By Kelly Bogard

Have you ever heard of a “friend of” recipe? It’s a recipe that you got from a friend, who got it from one of their friends, who most likely got it from one of their friends. Well, if you haven’t ever gotten a recipe like that, then let this be your first. Jalapeno Bites is a recipe that I got from my mom, who got it from one of her friends in Marble Falls, and I am sure she got it from one of her friends, too. These creamy spicy bites are perfect for parties and afternoon snacks.

ingredientsFor Jalapeno Bites, you will need…
2 cans (26 oz. each) jalapeno halves, drained
2 bricks (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 pound breakfast sausage, browned
Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

I would normally call these Jalapeno Poppers, but when it was suggested as a recipe for this week, my idea of a popper and another’s idea of a popper were completely different. To be honest, I’m not much on jalapenos. I love them in food but not necessarily by themselves, so I had no idea that I was confusing the two. Most people think of stuffed, bacon-wrapped, deep fried or grilled jalapenos as poppers. And since there is no need to fire up the fryer with this version, I thought I’d just change the name.

browning sausage

Go ahead and get started by draining the juice off the peppers and browning your sausage until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and set aside to cool.

sausage and cream cheese

Now, in a larger bowl combine the warm sausage and softened cream cheese. This mixture is so good, I’ve been known to forgo the jalapenos and just spread it on crackers.

combined

Mix the two ingredients together until you have one large ball of creamy goodness. Sometimes this can be a long process, depending on the temperature of your cream cheese. I suggest either setting it out at least an hour in advance or be prepared to use your muscles.

Once everything is combined, spoon the mixture into your jalapeno halves and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. These bite-sized treats can be served as is or, for a warm version, microwave on high for up to 20 seconds.

Keep cool the rest of the summer in the air conditioning, and let this spicy bite be the warmest thing you have to deal with. From all of us at Texas Table Top, enjoy!

[print_this]

[box]

Recipe: Jalapeno Bites

Summary: Cool and spicy snack for a hot summer afternoon

jalapeno bites

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (26 oz. each) jalapeno halves, drained
  • 2 bricks (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage, browned
  • Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

    •    

    Instructions

  • Set cream cheese out to soften one hour prior to making recipe.
  • Drain the juice from the jalapenos and set them aside to dry.
  • Prepare breakfast sausage in a skillet, cooking until no longer pink.
  • Remove excess grease from the sausage and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine sausage and cream cheese until well blended.
  • Spoon the mixture into the jalapeno halves.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

    •    

    Cooking time (duration): 10 minutes

    Number of servings (yield): 10-12

    Note: For a warm snack, heat in the microwave for up to 20 seconds on high.

    [/box]

    [/print_this]