Surillitos De Maiz (Puerto Rican Cornmeal Sticks) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups cold water
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons goya sazon seasoning
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated
vegetable oil (for frying)

Preparation

Place water, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Sazon seasoning into a sauce pan. Bring to a boil.
Lower heat, add cornmeal slowly, stir to avoid creating lumps. Keep stirring, & continue cooking on low heat.
Remove from heat, add the cheese and blend well. Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
Put a teaspoon of the mixture in the palm of your hand. Place on flat surface, roll into sticks.
Place the corn sticks on a tray, cover with wax paper and put in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Heat oil in deep fryer, fry the corn sticks until golden brown.
Drain on paper towel to remove excess oil.
NOTE: Goya Sazon is a seasoned salt that is used daily in most of Latin America, including the Caribbean. You can easily find it in the Hispanic aisle of most grocery stores, or in a Hispanic market.