Jalapeno Heaven

Ingredients:

• jalapenos
• bacon
• cream cheese
• toothpicks

Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise, gut (for lack of a better word!) jalapeno half with spoon to remove membrane and seeds, fill with cream cheese, cut bacon slices in 4 pieces. Stretch bacon around jalapeno and secure with toothpick. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

I baked for 30 minutes and topped off with a shot of the broiler for 4 minutes to crisp up the bacon. yummy!....and addictive.

Turnip Gratin

Ingredients:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbl butter, I only used a little over 1 tbl
• 1 1/2 pds turnips, peeled and cut in 1/8 inch slices, parboiled for 2-3 minutes and drained
• kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
• 1 tsp fresh or dried herbs, parsley, tarragon, thyme and oregano
• 1/2 cup gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated and mixed with gruyere
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. F. Spray small baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange 1/3 of the parboiled turnip slices in a layer in bottom of dish. Sprinkle with garlic, salt and freshly ground pepper, herbs and 1/3 of the cheese, repeat layering, making three layers, finishing with cheese on top. Pour the cream over the turnips, sprinkle with the bread crumbs and bits of butter.

Bake 45 minutes in a 400 degree F oven

Serves 4

Mocha Truffles

I've had this recipe for over a decade. I think it is a clipping out of Taste of Home Magazine

Ingredients:

• 2 - 12 oz pkg semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbl instant coffee granules
• 2 tsp water
• 1 pd dark chocolate confectionery coating

In a microwave safe bowl melt chocolate chips. add cream cheese, coffee and water; mix well. Chill until firm enough to shape (5-10 minutes). Shape into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed paper lined cookie sheet. Chill for 1-2 hours or until firm. Melt chocolate coating in microwave as per package directions. dip balls and place on waxed paper to harden.

If desired melt white chocolate coating and drizzle over truffles.

*truffles can be frozen for several months before dipping in chocolate. Thaw in the refrigerator before dipping.