All Things Jalapenos Part I

Jalapenos have become one of my favorite food groups lately along with other hot flavors like Siracha and Harissa. They just add so much to the palate and make your tastebuds crave more!

Thus, (and as I promised earlier this week) I will be posting a few more appetizers in anticipation of several "party events" (NFL Playoffs, Superbowl, Oscars, March Madness to name a few) coming up in the not too distant future! 

So...here are two more (fairly cheap) ways to bring "kick" into off-campus apartment cooking and appetizers!!

--Part 1 (a simple twist on an old classic): The Jalapeño-Kissed Bacon-Wrapped Date.
--Part 2 I recently discovered at a potluck party, and is slightly more involved, but will satisfy any 'jalapeño-craving' you might have! I'd call it "Stuffed Jalapeño Skins". 

A. Jalapeno-Kissed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

The most important parts of this recipe are the bacon and dates really--if you have nothing else...this remains a great appetizer with just that!

Equipment:

Baking sheet with rim

Ingredients:

Medjool Dates, pitted

Bacon

Manchego Cheese

Jalapeno, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

3. Make an incision lengthwise and remove the date pits. Do not halve the dates!

4. Cut cheese into wedges and stuff date.

5. Use 1/2 slice bacon and wrap the whole thing up. Use a toothpick to hold in place if you need to.

5. Place your jalapeño slice on top of the dates. (If you preferred less charred jalapeños, wait to place them on top of dates 10 minutes into the baking.)

6. Bake in oven 20-25 minutes and make sure bacon is fully cooked and crisp.

Definitely awesome little chewy bites packing some punch and heat! A reasonable rule is to assume there won't be any left...so make a lot of these guys unless you, your roommates and/or other friends are vegetarian.

Great way to impress a date on Valentine's Day! Make sure you have some cool cards...V-Day is coming soon!