Fried Pickled Jalapeños

Ingredients

• 1 (16-oz.) jar deli-sliced pickled jalapeños
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
• 3 cups vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions

1. Drain jalapeños, and reserve 1/4 cup juice from jar. Lay drained peppers in a single layer on paper towels. Top with more paper towels, and gently press to absorb excess liquid.
2. Stir together sour cream, ranch dressing, and lime juice in a small bowl, and set aside. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium.
3. While oil heats, whisk together flour and taco seasoning in a shallow dish. Whisk in water and reserved jarred juice until smooth.
4. Toss dried jalapeño slices in cornstarch to coat, and shake off any excess. Lightly toss coated jalapeño slices in batter mixture, and allow excess to drip off.
5. When oil has reached 375°F, fry jalapeños, several at a time, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Use a spider or slotted spoon to transfer fried jalapeño slices to paper towels. Repeat with remaining jalapeño slices; serve immediately with sour cream ranch dip.