Cheese-Stuffed Anaheims

Cheese-Stuffed Anaheims

4 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

3 green onions, chopped

2 fresh hot peppers (jalapeño, serrano, Caribe, Santa Fe Grande or Fresno), seeded and minced

1/3 C. ripe olives, chopped

2 T. chopped fresh cilantro

2 T. milk

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

4 to 6 green New Mexican or Anaheim peppers, stemmed

Lettuce leaves

Fresh cilantro (garnish)

In a food processor or using a mixer, combine cheese, onions, hot peppers, olives, cilantro and milk until well-blended. Season with salt and pepper. Slit the New Mexico or Anaheim peppers lengthwise, carefully remove the seeds and stuff the peppers with the cheese mixture, packing the mixture into the peppers with the back of a spoon. Chill several hours or overnight.

To serve, arrange lettuce leaves on a platter. Slice stuffed peppers crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices, and arrange them on top of the lettuce leaves. Garnish with cilantro, if desired. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Makes 36 appetizers.