BACON WRAPPED JALAPENO SHRIMP

            This is one of those appetizers that you kind of envision but have no idea what to expect. Personally, I have wanted to make these for some time now but never found the proper time or place for a serving like this.

            The traditional Stuffed Jalapeno was due for an upgrade, so we began wrapping it with bacon (which I think we have got to the point we wrap everything in bacon). After wrapping it with bacon, we fried it… then we smoked them… but we have never really added to them for some time UNTIL NOW! The chef in me thinks, “If I add shrimp, the cost of the dish goes up.” The foodie in me thinks, “SHRIMP MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER!” The combination of flavor these have is like something I personally had never found. So… I give to you… BACON WRAPPED JALAPENO SHRIMP.

INGREDIENTS

16 Shrimp (Peeled and Deveined, Tail-On, 26/30 size is best)

8 Jalapeno (Halved and Hollowed)

16 Slices Bacon

8oz. Cream Cheese

1/3 cup Cheddar

1 tsp. Chopped Parsley

1 tsp. Black Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1.      Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

2.      Cut jalapeno into halves lengthwise and remove seeds and stem

3.      In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parsley, and black pepper. Fold until well combined,

4.      Using a sharp knife, butterfly shrimp open to allow easier assembly

5.      On baking sheet, lay out jalapeno rounded side down.

6.      Place one shrimp in each jalapeno with the tail sticking out the stem side.

7.      Place approximately 1 Tbl cheese mixture on top of shrimp spreading to cover open side of jalapeno.

8.      Cut bacon slices so that each is divided into two pieces (one 1/3 and the other 2/3 the length of the bacon slice)

9.      Wrap short bacon piece over the top side of the jalapeno to seal the top.

10.  Using the longer piece of bacon, wrap around the jalapeno starting at the shrimp tail side and rolling up to cover the cheese.

11.  After completing all 16 shrimp, cover baking sheet with aluminum foil and place in oven for 30 minutes.

12.  Remove foil and return to oven till bacon is crisp but not overcooked.

13.  Plate and Serve.

This is an amazingly elegant starter that can be served at a tailgate party or a dinner party. All these unique flavors come together to create something completely different and unique. I hope you enjoy and am grateful for all your support.

Chef Tufaro