By: Tina Haugen - September 22nd

Doves are a tasty, tender treat, but as with any game bird, the quality of the final product comes down to proper field care. Be sure to get your doves cleaned and cooling quickly; and remember to remove all bloodshot meat before soaking the breasts in water in the refrigerator overnight. 

While there are many ways to prepare doves, these tasty poppers are a crowd pleaser. Dove poppers can be served as an appetizer or a main course. 

Here's how to make them.

Ingredients

-6 dove breasts

-6 jalapeño peppers

-12 pieces thin-sliced bacon

-4 ounces pepper jack cheese

-4 ounces cream cheese

-1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

-1 tablespoon soy sauce

-1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

-1/2 teaspoon granulated onion

-1/2 teaspoon paprika

-1/4 teaspoon pepper

-1/4 teaspoon salt

1.      Soak dove breasts overnight in cold water in a refrigerator to remove blood. 

2.      Drain, rinse, and pat dove breasts dry.

3.      Remove any sinuous tissues and slice in half lengthwise. 

4.      Mix balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Toss the meat into the marinade and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 6 hours.

5.      Let cream cheese and bacon slices sit for 30 minutes at room temperature to soften.

6.      Slice jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and pith. Slice pepper jack cheese into 12 equal portions about the length of the peppers. 

Now, you’re ready to assemble the poppers. This can be done several hours before grilling or baking. 

1. Place a spoonful of cream cheese in each jalapeño half.
2. Top them with cream cheese, a slice of pepper jack cheese, and one strip of marinated meat.
3. Wrap bacon around the jalapeño and secure with 1-2 toothpicks.
4. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.

Poppers can be cooked on a griddle over medium-high heat. Start with the cheese side down and then rotate poppers until the bacon is crispy on all sides and the cheese is completely melted. Alternatively, you can also bake the poppers at 400-degrees in a conventional oven for 12-15 minutes until the bacon is crisp. They can also be cooked on the grill using a fine grill grate, grill mat, or foil.