Cherry Peppers Stuffed With Mozzarella And Basil Food

MOZZARELLA STUFFED SWEET MINI PEPPERS

Steps:

• Stuff mini peppers with smoked mozzarella and basil: Working one pepper at a time, place flat side down in a way that is most stable for the pepper. With a small sharp knife, cut a 2 1/2 inch slit down the middle on the top of the pepper. If there is a seed pod, scoop it out with a spoon. Stuff the pepper with a basil leaf wrapped mozzarella stick. When you have stuffed all the peppers, brush them on all sides with olive oil. Drizzle balsamic vinegar in the cut openings.
• Cook on grill, in oven, or under broiler: Preheat grill, oven, or broiler for high direct heat (if oven, set to 400°F). If grilling, grill covered, cut side up on high direct heat until you have grill marks, then lower the heat to medium until the cheese is melted and the peppers have begun to soften, about 5 to 10 minutes. If broiling or baking, place on a roasting pan and cook until the cheese is melted and peppers have browned and softened, about 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt to taste. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

STUFFED CHERRY PEPPERS

Steps:

• Remove stem and seeds from cherry peppers and rinse peppers under cold water.
• Cut meat slices into halves or quarters Cut cheese into appropriate sizes for cherry peppers (pieces should be about half the size of pepper cavity) Add a little grated cheese to bottom of pepper Add half slices of salami and prosciutto Stuff cheese into meat so all fits snugly Sprinkle grated cheese on top Salt and pepper to taste Garnish with fresh parsley.

CHERRY PEPPERS STUFFED WITH MOZZARELLA AND BASIL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400° F. In a large bowl, mix mozzarella, half the olive oil, half of the basil and salt. In a 8 x 8-inch baking dish, place peppers cut side up. Fill each pepper to the top with the mozzarella mixture.
• In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over peppers and scatter the rest of the basil on top. Dribble the remaining olive oil over the top and bake 10-15 minutes until the cheese is soft and the breadcrumbs have browned slightly. Transfer to serving plate and serve immediately.

MARINATED STUFFED CHERRY PEPPERS

Steps:

• Core out peppers by cutting a circle, at an inward angle, around the stem. Remove tops and scoop seeds and membranes out, like a tiny pumpkin.
• Cut thumbnail-size cubes of mozzarella, varying size a little bit to fit each pepper. Cut prosciutto slices in half. Wrap each half around mozzarella cubes and stuff into the open peppers.
• Pour olive oil into a jar or lidded container. Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Whisk together well.
• Add peppers to the oil mixture and seal the lid. Let marinate for 5 to 6 hours. Serve straight out of the jar.

GRILLED RED BELL PEPPERS STUFFED WITH MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Thinly slice bread, remove crusts and cut into enough 1/2" croutons to make 1 cup.
• In a skillet, warm the olive oil, add the croutons, and saute until golden; drain on paper towles.
• Cut tops off peppers about 1/2" from top, and reserve tops. Carefully remove seeds and membranes.
• In a bowl combine croutons, mozzarella, basil, garlic, and oil. Mix well, adding salt and pepper to taste. Stuff peppers with mixture, replace tops and secure with toothpicks.
• Grill peppers, top sides up, overf indirect medium heat until peppers are soft but still hold their shape, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Remove tops and cut in half lengthwise.