Sunday's Recipe Share -- Two Easy Yummy Appetizers

I made these two appetizers a few weeks ago when we hosted bible study at our house.  They are easy and can be made ahead of time.

Stuffed Pepper Poppers -- 2 Ways

Here's a tip before I even get into the recipes.  I find that if I freeze the peppers for a few days first, and then thaw, they become softer and more pliable.  This makes it easier to remove the seeds and stem and I don't have to cook them as long, actually, I just use the broiler.

Number 1:    Stuffed Jalepeno Poppers

I started with about 10-12 peppers that I cut in half and seeded.  Put aside

Filling:

1-1/2 pkgs room temperature cream cheese, you can use full fat or light--NOT fat free

1 tsp minced garlic

1 Tbs chopped cilantro

cumin to taste, I used probably 1/2 tsp.

salt, pepper to taste

1 green onion, chopped finely

Mix all the ingredients together.  Stuff into pepper halves.  If you have any filling leftover, refrigerate or serve with crackers.

Broil until cheese is browned and bubbly.  Or you could bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes if you want the peppers even softer

Number 2:    Four Cheese Stuffed Baby Bell Pepper Poppers

I package of baby bell peppers--there were probably about 10.  Cut peppers in half and seed, set aside.

Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese, again you can use full fat or part skim

1/2 pkg room temperature cream cheese

1/2 c shredded mozzerella

12 tsp garlic

Italian seasonings of choice--you could use fresh or dried, to taste

salt, pepper, to taste

Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated

Mix all ingredients except Parmesan together.  Stuff into pepper halves.   If you have any filling leftover, refrigerate or serve with crackers.  Sprinkle with Parmesan.

Cook the same as above.

The other recipe I want to share with you for the appetizer pictured on the right.

Bacon Wrapped Dates

These are SO good and SO easy!!!

Here's what you do:

Take bacon slices and cut into thirds.  Cut as many as you need, depending on how many dates you have.

Wrap a piece of bacon around each date.  Place on a baking sheet that has been sprayed or wiped with olive oil.

Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes, until bacon is cooked and crispy.  That's it!  They are little bites of sweet and salty heaven!

Enjoy!