After Labor Day I always feel like there is a shift.
Sure, there is the whole “unofficial end of summer” thing; but, I choose to believe in summer until the true end of the season at the end of the month. Or, at least until the the temperature dips below 80 degrees consistently.
I have heard that it’s a pretty popular time to start something new, like many of us do at the New Year. And, I do feel like I get a burst of energy to start a new habit or try something new.
But, even with this burst of energy and new goals, our life slows down a tad. Adam’s work kicks in high gear with the start of harvest. He begins to work six days a week with long hours keeping us at home.
Sunday’s become precious and, because of the commitments throughout the week, so we keep them pretty light.
We have learned to love to stay at home and cook something fun for brunch, put out delicious snacks throughout the day, and we get something cooking low and slow for dinner while watching football… another shift from summer’s Sunday background noise of golf and NASCAR.
This week, because it’s been Hot with a capitol “H” at the start of this September and our jalapeño peppers are doing so well in the garden, I made spicy jalapeño poppers to welcome football season.
Our backyard peppers have never been awesome. They do well, but they have not been overwhelmingly great. This is, until this year. The garden’s peppers look so good, taste good and there are tons of them. And, we have the heat of the summer to thank.
A chef I work with cooks for a fraternity and has an awesome pub food background. Every Friday he makes major a major feast for his men. Big handmade burgers. Handcut fries or chips. And, every so often bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers and they are always a hit.
A simple concept, but huge in terms of flavor, these poppers are great for tailgates outside the stadium or in the living room. They are good hot or cooled. And, if you are serving them hot for a party you can do much of the prep ahead of time.
Adam loves anything hot and spicy… especially while watching football, so this is the perfect seasonal game day snack!
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 clove of garlic, finely minced
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Slice the jalapeños in half longways. Remove the seeds and membranes.
- Mix cheeses, paprika and garlic in a bowl until well combined.
- Place a cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet. This will prevent the poppers from getting soggy and let the bacon get crispy.
- Spoon cheese mixture into jalapeño halves, wrap in bacon slice and place on cooling rack.
- Cook for about 30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
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