Diane's Southern Hushpuppies

1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup buttermilk
1-3 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
3/4 cup self rising flour
3/4 cup self rising cornmeal mix, either white or yellow
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2-1 cup diced onion - green onions, white, yellow or mixed, your choice
dash salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
minced jalapeno pepper to taste, optional

Beat egg and buttermilk together in a medium sized bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Dough should be thick enough to hold its shape when mounded on a spoon. Add more meal or buttermilk if necessary to get the right consistency. Drop by slightly rounded teaspoons full into hot oil. Brown on both sides and fry until done. Drain on paper towels or metal rack. Makes around 2 dozen. Recipe may be doubled.