Festive Pepper Bundles

 

12

fresh chives (at least 6 inches long) or green part of green onion, cut into thin strips

2

medium red bell peppers

2

medium green bell peppers

1/3

cup water

1/4

cup butter or margarine

2

teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel

1/2

teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

• 1 Place chives in shallow dish. Pour enough boiling water over chives just to cover; let stand 10 seconds so chives become pliable. Drain well; set aside.
• 2 Cut each pepper into eighteen 3x1/4-inch strips (there may be extra strips; reserve for another use). To form each bundle, place 3 pepper strips side by side on center of chive. Top with 3 more pepper strips (alternate colors if desired). Tie chive around bundle. Repeat with remaining pepper strips and chives.
• 3 Heat all Lemon-Pepper Butter ingredients until butter is melted, stirring occasionally; set aside.
• 4 Carefully transfer bundles to 10-inch nonstick skillet; add water. Heat to boiling; boil about 1 minute or until crisp-tender. Remove bundles to small serving plate, using slotted spoon or pancake turner; drizzle with Lemon-Pepper Butter. Serve immediately.