GAMEDAY: Texas Jalapeno Poppers

8 - oz. cream cheese, softened
1 - 8 oz. package shredded sharp cheddar cheese or
half cheddar & half monterey jack cheese
1 -2 tablespoons bacon bits (optional)
12 oz - fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and halved
(we used about 15 jalapenos to yield 30 poppers)
1 - cup milk or buttermilk
1 - cup all-purpose flour
1 - cup dry bread crumbs
2 - quarts oil for frying

In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Wash and clean peppers cut in half and remove seeds. Make sure to wash you hands again after handling the peppers and before stuffing. Blanch the peppers in boiling water for a few minutes, then remove and place in ice water. This recipe does not state to blanch the peppers first, but I highly recommend doing that before stuffing the peppers. Spoon the cheese mixture into the jalapeno pepper halves. Put the milk, flour and breadcrumbs into three separate bowls. Dip the stuffed jalapenos first into the milk then into the flour, making sure they are well coated with each. Allow the coated jalapenos to dry for about 10 minutes. Dip the jalapenos in milk again and roll them through the breadcrumbs. Allow them to dry, then repeat to ensure the entire surface of the jalapeno is coated. In a medium skillet or home fryer, heat the oil to 375° F.. Deep fry the coated jalapenos 2 to 3 minutes each, until golden brown. Remove and let drain on a paper towel. Serve with ranch dressing or eat them all by themselves.

GAMEDAY: Sausage Stars.

Sorry I didn't post last week, things were a little crazy. But I'm back! :)

Hidden Valley Ranch Sausage Stars

1 - Package Original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
(prepared according to package directions)
1 lb Jimmy Dean or Owens regular sausage, browned & drained
1 - 8oz Bag Kraft Mexican 4 Cheeses
1/2 - cup green or red bell pepper (optional)
1 - package Wonton wrappers or egg roll wrappers

Brown sausgae and drain off any grease, set aside. Mix ranch dressing according to package directions. Mix the sausage, prepared dressing, bell pepper (if using) and cheese together and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place won ton wrappers in a lightly greased muffin tin. Bake 5-7 minutes until lightly golden brown. Watch them carefully so they dont get to brown. Remove from oven and let cool a bit. When cooled add a couple tablespoons full of sausage mixture. Return to the oven and bake 5-7 minutes until cheese melts. Let cool just a bit and serve.