Hi, it’s Colleen here again! Today I have for you an appetizer that is SUPER easy, colorful, versatile and all around fun party nibble!

Ever hear of a Peppadew?

I’m sure you have been around them, you just may not have know their name. A Peppadew is the brand name of a variety of chili pepper originally grown in South Africa. What makes Peppadews a brand is a proprietary process used to take out the seeds, most of the heat and then pickle them.

I think I tasted my first Peppadew about 6 years ago, and one taste was all it took to get me immediately hooked. I adore the sweet juiciness that comes with every bite. I remember searching the internet back then trying to find out how I could buy them and finally found a place to buy huge commercial cans. We were eating peppadews for quite some time. I stuffed them, put them in salads and various dishes. My favorite was when I added them to turkey burgers; the juiciness of the peppers kept the burgers so moist as they grilled.

Peppadews are more mainstream now. I see them turning up at parties from time to time on anti-pasta trays. They are ALWAYS the first empty spot on the tray – I know I can never resist them! You can probably buy them right from your grocer, either in the salad bar or olive area. Just scoop how many you want into a container and you are good to go. Many markets also sell them in glass jars – just ask.

Here are 2 fun and easy ways to use peppadews which are a nice change from the heavy dips and such you may be finding (but can’t stay away from…like me) at your sports watching gatherings or any gathering for that matter. I personally love apps that are easy to pick up and eat at parties.

I enjoy making Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppadews and Sausage Stuffed Peppadews. Both are easy and have few ingredients. You can choose to stuff them with plain or flavored goat cheese for a great meatless appetizer, or you can stuff them with sweet, hot or chorizo sausage. Sometimes I cook them in the oven, sometimes I just stuff them and eat them. Either way these make a fabulous addition to a cheese plate, antipasto plate or a stand alone appetizer.

I will list the ingredients…specifics depend on what you choose to stuff them with, the quantity you want to make and the size of Peppadews you purchase.