Crab Puppies

Step 1 -In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 1 1/2 inches of the canola oil and heat it to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 -In a bowl, add the cornmeal, the flour, the baking powder, the cayenne, baking soda, and the salt and whisk to combine.

Step 3 -Add the scallions and the chives to the cornmeal mixture and whisk to combine.

Step 4 -Add the crabmeat and the cheese to the cornmeal mixture and stir with a fork to combine.

Step 5 -Make a well in the center of the cornmeal mixture.

Step 6 -Add the buttermilk and the egg to the well and using a fork and starting at the edges of the well, mix the cornmeal into the buttermilk-egg mixture gradually until just combined.

Step 7 -Carefully drop tablespoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil in batches and fry, while turning occasionally, until golden-brown, about 3-5 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot.

Step 8 -Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked crab puppies to a paper-towel-lined plate and season them immediately with the salt.

Step 9 -Repeat with the remaining batter until all of the batter is used.

Step 10 -Serve hot.