Blueberry & Brie jalapeño Party Poppers

Finger food summer vibes.

The internet served me this fun party recipe, and I served it up to my friends at the Beach 92nd Street block party last weekend.

I know blueberries and jalapeños sound weird, but have faith, tomato readers!  The heat of the pepper, creamy brie, sweet berries, crunchy pecans, and fragrant thyme create a delicious, unique balance of flavors. And they are not too hot. Just make sure to remove the seeds and the white pith inside, and the jalapeño heat will be just right.

Wild combo, you gotta have faith!

Many of the block party peeps asked for the recipe, so I’m sharing it here in my column. It’s finger food, which is great for these summer parties. Grab, eat, and enjoy!

Blueberry & Brie Jalapeno Party Poppers

Ingredients

• 8 fresh jalapeños
• 6 oz  brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• ½ cup fresh blueberries
• 2 tbsp blueberry preserves (optional, for extra sweetness, I recommend)
• 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp honey, for drizzling
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and pith (leave a few if you like extra heat).
3. Arrange the jalapeño halves on the prepared baking tray and lightly brush with olive oil.
4. Fill each jalapeño half with a cube of brie cheese and press down
5. Top with a few fresh blueberries and a small spoonful of blueberry preserves.
6. Sprinkle with the chopped pecans and fresh thyme.
7. Season lightly with black pepper.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbly and the jalapeños are tender.
9. Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey while still warm.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve immediately.

Note: There’s a bit of chopping and slicing involved, so keep your workspace organized and assemble the appetizer assembly-line style. This prep takes about 30 minutes, then pop the poppers in the oven for just 15 minutes. They’re best served hot but are also good room temperature. Make these for your next summer party and let me know how it goes!

Recipe from Instagram:instagram.com/reels/DaSqo7NMGK3/