Recipe: Cornmeal Sticks (fried, Crisco recipe)

CORNMEAL STICKS

2 cups cold water
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
6 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, finely shredded (1 1/2 cups)
Crisco shortening (for deep-frying)

Combine water, salt and cornmeal in a heavy saucepan; mix until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is very stiff, thick, and pulls away from sides of pan. (This takes 6 to 9 minutes.) Remove from heat. Add cheese; stir until melted.

Pat mixture evenly into ungreased 13x9x2-inch utility dish. Let stand uncovered 30 minutes at room temperature. Do not chill dough.

Cut into 3 lengthwise sections and 18 crosswise strips.

Heat Crisco to 365 degrees F in a deep saucepan or deep fryer.

Add sticks to hot Crisco, one at a time, frying 3 sticks at a time for 3 minutes or until golden brown. (If sticks run together, cut apart after frying). Drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

Makes 4 1/2 dozen sticks
Source: Crisco Cooking