These jalapeno poppers are wrapped in prosciutto.What to do on Father’s Day when it’s time to eat and you want to serve something manly and filling? Other than steak, that is. Here’s a nominee that re-engineers a classic sports bar appetizer – jalapeno poppers.
Standard jalapeno poppers are thumb-sized hot peppers stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar cheese, then breaded and deep-fried. Yummy, but most home cooks aren’t too excited for the mess of deep-frying. That’s why there also is a baked version – half a jalapeno stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon.
Both types are delicious, but neither is all that healthy. After all, we want to keep Dad around for a while. So this version delivers guy’s guy gratification without overdoing it.
From a culinary point of view, jalapeno poppers make complete sense. Nothing tames a chili’s heat like dairy. That’s why so many cultures serve their fiery entrees with dairy as a side dish. The Mexicans team up spicy tortillas with crema. The Indians serve hot curries with yogurt-based raita. And that’s why cheese is right at home in a jalapeno popper.
But it doesn’t have to be high-fat cheese. The fresh goat cheese in this recipe delivers the required creaminess, while a very modest amount of Parmigiano-Reggiano delivers the required flavor.