Although vampires feed year-round, they seem to be especially prevalent during the Halloween season. We, of course, have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our families from these scary pests. Garlic is a good start, and the following Vamoose You Pesky Vampires Bread is an excellent follow-up; great insurance if vampires are prevalent in your neighborhood. This yummy bread contains lots of garlic, as well as jalapeno peppers and cheddar jack cheese. It takes only about 10 minutes hands-on time to assemble the ingredients in the automatic bread machine (a little longer if making the old fashioned way in a mixing bowl), and when the dough is done, another 10-15 minutes to assemble the loaf. It's worth every hands-on minute – not only because the lucky tasters will be free from worry and risk (those vampires are dangerous, I'm told), but also because the yummy bread is perfect with soups and salads of every kind, especially hot from the oven.

If you don't have an automatic bread machine, one or more are generally available for under $10 at good-will and thrift stores, and some models are actually quite inexpensive to purchase new if you are so inclined and plan on making a lot of bread. I generally use mine only for making dough, and then shape it into loaves, rolls, bagels, or crusts according to my recipes. You can't go wrong with one of these wonder machines, especially if you hate to cook or don't have much time to spend in the kitchen,

If you traditionally serve chili on Halloween, this is a perfect accompaniment, and it is also great to add to the bread basket on your annual Halloween BOO-ffet.

24 Slices – 2 loaves

Bread:
1 1/2 cups water
1 egg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup nonfat dry milk
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup minced garlic
1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
4 cups flour

Filling:
1 egg
1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

1. Place the bread ingredients in the pan of an automatic bread machine.
2. Set the cycle to dough and check after five minutes. If the ingredients haven't formed a soft ball, add a little more flour. If they have formed a ball that is stiff, add a little more water and start the cycle over.
3. When the cycle is finished, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Smooth out the dough and cut in half.

5. Roll out each half of dough into a rectangle about 8" x 12".
6. Spread each rectangle with egg and sprinkle with half of the cheese, half of the jalapeno, and half of the garlic.

7. Roll up tightly, starting with the short end, and pinch the seam together.
8. Spray two 8 x 4" bread pans liberally with non-stick spray.
9. Place the loaves in the pans, seam side down.
10. Cover loosely with a cloth and let rise until doubled in bulk.
11. Meanwhile heat the oven to 350°.
12. When the loaves have risen, bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Remove from the oven, let sit 5 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks to cool thoroughly.

Amount Per Serving:
Calories 136 Calories from Fat 39
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 29% Protein 17% Carb. 54%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 4 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 28 mg
Sodium 295 mg
Total Carbohydrate 18 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 6 g

Vitamin A 7% Vitamin C 9% Calcium 0% Iron 3%