Jalapeno Shrimpers

Ingredients

• 12 large shrimp, shelled and cleaned
• 2 jalapeno peppers
• 3 ounces monterey jack cheese, cut into 12 sticks (pepper jack can be used if you want spicier)
• 6 slices bacon, cut to make 12 shorter pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 3-5 cups boiling water
• 2/3 cup ranch dressing (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh minced cilantro (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat broiler.

2. 2

   Cut the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and remove stem and seeds.

3. 3

   Cut each jalapeno piece into 3 long strips.

4. 4

   This should leave you with 12 jalapeno strips.

5. 5

   Cut into the back of each shrimp, without cutting all the way through, so that the shrimp is almost butterflied open.

6. 6

   Cover the jalapenos and shrimp with boiling water in a casserole dish or heat resistant bowl.

7. 7

   Let sit for 60-90 seconds then rince with cold water and pat dry.

8. 8

   Partially cook the bacon, to reduce grease.

9. 9

   Do not cook to crispy, you need to be able to wrap the bacon around the shrimp.

10. 10

    Put a piece of jalapeno in the cut in each shrimp's back.

11. 11

    Place a stick of jack cheese on top of each jalapeno.

12. 12

    Wrap the bacon around each shrimp and secure with a toothpick.

13. 13

    Place the shrimp on a baking sheet.

14. 14

    Mix the salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper and allspice.

15. 15

    Sprinkle a light coating of the spice mixture over the shrimp.

16. 16

    Broil for 4-5 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese begins to ooze.

17. 17

    If desired, mix cilantro and ranch dressing and serve as a dipping sauce.