BAKED STUFFED JALAPEÑOS
Adapted via SimplyRecipes
Serves: 16 to 20 (yields 40 pieces)

Ingredients:
♦ 20 jalapeño peppers
♦ 1/3 cup minced onion
♦ 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
♦ 8 oz cream cheese
♦ 2 tsp cumin
♦ 1 tsp salt (more or less to taste)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°; line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.

Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, and scrape out all the seeds and ribs from each jalapeño with a spoon (remember to wear gloves for this!).

Mix together all the filling ingredients; pack the filling into the peppers. Arrange the peppers on the foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, and the peppers are cooked. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

NOTE: remember to wear disposable gloves. An alternative is to coat your hands with some oil before working with the peppers, then thoroughly wash your hands when finished. Do NOT touch your eyes for several hours after handling the peppers.

To read more about this dish and my musical pairing, click HERE.