Best Dang Fried Banana Peppers ***

Our banana pepper plants in the garden are putting out peppers more quickly than I can find recipes.  These were really pretty good.  I didn't know exactly what they meant by slicing them lengthwise - as in, whether to slice through one side and leave the pepper whole, or to completely slice into two halves.  I went with slicing them into halves.  Dh and I loved them.  The kids tolerated them, lol.  It's not a batter-dip at all, but it just adds some crunch to the peppers.  It was definitely good and worth making again.

BEST DANG FRIED BANANA PEPPERS
(luckymommyto2boys ~ Amy ~ Recipezaar)

10 banana peppers (washed, sliced lengthwise and seeds removed)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup saltine crackers, crushed
1 to taste vegetable oil (for frying)
 
Heat vegetable oil in frying pan over medium heat. 
In medium bowl, mix together equal parts corn meal and crushed saltines. 
Prepare another shallow bowl of buttermilk.
Dip banana peppers in buttermilk.
Coat with cornmeal/cracker mixture. Fry in veg oil over medium heat until golden brown. 
Drain/cool slightly on paper towels.
* Amy's notes: OP said to serve with marinara, but we served with ranch dressing as a dipping sauce.