Pick a peck of peppers.

This weekend I decided to make my hubby happy and cook his favorite meal. I really like it, too. It takes a little time, but it's well worth it.

Skillet Stuffed Peppers

3 Green bell peppers
Cooking spray
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 C. water
1/2 - 1 package taco seasoning (depending on how spicy you like it)
1 batch of mashed potatoes
1/2 shredded cheddar cheese
black pepper

If making mashed potatoes at time of recipe, start before all steps.

1. Place pepper halves cut sides down in a microwaveable dish; cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for 3 1/2 minutes. Let stand until done with rest of steps.

2. While peppers cook, heat a large non-stick skillet over med-high heat. Coat skillet with cooking spray. Add meat to pan; cook 3 minutes or until brown and crumbled. Add water & seasoning, stir to combine. Cover, reduce heat & cook 5 minutes or until done.

3. While beef cooks, heat up refrigerated mashed potatoes (if frozen, defrost first). If you are using packaged mashed potatoes, just follow directions on package. If you are heating up homemade, just heat in one minute increments, stirring in between until hot. I have also made instant mashed potatoes for this recipe-they work fine, too.

4. Spoon 1/2 C meat mixture into each pepper half; top each with 2/3 C potatoes. Sprinkle each pepper with a little cheese. Top with black pepper if desired.

Big man took the kids on a walk to the park while I prepared the meal this time, so it was a great time for me-I love uninterrupted cooking. I put on my Ipod and sang off key the whole time I cooked. As I mentioned before, this is my hubby's favorite recipe. What surprised me when I made it this time is that our daughter actually gobbled her portion all up, also. I'm slowly winning them over, I think. If I can just get the two year old to appreciate my culinary skills we'll be set.

Speaking of green peppers, my little pepper plants are sprouting up in their yogurt cups nicely. Just a couple of more weeks, and we'll be able to introduce them to their new homes. The countdown to my garden begins!