Pigskin Poppers

While I try to make relatively healthy food at home, sometimes there are occasions when I just have to indulge my inner glutton and partake in some cheesy, greasy goodies. The Super Bowl is one of those occasions. Jalapeno poppers are a staple when it comes to football fare and this little twist makes them even more irresistible. Instead of deep frying the peppers whole, slice them lengthwise, then stuff them with pepper jack cheese, wrap them in bacon and bake in a 400 degree oven for about 8-10 minutes. After all, every thing's better with bacon... right? A helpful trick I learned from a friend is to wrap a strip of white bread (no crust) around the middle of the pepper where the bacon will sit. The bread acts like a sponge and keeps the bacon grease from oozing into the cheese. It's an invisible edible net that binds everything together. The end result is a crunchy outside and a warm, gooey center. The tiny puddles of cheese that spill out onto the baking sheet and bubble up to a golden brown are sinful little additions that enhance the texture of these treats. So seize the day, and enjoy a little gluttony. There is always tomorrow to start back on that New Year's diet!