POPPERS GAMES RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet and set aside.
• In a bowl, cream together the cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cumin, and cayenne.
• In a small bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, and 2 teaspoons of the Essence. In a shallow dish, combine the panko crumbs and remaining 4 teaspoons of Essence. In a third dish, combine the flour and remaining 2 teaspoons of Essence. Spread 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into the middle of each jalapeno half. One at a time, dredge in the flour, dip into the egg mixture, then dredge in the panko crumbs, pressing to coat. If necessary, repeat the process. Place the coated peppers, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet and bake until the filling is runny and the crust is golden, about 30 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and serve immediately with cold beer.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet.
• If you have them, slip on some latex gloves for the pepper prep. Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. With a spoon, remove the seeds and white membranes (the source of the heat; leave a little if you like things HOT). Smear cream cheese into each jalapeno half and then wrap with a bacon piece (1/2 slice). Secure by sticking a toothpick through the middle. Place on the rack in the baking sheet.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. (You don't want the bacon pieces to shrink so much they start to squeeze the jalapenos.) If after 45 minutes the bacon doesn't look brown enough, just keep cooking until the bacon is sizzling.
• Serve immediately, or they're also great at room temperature.