Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers!

I planted four jalapeno pepper plants this year and you wouldn't believe how many peppers I had and I am still getting off of them.  It was crazy!!!   Evidently the horribly hot weather is just what these plants crave!!!  I always plant a few each Spring, but I have never had so many peppers!   I have been trying to use them in as many ways as possible.   These "Jalapeno Poppers" turned out to be one of my favorites.   I have always loved any type of 'popper' when ordering appetizers at a restaurant so I figured this would be right up my alley!!!   These are great for serving at parties or for game day food!   Here is what you will need:

18 large fresh jalapeno peppers

1  (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

pinch of Cajun seasoning (I use Tony Cachere)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

18 slices of bacon cut in half

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cut the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and any membrane inside.  It's best to wear gloves for all of this and do not rub your eyes until you remove them.

In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese.   With a spoon, stuff each pepper half and then wrap with a half slice of bacon.   You can secure with a toothpick which is nice for serving, but the bacon will usually stay wrapped without one also.    Place on a baking sheet covered with nonstick foil or sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray.  

Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the bacon is done.   Serve immediately.  These are good served with ranch dressing for dipping or really they are great just alone.  They disappear fast!!!