Almond Jalapeño Poppers

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INGREDIENTS

• 10 fresh jalapeños

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

• 4 strips of bacon

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup Mariani Sliced Almonds, roughly chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Slice each jalapeño lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.

3. Bring a skillet to medium-high heat.  Add the bacon strips and cook until crispy (4-5 minutes per side), then chop into small pieces and set aside.

4. Add the almonds to the same skillet that you used to cook the bacon and turn the heat to medium-low.  Sauté the almonds in the bacon fat for 2 minutes, until golden.

5. Make the filling.  In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, ¾ cup cheddar cheese, green onions, chopped bacon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

6. Stuff the Jalapeños. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese and bacon mixture, pressing it in slightly.  Sprinkle on the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese, then sprinkle the almonds on top.

7. Place the poppers on the baking sheet, almond-side up, and bake for 10 minutes, or until the almonds are brown and the cheese is melty.

8. Serve and enjoy!