Jalapeno Poppers

Well, I've decided to start a blog since I post so many recipes and photos of them. I figured it would be easier to share here.  So, we might as well start with one of the favorites: Jalapeno Poppers.  These are a wonderful side dish or appetizer.  They're simple and only have three ingredients.

Jalapeno Poppers, Crisp Veggies, and Cheese.  Perfect Party Snacks!

Ingredients:
(I'm not giving amounts, because this is one of those recipes where it depends on how many you want to make.)

• Jalapenos
• Cream Cheese
• Thin Sliced Bacon

Instructions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wash jalapenos and cut in half lengthwise.
3. Use a grapefruit spoon or rounded serrated knife to remove the seeds and veins.  (I highly recommend gloves for this part.  Really!  Those peppers can get hot!)
4. Decide whether you're going to make closed poppers--ones where you stick the jalapenos back together, or open ones--ones where you cook the halves separately. (When I'm serving more people, I make them in halves.  They go further.)
5. Using a butter knife, fill jalapenos with cream cheese.  
6. If you are doing whole poppers, don't feel the need to fill the jalapeno totally full.  The cream cheese will expand.
7. Wrap jalapenos in bacon, using a toothpick to secure it if necessary.  When I make them using half, I cut the bacon in half lengthwise, resulting in a skinnier slice of bacon.  Use those kitchen shears!
8. Place on a rack on a rimmed cookie sheet.  
9. Bake at least 30 minutes, checking afterward until the bacon is as done as you like it.
10. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts are for one whole popper.