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Hearty Poppers

Hearty Poppers
“There are many recipes for jalapeno pepper poppers here in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where we live,” writes Janice Vernon. “For a potluck at our church, my husband and I came up with this lighter version. The poppers were a hit!”
24 ServingsPrep: 35 min. Bake: 20 min.

Ingredients

  • 12 jalapeno peppers
  • 1/2 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 4 ounces fat-free cream cheese
  • 1-1/3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  • Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise, leaving stems intact; discard
  • seeds. Set aside. In a small nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook
  • turkey and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain.
  • In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1/3 cup cheese, cilantro,
  • chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir in turkey
  • mixture. Spoon generously into pepper halves.
  • Place in a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with cooking
  • spray; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350°
  • for 20 minutes for spicy flavor, 30 minutes for medium and 40
  • minutes for mild. Yield: 2 dozen.
© Taste of Home 2013

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Hearty Poppers (continued)

Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer equals 38 calories, 2 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 11 mg cholesterol, 78 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 4 g protein. Diabetic Exchange: 1 lean meat.
Wine: Sweet Red Wine: Enjoy this recipe with a sweet red wine.
© Taste of Home 2013