My Brother Daves Stuffed Pickled Peppers Recipes

THE BEST STUFFED PEPPERS

Steps:

• If your peppers don't sit upright on your cutting board, trim about 1/8-inch off the bottoms to even them out so they can stand without falling over. Cut the top off each pepper about 1/2-inch down. Remove and discard the stems, then finely chop the remaining flesh from the tops. Scoop out the seeds and as much of the membranes as you can. Place the peppers in a large microwave-safe bowl with 1/2 cup water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high power for 12 minutes. Carefully uncover and let them sit until ready to assemble.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread the beef in an even layer and cook undisturbed until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Toss and continue to cook, breaking up any clumps with the back of a spoon and scraping up any browned bits from the pan until the meat is lightly browned all over, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the browned meat to a large bowl with a slotted spoon.
• Reduce the heat to medium. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and add the reserved chopped peppers, onions, garlic, thyme, 4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but not browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until falling apart and much of the liquid has evaporated, about 7 minutes.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly until brick red colored, about 1 minute. Stir in the wine and cook until the mixture is reduced, very thick and no smell of alcohol remains, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Transfer to the bowl with the beef. Stir in the rice until completely combined. (The mixture will be wet.) Season with salt and pepper.
• Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F.
• Place the peppers cut-side up in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Spoon the filling into the peppers, gently pressing it in with the back of a spoon. Be careful not to overstuff and split the sides of the peppers. Bake for 15 minutes. Then top with the cheese and continue baking until the filling is heated through and the cheese is browned in spots, 10 to 12 minutes.

MY BROTHER DAVE'S STUFFED PICKLED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Cut the stem end of the peppers off and pull out the seeds (wear gloves) and then cut all the meat and cheese into inch long slices, stuffing one slice of ham and once slice of cheese into each pepper.
• Put all back into jar and pour the brine over them. Dave just stores them room temperature, but he's more adventurous than I am.
• Wait a few weeks before you start eating them.

PICKLED STUFFED CHERRY HOT PEPPERS

Steps:

• 1. Combine the oil, garlic, vinegars, oregano and salt in a small sauce pan. Bring to just a simmer and simmer for 2 minutes and turn off the heat. This will help the flavors marry. Set aside to cool.
• 2. In the meantime take a small knife, cut the top off as you would a pumpkin. Remove the seeds by either using your knife or a small measuring spoon.
• 3. Now cut a cube of provolone and a piece of the prosciutto to the size of your hot cherry pepper. This will most likely change for each pepper depending on their size and shape.
• 4. Wrap the prosciutto around your cubed cheese and place inside the cherry pepper. Continue with all the remaining peppers.
• 5. Place your stuffed peppers in a container which has a secrued lid. Pour the cooled vinegar and oil mixture over your peppers. If you do not have enough liquid you can always add additional olive oil. My peppers were a little small so I didn't have to add any liquid.
• 6. Put the lid on and gently tip your container upside down af few times. Place in the frig for at least 24 hours the longer the better as the flavors will improve!

STUFFED PICKLED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Wash all vegetables well before chopping, drain peppers; cut off tops and save; remove seeds and membranes.
• Cover tops and peppers with water in a sauce pan and bring to boiling; boil gently 10 minutes, or until almost tender.
• Drain and let cool. Combine chopped vegetables.
• Mix remaining ingredients ( down to pickling brine) and pour over vegitables and mix well.
• Stuff into peppers , do not pack too tightly.
• Place tops on peppers.
• Tie in place with cotton string.
• Place peppers in wide mouth jars or stone crock.
• Heat together in a agate or enamel kettle all of the brine ingredients except the oil.
• Bring this mixture to a boil; pour over stuffed peppers.
• Let cool.
• To each 3 peppers in a jar or crock add about half cup olive oil.
• Cover. Let stand in a cool place 10 days or longer before serving.
• To serve remove string, drain peppers.
• Note: The remaining oil and spice mixture can be used as a salad dressing or marinade.