Let's get poppin'

I had a sudden urge to make jalapeno poppers the other night. I know, quite strange seeing as I don't like anything remotely hot and/or spicy, but I knew this wasn't going to kill me. I had my very first jalapeno popper at the Sweet 16 Beer Bracket with my co-workers. One of our designers and his wife made these incredible hors d'oeuvres for us and I asked for her recipe right away. Months after trying my first popper a.k.a. Wednesday, I decided I needed to make them myself.

Never did I ever imagine I would have to buy or cook with a jalapeno

I got so excited I forgot to take pictures of what happened in between, but here are the hollowed, cream cheese filled, bacon wrapped beauties before they hit the oven.

Note: I got to use the new broiler pan I bought myself as a present last paycheck. Yes, I buy myself presents each paycheck...they usually consist of goodies for my kitchen.

A little close-up view before baking commences

Sizzlin' success

I made so many, I brought a ton in to work on Thursday so my friends could help me eat. I must admit, I inhaled six of them after I took them out of the oven and before bed. What can I say?

I can make pie!

About two weeks ago, I successfully made my first key lime pie. You may or may not remember I attempted pecan pie months ago and gave myself a C+. And I also have to remind you (and myself) of my lemon cupcake fail back in November.

Well, let's just say my key lime came out stunningly better than I could have imagined. I don't give myself credit for much, but I am calling this a baking success.

It was my first time working with limes

I had to shave those little beasts clean!

Tossing the lime zest in with egg yolks and other ingredients. It was really fun getting to separate the yolks from the rest of the egg.

At this point, I was becoming concerned...it just didn't look all that scrumptious.

Fresh out of the oven! I was feeling pretty nervous at this point since I still had no idea how it would taste.

Making my own whipped cream was SO much fun

The finished product!

I would say there will be many more key lime pies in my future.