Extra Crispy Jalapeño Poppers

Stuff these hotties with three cheeses seasoned with spicy herbs and finished with panko breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

• 12 large jalapeño peppers
• 1 brick cream cheese (8 ounces), at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons onion, grated
• 2 large cloves garlic, grated or pasted
• Salt and pepper
• About 3/4 cup grated extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
• About 3/4 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
• About 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (1/3 palmful)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• About 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (a heavy handful)
• All-natural cooking spray

Preparation

Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF.

Trim the top third of the jalapeños lengthwise, leaving the stems intact. Reserve the tops. Using a demitasse spoon or other small tool, scoop out the seeds and the ribs from all the peppers, making 12 "boats." Chop all of the trimmed pepper tops and reserve.

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated onion, garlic, salt, pepper, shredded cheeses, cilantro and cumin. Add in the finely chopped jalapeños to your taste – I usually use about half of the total amount, reserving remaining jalapeños for other recipes.

In a small dish, combine the panko with the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Fill your jalapeño boats, mounding the filling up a bit. Roll the filling in the panko.

Arrange the poppers on a baking dish, spray lightly with cooking spray and bake until the breadcrumbs are evenly brown and the filling is bubbly, about 18-20 minutes.

Let stand for 10 minutes and serve.