Saturday, February 4, 2012

Three Blind Mice AKA Baked Jalapeno Poppers



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Strange things happen when food bloggers are housebound for long stretches of time. The food they feature can get fringy and the names used to describe it can become downright silly. That would never happen here, of course. We strive to give the food we make, names that perfectly describe the dish that is featured. Now I know that the name of today's recipe seems strange, but if you take a good look at the accompanying photo I think you'll agree the title perfectly fits the subject. I'm featuring the mice today, because I wanted to make finger food for Sunday's game. I thought poppers would be a perfect addition to a spread that was starting to look a bit like old Mexico. Years ago, I'd deep fry poppers and everyone loved them. The trick here was to come with a version that could be baked but still retain the delicious crunch that everyone loved. With all due modesty, I have to say I was successful, but I was really disappointed with the anemic appearance of my poppers. The next time I make these I'm going to season and toast the bread crumbs before using them to coat the peppers. I will also remind myself that smart people wear gloves when they work with large numbers of hot peppers. The ingredients, particularly the seasonings, I used are meant to be suggestions. I hope those of you who are tempted to try this recipe will make it your own with herbs and spices that are to your liking. These are very easy to make and they can be prepared days before you actually plan to use them. Here's the base recipe.

Baked Jalapeno Poppers...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by the Savage Feast

Ingredients:
15-20 green jalapeno peppers
8 ounces or Neufchâtel cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, room temperature
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 cup onion, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons of cumin
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 cup flour
2 - 3 cups of breadcrumbs (fresh if possible)

Instructions:
1) Remove and discard upper third of peppers leaving stem intact. Remove ribs and seeds. Set aside.
2) Mix minced onions, garlic, fresh herbs, dried spices and both cheeses in a large bowl.
3) Fill each pepper with cheese mixture, mounding with a spoon.
4) Beat eggs and milk together. Set up a breading station with flour on left, egg mixture in center and bread crumbs to right. Lightly coat peppers with flour, dip in egg mixture and then coat liberally with crumbs. Place on paper-lined tray.
5) Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees F until golden brown and bubbly. You can also bake them for about 20 minutes then freeze them. Frozen poppers can be reheated at 400 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes,or until they are golden brown. Yield: 15 to 20 poppers.








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33 comments :

Laura (TLN) said...

Those look delicious - love that they are baked too.

Lynn said...

The poppers look great Mary! So many fun foods I want to eat for the Super Bowl, think I'll split it up and have some today and some tomorrow:@)

Alessandra said...

Ciao Mary, I love the name of this dish!

Alicia Foodycat said...

Mary these look so delicious! Jalapeno poppers are such a great snack - and the name is perfect for them.

StephenC said...

I've made jalapeno poppers just once and I adore them. Cute title.

Family Meals and Cooking Tips said...

I have spicy beef chili, bacon & cheese burger, tacos and red velvet cupcakes all lined up for Superbowl and I was thinking about adding a little bit more. I think these super hot jalapeno poppers will make a great addition. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Already bookmarked it. :)

Unknown said...

Yum! I love anything with chillies in it and these look great.
Why are they called poppers?

Sue/the view from great island said...

I want to eat these right now, I've always loved the combination of the hot peppers and the bland, creamy cheese...enjoy your weekend!

Big Dude said...

I really like poppers and the idea of baked ones definitely appeals to me. Nice job as always Mary

Karen said...

Your jalapeno poppers look fabulous! Glad you mentioned the gloves... critical! Another tip.. use a grapefruit spoon to scoop out the "innards" of the jalapeno. The serrated (sp?) edges make it easy.
Great idea on toaating the bread crumbs. I'll do that.
Great post!
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Merisi said...

Never seen mice that I wanted to bite into, until now! :-)

Do you know Billy Collins' poem I Chop Some Parsley While Listening To Art Blakey's Version Of "Three Blind Mice"?

A wonderful weekend to you,
Merisi

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

I love the title because the poppers do look like mice. I grow jalapeños in our garden in Maine every summer. Now I'll have an easy recipe for some of them.

SImple and Serene Living said...

I bet these are great. Wish I could eat spicy food.
:)
Laura

Sprigs of Rosemary said...

I have to remember to save the "tails" next time I make poppers. And bake them. And wear gloves. Happy Super Bowling!

Amrita said...

Love the name - Three Blind Mice! Too funny! Great to see a baked poppers post and I don't think your poppers look anaemic at all. They look like they're coated with deliciousness! :)

Gloria Baker said...

look delicious Mary, xx

freerangegirl said...

These look like as good a reason as any to be housebound! I love poppers and these look fab.

Martha said...

very cute! have a wonderful weekend!

From the Kitchen said...

We might just have these at our private Super Bowl party. We'll probably eat them while watching Downton Abbey on PBS rather than the end of the game.

Let Bob live! He's the perfect "audience" for your delicious meals!! = )

Yes, we will have a library opening gala and many other events. It will be such a pleasure to have the room to do a lot of programming. That's what a library needs today. It's more than just books.

Hope you have a delicious weekend.

Best,
Bonnie

Norma Chang said...

The name fits the food perfectly, love it. May be you could toss in some paprika or cayenne to add color to the bread crumbs. Like the fact that they are baked not deep fried.

Amy said...

I love the title! These poppers look exactly like 3 blind mice! :) Love it! Take care and have a good weekend!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

What fun party food, Mary! The "mice" are too cute for words!!

Joanne said...

Somehow I've never heard poppers called that...what a fun name for a fun dish!

Claudia said...

I have been thinking about making these forever (never have) - and like them baked - love the photo but Mary, am so happy you're not one of those bloggers that succumb to using silly names...

Shug said...

How adorable! I know exactly what you mean when it comes to wearing gloves....I've made that mistake before...
These would be so cute for me to take to the big party tomorrow night...
Thanks for sharing this recipe..
Shug

David said...

Mary, Terrific idea! We love poppers/mice but hadn't thought about baking them in the oven. (We don't deep fry...too messy)We'd want to leave a few seeds or a hint of the ribs in because we're into the Heat! Thanks for the recipe! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

LifestyleBohemia said...

My husband would be all over these - def bookmarking this one! Thanks for sharing!
xx
Joanna

Melissa said...

Mom these look delicious and super cute!!

The Harried Cook said...

These look so great.. and you're right! they do look like three blind mice... my husband and I would love this treat! Thanks for sharing :)

Primal Palate said...

Absolutely gorgeous!this recipe is fabulous. LOVE IT!
http://all4payday.com

My Little Space said...

Oh my, hope it didn't get to your eyes! Rub your hands with spoonful of salt after dueling with hot chili peppers. It helps to reduce the spiciness from your hands.
Kristy

tender b. said...

I love this picture.

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