Thick Brush Stroke

Jalapeno Popper Wontons

1. If you are planning to deep fry the poppers, heat your deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan with oil at least 3-inches deep to 350 degrees. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Stir in the cheddar cheese followed by the bacon (optional), jalapenos, and green onions.

4. To assemble: gather the wonton wrappers, the filling, and a small bowl of water. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface, dip your finger in the water, and run it along all four edges of the wrapper to wet it. This will make it sticky so that you can seal the wontons once they have been filled and folded. Scoop two teaspoons of the filling and place it in the center of the wonton wrapper. Fold the four corners in so that they meet in the center then pinch the edges together to seal, squeezing out as much air as possible. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

5. For deep-fried jalapeno popper wontons: Place the wontons in the hot oil in batches of six and fry for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer to a paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess grease. For air fryer jalapeno popper wontons: Heat your air-fryer to 350 degrees and run empty for five minutes. In 2-3 batches, fry the wontons flat side down for five minutes. 6. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.

A simple gameday appetizer!!!