My favorite thing about Southwest/Tex-Mex cuisine is how bold the colors and flavors are. How can you go wrong with fresh red peppers, sweet corn, seasoned beans and lots and lots of cheese? Mix those all together in a crispy wonton wrapper and we’ve got a party!

Southwest Wonton Bites (Serves 10-12)

• 1 package wonton wrappers

• 1 egg white

• 4 cups shredded chicken

• 2 cups shredded pepperjack cheese

• 1 can corn, drained

• 1 can black beans

• 1 red pepper, diced

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

• 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 tbsp garlic salt

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp cumin

• 1 tbsp ground black pepper

• 2 tsp cayenne pepper

1. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil. Add shredded chicken and saute with garlic salt, chili powder, cumin, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Mix evenly.

2. Reduce heat and stir in corn, beans, pepper, and cilantro. Add cheese and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Remove from heat completely and stir in onions. Feel free to add in onions in step 2 but I prefer the tangy taste of fresh onions.

4. In a bowl, whisk egg white until foamy.

5. Orient wonton wrapper diagonally. Spoon 1 tbsp worth of mixture in center of wrapper. Fold the sides into the center and slowly roll up. Secure the tip with egg white mixture.

6. Deep fry on high heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Drain on a paper towel.

7. Use cooking shears to cut wontons in half diagonally. Serve with sour cream and fresh chopped cilanto.