Jalapeno Mozzarella Sticks

I saw this recipe and wanted to try it since it seemed pretty easy.  We all agreed it was "okay" but needed some more kick.  I tried a 2nd batch and left a few more jalapeno seeds in the peppers and instead of mozzarella sticks, I put a jalapeno cheddar dip (found at Costco) in them.  The 2nd batch was much tastier than just using mozzarella sticks.  

Ingredients:

1 cup Panko bread crumbs

1/4 tsp Kosher salt

1/4 tsp Garlic powder

8 sticks of Mozzarella string cheese, cut in half 

8 small jalapenos, cut in half and seeds removed (leave some in if you like a little kick)

16 wonton wrappers

Bowl of water

1 egg, beaten

Oil for frying

Directions:

In a shallow bowl, combine Panko, salt & garlic powder

Place in piece of mozzarella inside one jalapeno half & place in wonton wrapper.  (You may need 2 wrappers per jalapeno depending how large your peppers are.)  Dip your finger in the water bowl and run along the edges of the wrapper.  Press wonton together to seal.  Dip in egg and then in Panko to cover completely.  Repeat with remaining ingredients.

In a large skillet, heat oil.  Fry jalapenos, turning them a couple of times, for about 2-3 minutes each until golden / crispy.  Set on paper towels to allow oil to drain off.  

Enjoy!

Mushroom & Jalapeno "Poppers"

I was in the mood for mushrooms on Sunday so I decided to create a little appetizer.  They turned out pretty good but could use more "kick" next time.  I only used 1 jalapeno & I stripped the seeds from it.  I may include some seeds next time to give it a little more flavor. 

The measurements are estimates because I just eye-balled everything. 

Mushroom & Jalapeno "Poppers"

Ingredients
1-1/2 c diced mushrooms (I used baby bella & button mushrooms)
1 jalapeno (seeds & membranes removed), diced
1-2 tbsp butter (or margarine)
1/4 c shredded pepper jack cheese
1/4 c shredded Parmesan cheese
8 wonton wrappers
Canola Oil for frying

Directions
In a medium pan, melt butter and add mushrooms & jalapeno.  Saute over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes (until water is out of mushrooms)

Add shredded cheese to pan but don't allow it to melt too much.  Stir to mix together.

I lightly moisten my wonton edges with a little water to help them "stick" together.  Assmble wontons with a little filling in each, fold into a triangle & press edges together to "seal".

Heat canola oil in larger pan over medium high heat.  Place wontons into oil and allow to brown on each side, approx 1 minute per side.

Place on a paper towel to allow oil to drain off & serve. 

Stuffed Jalapenos with Cilantro Dipping Sauce

The second appetizer I brought to "Steaksgiving III" were stuffed jalapenos.  My neighbor served these for the 4th of July.  I don't really like super spicy things but gave these a try.  They are really good and were a hit for the party.  They're a little time consuming but well worth it!!  Thanks Lex for sharing the recipe!
The recipe is adapted from this site.

Ingredients:
16-18 jalapenos, cut lengthwise in half & seeds removed
12 oz Jimmy Dean sausage
8 oz softened cream cheese
About 1/2 block of pepper jack cheese, shredded
2-3 scallions, chopped fine
Juice of 1 lime
1-2 cloves of garlic minced
Salt to taste
1/2 diced jalapeno (optional)

Directions:
Brown the sausage and drain the fat
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Combine cream cheese; pepper jack cheese, scallions, lime, garlic, salt and sausage.  If desired, add the 1/2 chopped jalapeno to the mixture too
Stuff each half of jalapeno with the sausage / cheese mixture
Arrange on baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes


Cilantro Dipping Sauce:
1 bunch of cilantro, rinsed clean
1/2 cup sour cream
Juice of 1 lime
Salt, to taste

Directions:
Cut the majority of the stem off the cilantro
Place the bundle in a small food processor with sour cream, lime juice and salt.
Chill until ready to serve