Ouch!

Let's make some jalapenos things. I love these. I think that they are easy to make. It takes a little time but it's just assembly. I'm going to my friend Kellie's house for 4th of July so I made these, some smoked salmon dip and a cherry/rhubarb crisp. Cut the stem end off and slice down the middle. I should be wearing gloves but I'm not. And I paid for it.

This is a painful part. I should have worn gloves but I didn't. I use a small knife to take the seeds and membrane out. That's where all the heat is at. I leave a little behind as I like the heat. I did about 25 peppers, which when you cut in half, that's 50. My hands were burning into the next day! DO NOT pick your nose,rub your eye and if you're a man do not ...how do I say this?...pee? You really do not want to touch anything! And wash wash wash your hands. Or wear gloves and not have the problem.

Now you need to stuff it with cream cheese. It helps if the cream cheese is not soft so don't take it out of the fridge till you're ready to stuff. I don't have a picture of the bacon but you need to cut it in half. I have tried cutting it into 3rds but then the bacon didn't wrap as well. I love bacon!

Now you need to wrap the pepper. Keep it snug while you do it. After about the 5th one your finger are slippery from the bacon so it gets tricky. Also, you don't want to use bacon that is real meaty as it wont bend very well and get the thin cut, not thick cut. Stick a toothpick through it. It does not have to go into the jalapeno. I try but sometimes I miss so I don't worry about it. You really just want to keep the bacon wrapped so it wont come undone. Be careful when you push the toothpick through. It can be painful if you stick yourself with it. (Not that I have ever done that. ) I used to cook them on the grill outside. They do taste real good that way but oh man! Cooking bacon on a grill is not a good ideal. Fire fire! I now cook them this way. I line a 9x13 in cake pan with foil and then place a wire cooling rack on that. That way it's easy to clean up and the yummies are not sitting in the fat.

Ready to pop into the oven. Oh and place them cut side up. You don't want the cream cheese to fall out when it gets all melted.

Here they are done. I bake them at 350 for 40 minutes. Or bake until the bacon is the color of brown that you like.

Start eating them. Just so you know, don't eat a lot of them and drink a lot of DrPepper and then show your friend that you can still touch your toes. Just a little helpful hint.