Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

 

 

20-24 large jalapeno peppers (as large as possible)

16 oz (453.59 g) cream cheese room temp. (2 packages Philadelphia works best)

4 large garlic cloves minced

1/4 cup (59.1 ml) finely chopped sun-dried tomato

2 tablespoons (29.58 ml) finely chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon (2.46 ml) coarse sea salt (to taste)

1 pound (453.59 g) thin bacon slices

toothpick, soaked for about 15 minutes in water

 

Directions:

1. Mix cream cheese, garlic, sundried tomatoes, cilantro and salt until well blended. You can now set the mixture aside or even freeze for up to a couple of months in a freezer bag.
2. You'll want to wear some kitchen gloves for this step! Slice the jalapeños lengthwise, being careful not to slice them in half. Then slice at the top along the width of the pepper just about a quarter inch below the base of the stem until you cut through the core, again being careful not to cut completely through the pepper (This step will probably take some practice). Now you need to decide whether you want to keep the seed webbing for those that like it really hot, or remove them for a lot less heat. I like to do about half and half so that you can please everyone. Anyway, if removing the seeds, gently remove the core using a paring knife by spreading the pepper carefully, you may need to shake some of the remaining seeds out.
3. Separate the strips of bacon and cook in the microwave for about 5 minutes on high, just enough to give it a head start. Then pat dry with paper towels. Just to soak up some of the grease. Set it aside to cool.
4. Fill either a pastry bag or just a freezer bag (cutting one corner out), and pipe some of the filling into each pepper until full but still able to almost close the pepper.
5. Wrap each pepper with a strip of bacon then use two or three toothpicks to secure the pepper closed.
6. Place the jalapeños on a medium heat grill and cook until the bacon is crisp. you'll need to turn frequently to heat them evenly. you may even want to use foil to prevent the mess. I find that by cooking the bacon a little first and not over filling that you'll get minimal mess however
7. Let them sit for about 5 to 10 minutes and serve them up! Don't forget which ones have the seeds!