Jalapeno Poppers with Maple Bacon Cheese Spread

INGREDIENTS

• 6 Fresh Jalapenos

• 2.5 oz Pine River Maple Bacon

• ¼ oz Panko Breadcrumbs

• ¼ oz Unsalted Butter

• 1 oz Ranch Dressing

• Garnish Chives or Green Onions

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat Convection Oven to 350 Degrees or Conventional Oven to 375

2. Line a Baking Sheet with Foil and Reserve

3. Wash and Dry Jalapenos

4. Wearing Gloves, Cut Jalapenos in Half Lengthwise Splitting the Stem in Two

5. Using a Spoon, Scrape out the Seeds and Pith and Discard. This will Ensure the Finished Product is Less Spicy.

6. Place the Pine River Cold Packed Maple Bacon Cheese Spread in a Disposable Pastry Bag for Easy Filling. (Using a corner of a zip lock bag will work in a pinch too.)

   Note: For a Creamier Filling, use 1:1 Ratio of Softened Creamed Cheese to the Maple Bacon Cheese Spread.

7. Using a Butter Knife or a Small Offset Spatula, Press and Spread the Filling Inside the Jalapeno Cavity.

8. Place the Panko Breadcrumbs in a Container or Bowl not much Larger than the Jalapeno itself.

9. One at a Time, Lay the Jalapeno Cheese Side Down, on top of the Breadcrumbs and Gently

10. Press Down to Adhere. Once Complete, Transfer the Jalapenos to the Baking Tray

11. Before Placing in the Oven, add a few Small Pieces of Butter on Top of the Breadcrumbs. This will Help them Brown Evenly. Bake for approximately 25 minutes at 350 degrees convection or 375 degrees conventional.

12. Remove from the Oven and Plate them with Ranch Dressing. Chives or Scallions would be a great Garnish here as well.