Hush puppies wrapped in melted queso de Oaxaca with spiced honey

In a mixing bowl, mix the buttermilk and egg; add cake flour, cornmeal, a generous pinch of salt, cornstarch and baking powder and mix to a thick batter.

Mix in chopped scallions, black pepper and a drizzle of honey.

Rest the batter 15 to 20 minutes so the dry ingredients absorb the wet.

Fill a baking dish with queso de Oaxaca and bake at 400F until the top bubbles and caramelizes, about 15 minutes.

Heat oil a third of the way up a deep pot to about 375F; drop in spoonfuls of batter without disturbing the oil.

When they puff and brown on one side, flip and fry about a minute more until golden to dark golden brown.

Drain on paper towels and toss with paprika, cayenne and salt.

Dip a fork in the hot melted cheese, lift to check it strings, and wrap the cheese around each hush puppy; set in a warm serving dish. Keep the cheese hot in the oven or on the stove.

Optionally drizzle with honey seasoned with paprika and chili flakes; garnish with a few pieces of thyme.