Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon bacon bits
• 26 jalapeno peppers sliced in half
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 quarts oil for frying

Directions

1. In a blender, mix the cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Spoon this mixture into the jalapeno pepper halves.
2. Put the milk and flour into two separate small 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.
3. 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.
4. In a medium skillet, heat the oil to 365 degrees F ( 180 degrees C). Deep fry the coated jalapenos 2 to 3 minutes each, until golden brown. Remove and let drain on a paper towel.

Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 cup water
• 9 green bell peppers
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato paste mixed with  2 cans water
• 4 diced tomatoes
• Steak Seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place the rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 20 minutes. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until evenly browned.
3. Remove and discard the tops, seeds, and membranes of the bell peppers. Arrange peppers in a baking dish with the hollowed sides facing upward.
4. In a bowl, mix the browned beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, 1 can tomato pasted with 1 can water, steak sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spoon an equal amount of the mixture into each hollowed pepper. Mix the remaining tomato paste and water then pour over the stuffed peppers.
5. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until the peppers are tender.