Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

 

1. BACON DATES BACK TO 1500 BCE.

The Chinese were the first to cook salted pork bellies more than 3000 years ago. This makes bacon one of the world’s oldest processed meats.

2. ROMANS CALLED BACON PETASO.

Bacon eventually migrated westward, where it became a dish worthy of modern-day foodies. The Romans made petaso, as they called it, by boiling salted pig shoulder with figs, and then seasoning the mixture with pepper sauce. Wine was, of course, a frequent accompaniment.

3. THE WORD BACON REFERS TO THE "BACK" OF A PIG.

The word bacon comes from the Germanic root “-bak,” and refers to the back of the pig that supplied the meat. Bakko became the French bacco, which the English then adopted around the 12th century, naming the dish bacoun. Back then, the term referred to any pork product, but by the 14th century bacoun referred specifically to the cured meat.

4. THE FIRST BACON FACTORY OPENED IN 1770.

For generations, local farmers and butchers made bacon for their local communities. In England, where it became a dietary staple, bacon was typically "dry cured" with salt and then smoked. In the late 18th century, a businessman named John Harris opened the first bacon processing plant in the county of Wiltshire, where he developed a special brining solution for finishing the meat. The "Wiltshire Cure" method is still used today, and is a favorite of bacon lovers who prefer a sweeter, less salty taste.

5. THE PHRASE "BRINGING HOME THE BACON" DATES BACK CENTURIES.

These days the phrase refers to making money, but its origins have nothing to do with income. In 12th century England, churches would award a flitch, or a side, of bacon to any married man who swore before God that he and his wife had not argued for a year and a day. Men who "brought home the bacon" were seen as exemplary citizens and husbands.

Ingredients

15–16 fresh jalapenos
1 lb ground beef
1 pkg (1 oz) Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix
2/3 cup water
4 tablespoons cream cheese, (softened)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese1/2 lb bacon (the amount you need will depend on the size of your peppers. You will need approximately 1 slice of bacon per pepper)

Directions 

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and the ribs and discard.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain any grease if necessary. Add the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.
Place the cream cheese in a large bowl, then add the cooked taco meat. Stir until combined. Stir in the shredded cheese.
Fill each of the halved jalapeños with the taco meat, dividing evenly.
Cut the bacon in half. Wrap one of the half slices of bacon around each of the jalapeños. Secure with a toothpick and place on the baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through. Crisp up under the broiler for a minute or two, if desired. Serve warm.

Enjoy!