We would like to try to make our own deep fried, in-the-shell peanuts. We would like to make them as hot as we can also. Can this be done by adding something to the cooking oil? We've tried ones that add seasoning after they have been fried and they are not all that good.

Try putting your hot pepper of choice in the oil.

Depending upon how hot ya truly want the peanuts I'd recommend that ya purchase some creole salt. If that turns out to be to weak for ya, then I recommend that you soak the peanuts over night in either Louisiana Hot Sauce, Slap Your Momma Hot Sauce, or Five Alarm Hot Sauce. The Five Alarm & Slap Your Momma are gonna be the hottest. The sauce is made from various hot and I mean really hot peppers. Let the peanuts sit in the sauce overnight. The dry shell will draw in the moisture of the sauce. Let the peanuts air dry for approx. an hour before frying.

BE FOREWARNED. THE PEANUTS WILL BE EXTREMELY HOT IF YA USE FIVE ALARM OR SLAP YOUR MOMMA. PEANUTS MAY BE COOL TO THE TOUCH AFTER COOKING, BUT HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO LEAVE BLISTERS ON ONES LIPS AFTER CONSUMPTION...

I have not tried this recipe yet. Can anyone tell me if the peanuts in the deep fried recipe must be raw, or can I use dry roasted? Do I use shelled or unshelled? All I can find are dry roasted at my local markets.

Use "shelled" "raw" peanuts for frying. Spanish (red skinned) are best due to there higher oil content. Note that they can burn very easily. Try Craw Crush Premium boil for cajun style. It is free of MSG and soluble crab spice (most aren't) and is made with a flaked sea salt (very fine). Finally, fry in peanut oil...I know right.