Bacon Wrapped Cherry Peppers

Bacon Wrapped Cherry Peppers

These genius hors d'oeuvres from Colby Garrelts (an F&W Best New Chef 2005) call for just three ingredients. The recipe can be made ahead of time, so it's great for parties.

Ingredients :

• 6 jarred hot cherry peppers— halved through the stem, seeded, drained and patted dry
• 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
• 12 thin bacon slices (6 ounces)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Stuff each cherry pepper half with a heaping teaspoon of cream cheese and wrap with a slice of bacon; secure with a toothpick.
2. Arrange the stuffed peppers in a large ovenproof skillet and cook over moderate heat, turning, until the bacon is browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the cream cheese is hot. Serve the stuffed cherry peppers warm.