Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos with Apples and Cream Cheese

Apparently I'm on an appie roll...especially ones you can grill.  Well why the heck not, it's grilling season baby!

One of my favorite gals Laura, brought this to my house and I swear it changed my life.  HA! Well, almost...I gained a new addiction to Jalapenos.  I'm not entirely sure where she got the recipe but it's a a keeper, as my old man says (he's actually younger than me but I digress).  It's a wonderfully spicy pepper stuffed with smooth cream cheese, tart and sweet Granny Smith Apples and wrapped in delicious salty bacon....then grilled.  Do I have your attention?

I have tried these with a little green onion too but didn't really notice the flavour coming through so I just leave them out now.  You could garnish with a little green onion or chives for a little extra freshness if you so desire.....and you will desire these.

Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos with Apples and Cream Cheese

Makes 16


8 Jalapeno peppers, sliced in half, seeds and membrane removed. (wear gloves if you've sensitive skin)
1/2 cup light cream cheese
1/2 med-lrg Granny Smith apple, finely diced
8 slices of Bacon, cut in half
Green Onion or chives to garnish, optional
toothpicks

Combine the cream cheese and apple together.  Stuff each pepper half and wrap a piece of bacon around it, securing with a toothpick.
Grill over direct medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, keeping an eye they don't flare up.  Move them to the upper rack or the other side over indirect heat for another 15 minutes or until bacon is cooked.  Alternately, you can bake these at 375F for about 20 minutes.

Proscuitto Wrapped Haloumi

This may be my new favorite appetizer, especially since this can be grilled and grilling season is upon us. My cousin introduced these to me a couple of weeks ago and I've made them three times since.  It's becoming a problem. However, I've shared them and they were inhaled.  Literally watched the plate disappear in about 60 seconds flat. 

Haloumi has a high melting point so it can be grilled or baked.  Perfect for the summer BBQ's!

Proscuitto Wrapped Haloumi

Makes approx 12 servings

(these are approx measurements)

1 package Haloumi sliced into 12 sticks

4-5 slices of Prosciutto, sliced into thirds

Basil leaves

Place a Basil leaf on a stick of cheese and wrap a piece of proscuitto around it. 

Grill for about 5 minutes over medium heat, keeping an eye on them and turning every minute.  Alternately, you can pan fry them over medium heat or bake them at 375F for 10 minutes until golden brown.