Yummy, comforting appetizers can be made healthy and plant-based with just a few tweaks.  Jalapeño poppers are often breaded then deep fried, but these skip the breading and are roasted!  Removing the seeds and with pith remove some of the heat, and roasting the peppers make them soft and smoky.  Replace the cream cheese and cheddar cheese with vegan alternatives, and you have a nutritious appetizer ready in a flash!  These Vegan Jalapeño Poppers are simply awesome 😊

Serves: 4-5

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

What (your ingredients):

5 jalapeño peppers

1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I used So Delicious vegan cheddar)

1/3 cup cream cheese (Kite Hill makes an awesome vegan almond cream cheese)

Pinch of salt and pepper

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Slice jalapeño peppers in half, then remove the seeds and white pith (very spicy).

Place pepper halves onto a baking sheet.

In a small bowl, combine shredded cheddar, cream cheese, salt, and pepper.

Using a spoon, spread about 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture into each pepper halve until all cheese mixture has been used. 

Roast peppers for 15 minutes.

Allow to cool slightly, and then serve!

Why (the science):  Jalapeño peppers are rich in capsaicin, which is responsible for that fiery heat.  Capsaicin is a nature pain-reliever!