Jalapeno Poppers 3 Ways

Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: about 25 mins, Total Time: around 35 mins, Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients:

• 10 medium  jalapeno peppers, cut in half and seeded

• 1/2 cup cream cheese (4 oz.)

• 1/3 cup of Apple Hot Pepper Jelly, Raspberry Chipotle Jam, or Watermelon Jalapeno Jam

• 18 slices bacon (optional for version 2)

Directions:

***Always wear gloves & pay extra attention to not touch your face or rub your eyes with the gloves on.   If this happens, try washing with blue Dawn dish soap & then soaking in milk***

Take the time to thoroughly scrape out the ribs & seeds from inside of the jalapenos.  This will cut down the heat drastically & allow non-spice lovers will taste these poppers

Version 1:

1. Slice jalapenos in half lengthwise and clean out the ribs and seeds with a spoon.

2. Place prepared jalapeno peppers on a foil-lined baking pan, cut side down.

3. Place the pan under the broiler and cook peppers until charred and tender.

4. Remove peppers from the oven.  Fill peppers with cream cheese.  Return to oven and heat under broiler until cheese begins to melt.  Top with Apple Hot Pepper Jelly or your jelly of choice and serve warm.

Version 2: Bacon Wrapped, Raspberry Chipotle, and Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

1. Slice jalapenos in half lengthwise and clean out the ribs and seeds with a spoon.

2. Fill each jalapeno with a small spoonful of both the cream cheese and the Raspberry Chipotle Jam.  Wrap in a slice of bacon, securing the ends with a toothpick if necessary.

3. When ready to cook, prepare your grill for indirect cooking.  If you are cooking on gas, turn the burner temperature down to medium-low.  If you are cooking over charcoal, pile the coals in the middle and arrange the poppers around the outside of the grill.  If you are cooking with a pellet grill, set the temperature and allow the grill to preheat for 10-15 minutes before putting the poppers on.  You are looking for a grill temperature of about 350 degrees F.

4. Grill the poppers with the lid on the grill for 25-30 minutes, turning as necessary to crisp the bacon.  Serve immediately and enjoy!

Version 3: Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients:

• 10 jalapeno peppers

• 2-3 slices bacon, chopped

• 1/4 cup onion, diced

• 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped

• 3 ounces cream cheese

• 3 ounces Monterey jack cheese

• 3 ounces mozzarella cheese

• Apple Hot Pepper Jelly, Raspberry Chipotle Jam, or Watermelon Jalapeno Jam

Directions:

1. Slice jalapenos in half lengthwise and clean out the ribs and seeds with a spoon.

2. In a large pan, fry bacon, onion, and mushroom until the bacon is crisp.  Drain and cool.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine bacon, onion, mushroom, and cheeses.

4. Stuff each pepper with the bacon cheese mixture.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for about 20-30 minutes.

6. Serve with Watermelon Jalapeno Jam on the side for dipping!