A Southern Soul: Stuffed Celery

I remember eating stuffed celery all the time when I was a kid.  Most of the time it was just plain celery sticks with some cream cheese spread down the middle.  Sometimes it was peanut butter.  I certainly never had anything quite this fancy.  But it's cool and refreshing, and it makes a pretty tasty snack that you don't feel too terrible about eating.

Stuffed Celery
From A Southern Soul blog

4 to 5 stalks celery, strings removed if desired
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup cooked bacon, chopped
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco)

Cut celery stalks in half and set aside. Using a hand held mixer, whip the cream cheese until smooth. Add in remaining ingredients. Blend until all ingredients are combined.

Using a small spoon, fill the celery "boat" with cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with additional chives and bacon, if desired. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 to 6 servings