Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Poppers + Weekly Menu

Some of the best recipes are the most simple. And the most obscure.

To think that jalapenos, cheese, and brown sugar could (or would) ever be married to create a desirable flavor…who knew? Tisk, tisk those of you who lift your snooty noses to Taste of Home recipes! As of yesterday, this recipe had 37 reviews and earned itself a 5-star rating, how about it?

This recipe is a fan favorite from that cute little mother of mine. She all but demanded my food photography after she plated these jalapeno poppers asking, “Are my poppers going to make it onto the blog, Nic?!”

Why yes, mother. Here they are…since you asked so nicely. AND they far exceeded my expectations 😉

Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Poppers adapted from Taste of Home

6 jalapeno peppers
4 oz light cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp 2% cheddar cheese, shredded
6 nitrate-free turkey bacon strips, halved widthwise
3 Tbsp packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp chili seasoning

Directions:

Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membrane; set aside. In a small bowl, beat cheeses until blended. Spoon into pepper halves. Wrap a half-strip of bacon around each pepper half.

Combine brown sugar and chili seasoning; coat peppers with sugar mixture. Place in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.

Bake at 350 F for 18-20 minutes or until bacon is firm. Yield: 12 poppers.

Nutrition Information (per popper): 59 calories; 3.6 g. fat; 13 mg. cholesterol; 159 mg. sodium; 4.2 g. carbohydrate; 0.3 g. fiber; 2.1 g. protein

Result: I can’t say I was overly anxious after hearing these described, but they were so good! The brown sugar just…works! Promise! I couldn’t stop and 1 or 2…I ended up with 3 🙂 Mom Prevention says these are a hit while entertaining and they’ve gone over great with lots of crowds. And not spicy in the least…just remove those seeds and membranes from the peppers! Enjoy!

I’m sad to head home today, but it’s been a relaxing, long weekend. I did make time to create the menu (and grocery list) for this week. I am going to grocery shop on my way back home because otherwise, I’m afraid it won’t get done! I’ve got a late hockey game tonight – 10:20pm…grumble! I’m too old for the late games!

Weekly Menu: August 8th-11th

• Sunday: on the road
• Monday: Farro and Pine Nut Salad with grilled salmon
• Tuesday: In-laws in town for the night – out to dinner!
• Wednesday: Summer Sweet Corn Fettucine
• Thursday: Grilled Chicken Bruschetta and salad

I am also making Chocolate Beet Cherry Muffins for breakfast for the week! 😀

Question: What’s one flavor combination others think is “gross” and you just love? (think fries and frostie combos!)

See you back in the OH,