1. For the hush puppies: Mince jalapeno, if using. Combine the onion, buttermilk, 1 egg and the jalapeno. Combine 1 1/2 cups of the cornmeal, the sugar, baking powder, soda, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir wet ingredients into dry. 2. Shape dough into approximately 1 inch balls. 3. Heat oven to 200 degrees. Heat 1 inch oil in a heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. When oil is hot (350 degrees), carefully add hush puppies. Fry until golden brown, about w minutes. Drain on paper towels and put on a baking sheet in oven to keep warm.
4. For the catfish: Combine remaining 1 1/4 cups cornmeal, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Beat remaining 2 eggs. Dredge catfish in cornmeal mixture. Dip into the beaten eggs and coat again with the cornmeal mixture. 5. Fry in the hot oil until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Makes 4 servings.
