CRABMEAT PUFFS

6 ounces frozen crabmeat, thawed
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
40 wonton skins (about 1 pound)
1 egg, slightly beaten
Vegetable oil

Drain crabmeat thoroughly; remove cartilage. Remove excess water by squeezing crabmeat; chop.

Mix crabmeat, cream cheese, salt and garlic powder.

Brush wonton skin with egg. Place heaping teaspoonful crabmeat mixture in center of wonton skin. (Cover remaining skins with plastic wrap to keep them pliable.) Top with another wonton skin; press edges to seal. Brush egg on center of each side of puff. Make a pleat on each of 4 sides, pressing to seal. Repeat with remaining wonton skins. (Cover puffs with plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.)

Heat vegetable oil (1-1/2 inches) in wok to 350 degrees. Fry 4 or 5 puffs at a time, 2 minutes or until golden brown, turning 2 or 3 times; drain on paper towels. Serve with a sweet-and-sour sauce if desired.

20 appetizers