Stuffed Jalapenos

The latest treat to take to the office didn't involve any sugar at all which is very unusual for me. It does seem that I'm the one to make the cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, etc. (I do think I missed my calling as a pastry chef because I love baking so much) but this time the theme was Mexican, for some odd reason so I had to come up with something befitting for such a celebration. What we were celebrating no one really knows but we usually connect our little "feasts" at work with some odd holiday or happening at the office. This week, I think it was just for plain fun as we have all been so terribly busy in our respective projects and have been working really hard. So I think this little celebration was simply a stress reliever for everyone involved, one which was desperately needed and appreciated.

I decided to bring Stuffed Jalapenos to our little fiesta. Yum, yum!! I hadn't made these in some time but they are very delicious and really very easy to make as well. Here's the recipe:

Stuffed Jalapenos

25 medium fresh jalapeno peppers
1 8-oz. package cream cheese, room temperature
3 C. (12 ounces) finely shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 t. Worcestershire sauce
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Cut jalapenos in half lenghwise, removing seeds and membranes. In a large saucepan, boil peppers in water for 5-10 minutes (the longer you boil the peppers, the milder they become). Drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon 2 teaspoonfuls into each jalapeno half; sprinkle with bacon. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve warm. Makes about 4 dozen.

Note: When cutting or seeding hot peppers, use rubber or plastic gloves to protect your hands. Avoid touching your face or eyes. It will burn, believe me!!

Definitely, don't boil for very long and to bring on a little more heat for the peppers, when taking out the seeds and the membranes, leave a little membrane on the inside of the pepper. This will most assuredly add the heat your fiesta participants will love!!