5 Small Bites for Summer
John Hoffman, DU
As I travel the country, the one recipe that folks most often want to share with me features strips of marinated duck or goose breast encased in a blanket of cream cheese, jalapeño peppers, and bacon. It would be hard to make the argument that these fried or grilled "poppers" don't taste great. They do. Crunchy, spicy, cheesy, and bacony—what's not to like? Best of all, they're gone in one or two bites, so you can eat them while holding a cold beverage or horseshoe in your other hand.
The following handheld appetizers include a mix of fried, grilled, and roasted finger foods. There's enough variety here to please everyone. Whip up several of these recipes—outdoors, if you like—and you'll have an assortment of small bites that will bring big fun to your summertime get-togethers.
Fried Duck Poppers
John Hoffman, DU
Makes 12 Poppers. Let's get right to it. All the standard "popper" components are here, but with a twist.
Ingredients
12 2-inch strips duck breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch black pepper
12 medium to large jalapeño peppers, any color
8 strips bacon, cut into thirds and cooked until just done
1/4 pound cream cheese
Oil for frying
1 cup flour
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons hot sauce
2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
Directions
1. In a small bowl, toss together the sl
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