Jalapeno Popper Pastry Bites
Jalapenos are the most popular chile peppers in the US. This is probably due to the availability and versatility of the chile. Jalapenos have a balanced combination of flavor and heat.
The demand for these have caused breeders to develop a broad range of varieties. You can now get jalapenos with various heat level and sizes. These can be used in salsas, stuffed, or eaten straight with cheeseburgers (my personal favorite).
Ingredients:
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, defrosted 1 to
2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
1 green onion, sliced
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
YIELD: 24 bites
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
Cut the sheet of puff pastry into 24 2-inch squares, spreading the pastry out with a rolling pin to increase surface area if necessary. Press the pastry squares into the muffin cups. Place muffin tin in the refrigerator until ready to use.
In a large bowl combine the jalapeño, green onion, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, paprika, and garlic powder. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide heaping teaspoons of the filling into pastry cups. Pastry bites can be assembled a few hours ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve hot.
From handletheheat.com