Delicious Corndog Poppers

Do you need new recipe idea for those weekend tailgating parties?  Or how about a fun snack for the kids?  Well, I came up with a unique twist on a simple boxed cornbread mix and a couple other ingredients that just might add an audible to the game!

Ingredients: Package of cornbread mix, 1/2C milk*, egg*, 2-3 hotdogs, small jalapeno, and cooking spray.  Utensils: Oven, mini-muffin tray, mixing bowl, measuring cup, cutting board and a fork & knife.    *(please note that these are ingredients required for the cornbread mix. Your mix may be different depending on the brand you choose)

Preheat your oven to the desired temperature on the box (Mine is 400).  While it is heating up, use the fork to mix the package ingredients.  Set aside and use the  knife to chop the 2-3 hotdogs in in 1/2" thick slices.  Then deseed and dice the jalapeno. 

Add the diced jalapeno to the cornbread mix, and give it a few good stirs.  If you're making them for the kids, the jalapenos don't have to be added, or, if you want the poppers to be spicier, you can always add more.  (I personally like a hint of taste, so I use just 1/2 of a jap)

Use the cooking spray to generously coat the mini-muffin pan.  Then evenly pour the mix into the mini cups about 3/4 full.  I like to pour the mix in a measuring cup 1st, so I can control the flow of mix I'm pouring.  (if your mix doesn't fill all of the muffin cups, don't worry it's ok)

Place the hotdog slices into each filled cup, standing on their sides.  It's ok if they show through, the poppers will bake around them.

Your oven should be preheated by now, and if not, something's probably wrong.  Don't Trust the Package Time!!  Because you are using mini-muffin tray, the bake time will be different.  In my experience, 11-13mins should yield the best results. Also watch the tops of the poppers for browning while baking, that's a good sign they're ready too.  After they've finished cooking, let them cool in the pan for a couple of minutes. Once they've cooled, serve and enjoy!!  You should yield 20-24 Corndog Poppers per batch.