Cheese and Bacon Okra Poppers

Serves 32

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F with oven rack 6 inches from heat.
2. Cook bacon, in 2 batches, in a large skillet over medium-high heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or just until bacon begins to curl; remove bacon, and drain on paper towels. Cut each slice in half crosswise. Discard drippings.
3. Cut each okra pod lengthwise down 1 side, leaving stem and other side of pod intact; remove seeds and membranes.
4. Stir together cream cheese and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Carefully pipe/spoon cheese mixture into cavity of each okra pod.
5. Wrap each stuffed okra pod with 1 bacon piece, and secure with a wooden pick.
6. Place half of okra, cheese side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake for 8 minutes or until okra is tender and bacon is crisp.
7. Transfer to a serving platter; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining half of okra. Serve warm.