Summer is not over, people. You might be feeling a bit “grill fatigued” at this point, but there are new things to do on your outdoor stove. Or, at least, they were new things to me.

My neighbors do a great job of bringing exciting new things to my attention every summer as we try to get together for outdoor meals as often as possible. In the winter, we all retreat into our basements and our Netflix accounts. And then in the summer we all emerge again, renewed and armed with excellent new things to throw on the ole Weber and share.

Here is one of those things: Loaded mashed potato-stuffed peppers.

That’s right. Gone are the days of dry and crumbly rice stuffed peppers. Gone are all notions that mashed potatoes are just for winter when we cook indoors and add our outer winter lining. Bring together two of my son Johnny’s favorite things. Make everyone happy. Put mashed potatoes inside your bell peppers. Because mashed potatoes? THEY ARE NOW HEALTH FOOD.

You’re welcome. (Thank you, Monica, for this gem. You are a goddess.)

http://www.lawrence.com/users/photos/2014/aug/05/277237/

Loaded Mashed Potato-Stuffed Peppers

4 large red bell peppers (yellow or orange would work too, though I don’t prefer green)
8 smallish red potatoes (fewer if they’re larger)
4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup mayo
1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Healthy sprinkling of kosher salt or Lawry’s

Cut your peppers in half from top to bottom and remove the seeds and ribs. Set aside.

Cut your potatoes in halves or quarters and boil until soft but not mushy. I would leave the skins on but that is up to you.

Drain the water and add the mayo, butter, seasonings and mash well with a potato masher.

Add the bacon and cheese, and then scoop into your pepper “shells.”

Give the outside of the peppers a light rub with olive oil and grill over medium heat for about 8 minutes or until the outsides begin to soften and brown a little.

Did you know that bell peppers have more vitamin C than an orange? That’s right. You’re welcome. Health food.