Stuffed Banana Peppers

                                Makes 6 to 8 servings

6 to 8               large banana peppers
2                      cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese             1 small tomato, diced 
1                      medium onion, diced
1/2                   small green bell pepper, diced
1 to 2              jalapeño peppers, diced
1/8                  teaspoon salt
1/8                  teaspoon pepper
12 to 16          bacon slices

1 .        Cut a slit lengthwise in each banana pepper, cutting to, but not through, other side. Remove seeds.
2 .        Combine cheese and next 6 ingredients. Spoon mixture evenly into each pepper, and wrap each with 2 bacon slices; secure with wooden picks. Place peppers on a rack in a broiler pan.
3 .        Broil 5 1/2 inches from heat 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until golden.

Filled with cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon, Stuffed Banana Peppers are the perfect appetizer for entertaining guests at your next cookout or neighborhood gathering.