasoned black-eyed peas may be substituted.