When a jalapeno is stuffed and wrapped with bacon, it becomes an elegant party appetizer.
Stuffed jalapeno peppers can disappear as quickly as you set then out on the appetizer platter. But, when you wrap them in bacon, they may not make it out of the kitchen. These spicy, salty, sweet appetizers will be a party favorite. The jalapenos are precooked to ensure that they have just the right bite.
Instructions
1. Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes or so.
2. Make a T-shaped slit in each pepper using a paring knife. Make the top of the T 1/2-inch wide and parallel to the top of the pepper. The stem of the T extends from the top to the point.
3. Fill a large saucepan with a couple of inches of water. Add brown sugar and salt. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
4. Add the peppers, stir and simmer for two minutes. Place the jalapenos into a colander and rinse under cool water. Lay them out on paper towel with the slit side down. Allow to dry. Set aside for step 6.
5. Place bacon in a cold skillet on the stove top. Pan fry over medium heat until the bacon begins to sizzle and can be easily turned. Continue to cook the bacon on the other side just until the edges begin to brown. Remove from skillet when the bacon is limp and only partially cooked. Drain on paper towels. Set aside for step 8.
6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the jalapenos in half along the slit. Scrape out the seeds and white membrane with a small spoon. Take care not to tear the pepper.
7. Combine the goat cheese with the garlic and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Generously pack the cheese mixture into the peppers.
8. Cut each slice of bacon crosswise into thirds. Wrap a piece of bacon around each stuffed jalapeno half. Spear each with a toothpick. This will hold the bacon in place and makes them ready right from the oven.
9. Arrange in a single layer on a roasting pan with a rack. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the bacon is crispy and filling is warmed through. Remove from oven and place the stuffed peppers on a platter to serve.
Tags: aside step, from oven, Remove from, until bacon