Apricot Zingers with Jalapeño and Bacon

Try other variations such as wrapping the bacon around jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese & garlic…or around dates stuffed with almonds and blue cheese.

Ingredients

• 20 dried apricots
• 2 to 3 organic jalapeños sliced into 1 X 1/4 inch pieces
• 10 bacon slices (pastured & nitrate-free preferred)
• 20 strong toothpicks

Instructions

Partially cook bacon slices, then cut each piece in half (can be done ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use). Preheat the oven to 400ºF and adjust the rack to the middle position. Line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper.

Slice each apricot horizontally down the side so that it will open like a book. Place a jalapeño slice inside the apricot; wrap the apricot in a piece of the partially cooked bacon. Secure it with a toothpick, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Bake for 10 minutes. Using a pair of tongs, flip the zingers and bake 5 to 10 minutes more, or until the bacon is golden brown. Serve immediately. Yummy!!