Jalapeno Poppers for the Grill

Poppers ready for the grill

Names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent.

One of the things that took up a lot of my time, when I was a principal, was discipline.  I had a school of about 550 (give or take 50 students at any time) and some students that had to make due with very little at home.  It was always interesting.

One week I had an intern.  He was spending a year at a high school, but got to spend a week in an elementary school to discover the difference.  He would sit in the corner of my office and watch as I talked to students about their choices.  He was always amazed at the 6th grade boys and how they would cry when I made them call their moms and tell on themselves.  That was a better consequence than the recess they would have to miss.

One day a little boy came crying because Mike had told him that Miss Wilson, our day custodian, cut boys' wieners off.  I told the intern he could deal with this one because, well, he had a wiener and he could talk to Mike about why it was not o.k. to say things like that.

Intern:"What am I supposed to say to Mike?"

Me: "Ask him why he said Miss Wilson cut wieners off."

Intern: "I can't say 'wiener' to a second grader."

Me: "Why not, he said it, and then have him call his mom and tell her what he said."

Intern: "I can't call his mom and say wiener."

Me: "You don't say it, you make Mike tell her, then you talk to her and tell her what the consequence is."

Intern: "I can't say wiener."

Me: "You just said it to me, and you have one, I don't even have one."

Intern: "I'll watch you do it.  I just can't"

So, I talked to Mike and asked him "Why are you telling kids Miss Wilson will cut their wiener off?"
He cried, said he didn't know and we called his mom so he could tell her what she said.  The intern was amazed by the whole process and now is a principal of a high school and I'm sure he never has to talk about wieners with his students.  Ah, the good ol' days, I sure don't miss that.

This recipe has nothing to do with wieners, but it is a good starter if you are grilling wieners for dinner (the hot dog kind).  I make a big batch ahead of time and have dave grill them just as people are arriving and pouring a drink. They are creamy, spicy, salty and delicious.

Jalapenos stuffed and ready to be wrapped with bacon.

Jalapeno Poppers
12 larger jalapenos
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mexican blend cheese
12 pieces bacon, cut in half

Cut stems off jalapenos, cut in half and scoop out seeds and veins using a small spoon.  Set aside.

Mix cream cheese and mexican blend cheese together.

Spread bacon on a microwave safe plate, covered with paper towel.  Cook 2-3 minutes until starting to cook, but still soft.

Stuff jalapeno halves with cheese blend.  Wrap with bacon and secure with toothpicks.

Grill until bacon is cooked, cheese is melted and jalapenos are soft.

Makes 24 pieces

May 28, 2013    Daylight 20 hours, 12 minutes, 27 seconds   Temp. H 82/ L 52ºF