Fried Jalapeno Popper Boats

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Heat oil in a large pan for frying.

Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds and insides with a spoon to create small boat-like shapes.

In a bowl, add flour, salt, pepper, paprika and cayenne. Mix together well. In another bowl, pour milk for dipping jalapeños. In a third bowl, add bread crumbs.

Dip the jalapenos in milk and then roll in flour. Set aside to dry for 10 minutes.

While flour-coated jalapenos are drying, brown sausage in a small pain (5–7 minutes). In a separate bowl, combine the browned sausage, cream cheese and chopped cilantro and set aside (you want the sausage in very small pieces so if it sticks together during browning, chop with a knife before adding to bowl).

After the flour coated jalapenos are dry, take them and dip them again in the milk and then roll in breadcrumbs. Set aside (no need to dry).

Fry coated jalapenos for 2–3 minutes until golden brown (they cook super quick!). Once fried, place jalapenos on a greased baking sheet. Evenly distribute filling into each boat; you can pile them high (they will keep their shape when baking). Top each jalapeno with a layer of cheese and bake for 7 minutes.

Serve immediately.