Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

When entertaining for The Big Game, you want something that isn't going to take a lot of time to prepare in the kitchen.  My jalapeno poppers do not require a lot of ingredients and are simple to make.  Now, I know what you are thinking, eating a whole jalapeno? I can't handle that!  But trust me, these are delicious and will be a hit with your guests!  Baking the pepper in the oven, paired with the cream cheese really tones down the spiciness!  Tip- If you want to make this recipe a little healthier, use turkey bacon.  Also, make sure you use plastic gloves when seeding the peppers (especially all of you who wear contacts, I made that mistake the first time I made these!)

1 8oz package of cream cheese 

1 cup of cheddar cheese

1 cup of mozzarella cheese

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 package of bacon (strips cut in half)

1 pound of jalapenos, halved and seeded

1.  Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.  In a medium sized bowl combine the cheeses and garlic powder and stir until well combined.  Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese on the pepper half.

2.  Take the bacon and wrap it around the pepper. 

3.  Place prepared peppers on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-13 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked.  

Orzo Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Orzo is a rice shaped pasta and offers a fun alternative to rice.  I love this recipe because it incorporates so many yummy veggies and can be quite filling.  You really won't miss not having meat, but you could always add ground turkey for a healthy twist.  Next time instead of baking them, I am going to put them on the grill!

1 1/2 cups of orzo

1/2 cup of italian vinaigrette (I used Cindy's Kitchen Rosemary & Roasted Garlic)

1 tomato, diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 pinch of cayenne pepper

5-8 leaves of fresh basil, torn

1/8 teaspoon of onion powder

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

4 Bell Peppers, cut in half, tops removed and seeded

1.  Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.  In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the orzo for about 5 minutes and then drain. 

2.  Stir the remaining ingredients together and combine.  Place peppers on a baking sheet and spoon orzo mixture into the peppers.  Cover with foil.  Bake for 25 minutes and then place on a serving plate.