Friday Feast: Jalapeño Dove Poppers

I’m preparing a trip to Texas to visit family and am quickly reminded of the food adventures we experienced the last time I was there. One of the most memorable things I tried, for the first time, were jalapeño dove poppers.

My sisters pastor is an avid hunter and brought some of these fantastic treats to church, and boy was I happy to be visiting that day. These were ah-maz-ing! So simple, yet full of flavor. I haven’t had them since and am hoping to be lucky enough to experience them again with this upcoming trip. Fingers crossed!

Texas Monthly shared this recipe in 2011 with raving reviews and I hope you are adventurous to try it for yourself. Trust me, if you haven’t had these before, you’re going to have a new favorite snack on your hands.

Jalapeño Dove Poppers

(Photo courtesy/Jody Horton)

Ingredients:
15 whole plucked dove breasts
Garlic salt
Black pepper
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
15 jalapeño slices, each slice halved (fresh or canned)
2 packages regular-sliced bacon, cut in half

Directions:
With a paring knife, separate breasts from breastbones to make 30 lobes. Sprinkle very lightly with garlic salt and pepper. Take a breast lobe, some cream cheese, and a jalapeño slice and wrap in bacon. Secure with a toothpick. Grill over mesquite, oak, or charcoal for 3 to 5 minutes, then turn and continue grilling until bacon is crisp. Serves 8 to 10.

Recipe courtesy/Carter Smith