Thanksgiving Favorite - Jalapeno Poppers

For those of you who procrastinated and need to bring a side dish to your partner-in-law's house and need something that will wow them because they don't like you yet, try this.  Yum, yum:

Jalapeno Poppers
About 20 – 25 Jalapenos
2 pkg cream cheese
2 handfuls shredded cheddar cheese
2 tsp Cajun seasoning (more for spicy)*
Pound of bacon

*Cajun Seasoning

4 tsp salt
4 tsp paprika
3 tsp garlic powder
3 tsp ground pepper
2 ½ tsp onion powder
1 ½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 ½ tsp thyme (optional) – I leave it out

For the filling, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and Cajun seasoning (use a hand mixer only if you have a really nice and expensive one that can handle thick things, ha! Otherwise, use a flour and shortening blender, or just reach in there and do it by hand).

Wash and cut the jalapenos in half. Remove seeds (add some seeds to the cheese mixture if you want to maintain some spice; otherwise, these end up VERY VERY mild). Fill with cream cheese mixture. Cut bacon in half and fry until almost done not crispy. Wrap around each filled jalapeno and hold in place with a toothpick. Place on a cookie cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet so bacon grease can drip down. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 – 25 minutes or until cheese looks melted.

Maybe it's because I served my mission in Texas, but there simply isn't anything quite as wonderful as jalapenos at Thanksgiving =)