I remember the first time I had my friend Izzie’s Jalapeno Poppers. We were at her New Year’s Eve party and the smell of spice and bacon floated across my nose. I had to have one. I put the first (of many) in my mouth and knew there was something different to these poppers. Now, when I try something new I play a little game with myself. I try and figure out the ingredients then I ask the hostess or the wait staff what is the “secret” ingredient?
For these little gems I never would have guessed it. Honestly, it might be because I am a Midwestern girl who lived in New England most her life so I haven’t really eaten a lot of poppers prior to moving to Texas. I have had poppers in Texas with brisket, with sausage, with beer cheese but I had never had ones that tasted this “perfect”.
Her secret, which she said I could share with you, is canned pickled jalapenos! You drain them, wipe off some of the pickling liquid and stuff them with cream cheese. That is it. Trust me, this blew my mind.
I hope you will give them a try at your next party or maybe just because it is a Monday night.
Bon Appetit!
Yield: 12
Jalapeno Poppers with Jezebel Sauce
Great little bite size snack for your next party.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Ingredients
1 can of whole or half pickled jalapenos
1 to 2 ounces softened cream cheese
12 slices of thin bacon, dry-cured if you have it
Jezebel Sauce
1 cup apple jelly
1 cup pineapple preserves
2 tablespoons horseradish
1 teaspoon dry mustard, I use Colman's
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Lay the strips of bacon on a prepared baking sheet. I usually put down tin foil for easier clean up
Bake the bacon for 8-10 minutes to get out some of the grease. You do not want it crispy at this point, you want it still pliable.
While the bacon is cooking, prep the jalapenos. If they are whole, cut in half the long way and take out the seeds. Dry the halves. Place softened cream cheese into the pepper cavity. I fill them so it is even with the cut, not overflowing.
Depending on the size of the peppers you can wrap either a whole or a half piece of bacon around the stuffed jalapeno. Secure with a toothpick if it won't stay.
Remove the greasy foil and replace with new foil. Bake until bacon is done to desired crispiness.
Jezebel Sauce - Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until incorporated. Serve with poppers. Can be made ahead. Save leftover sauce and use in many different ways.