Pepper Jack and Bacon Muffins
with Red Pepper Butter

Red Pepper Butter: 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup roasted red pepper, chopped 1/4 tsp. garlic powder Muffins: 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and divided 2 cups biscuit mix 1/4 cup cornmeal 2 cups (8 oz.) Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded and divided 3/4 cup milk 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare muffin tin by generously greasing or lining with foil liners greased with nonstick spray. For butter, purée butter, red pepper, and garlic powder in food processor or blender; set aside. For muffins, dice 7 slices of bacon; set aside. Cut remaining bacon strip into 12 squares; set aside. In medium bowl, combine biscuit mix, cornmeal, diced bacon, and 1-1/3 cups Pepper Jack. Add milk, melted butter, and egg; stir just until moistened. Scoop batter into 12 muffin cups. Sprinkle remaining cheese over muffins and place one bacon square on each. Bake 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool 10 minutes. Remove from muffin pan and serve with red pepper butter. Makes 12 muffins.