Carmela Soprano's Stuffed Hot Cherry Peppers

This is another do-in-advance, easy recipe for the holidays.

Or a little something to jazz up a large family dinner.

Or a busy Christmas / New Year get together.

In the Small Events for Men Only chapter of Carmela's Entertaining with the Sopranos, there's a recipe for Stuffed Hot Cherry Peppers.                                                 

You just have to pick up a jar of hot peppers, anchovies and capers.

Easy, but a little dangerous.

Wear rubber gloves while handling the peppers.

Maybe that's why it's in the Small Events for Men Only chapter.

But, they're not the ones risking a third-degree finger burn.

Some tough guys.

Anybody who doesn't have stomach trouble can eat Hot Cherry Peppers.

I would've put this recipe in the Holidays or in either of the big family 

get-together chapters.

Did I mention I have my doubts about Carmela's editor?

Carmela uses breadcrumbs "homemade from Italian bread".

Yeah, right, whatever....

The anchovies, garlic etc. can be whirred in a blender with the liquids, then 

added to the crumbs.

What can I say?  

It worked for me.

                             

                              Stuffed Hot Cherry Peppers 

Drain, reserving the liquid

32-ounce jar pickled red and green hot cherry peppers

Cut off the tops of the peppers.

With the tip of a knife, scoop out the seeds.

In a small bowl mash

2-ounce anchovy fillets, drained

1 garlic clove, minced

Add

1 Cup plain dried bread crumbs

2 Tablespoons capers, very finely chopped

3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 to 2 Tablespoons of the reserved pepper liquid

If it's dry, add more oil - or pepper liquid if your gang likes it HOT. 

Stuff the peppers with the bread crumb mixture, pressing it in gently.

Refrigerate up to 5 days.

Just before serving, drizzle them with olive oil.

Would I make Stuffed Hot Cherry Peppers again?

No.

Our crowd has enough agita.

Quite a few have to take stomach medicine.

The leftovers would just go to waste.

Another recipe down.  Ten more to go.