Okay, so I’m dead tired, and it’s already past my bedtime (the Giants are winning, so the man is in a good mood, but boy oh boy, this is the longest game … ever!).

Tonight did not go as smoothly as I hoped.

First, the grocery store was not only still out of pumpkin puree (not totally unexpected, but disappointing nonetheless) but also out of polenta!  Basic question ~ how does one make MNF Polenta without … polenta?!?!  John and I had to visit our least favorite place … the other grocery store.  You know what I’m talking about.  The store you checked out once upon a time and deemed lacking in all areas before choosing your current, amazing grocery store (which did, in fact, drop the ball today… but let’s not focus on that!).

This followed us getting out of the city late, every person in Philadelphia driving like they just got their learner’s permit, and various other road blocks that, if I were a suspicious person, would have made me go “Hmmmm…..”.

This will be short & sweet, with pics to come later.

This past Christmas Eve I visited with my Italian side of the family, and they served this dish.  I loved it so much, I recreated it for the man and my New Year’s Eve celebration (we’re pretty low key, but it was a great day/night).

Jalapeno Poppers

What you need:

10 – 12 small, firm jalapeno peppers

1 160z package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese (or comparable)

1/2 package of bacon (I literally cut a package of bacon in half, and wrap and freeze the other half)

What to do:

Preheat oven to 325.

1.  Cut the peppers in half longway ( I cut the top off first, and then cut them in half).  Clean out the seeds and interior, and wash in the sink.

2.  Fill pepper halves with cream cheese.

3.  Wrap in bacon.  Arrange on cookie sheet.  Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until bacon cooks.  (I never seem to have toothpicks that do that trick, but you can secure the bacon in place with a toothpick or spear of some sort … altho’ it’s not necessarily necessary).

4. Serve!

Just so you know, these are addictive.  So if you’re cooking them, snag one before putting them out for people.  I also made them for the Super Bowl this past year, and when I finally got to the food table, only 4 were left.  I think of this as a huge triumph (rather than an epic disappointment) -I like contributing food people eat!