Welcome to my 1st Blog

Hello Friends -

This is my first ever blog and I've stepped another foot into the 21st Century as my sister says! I will be filling this blog with exciting things going on in my life, recipes I find or create that just have to be shared and anything else I think is worth reading.

Currently I'm training for my 1st triathlon, the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon, on July 12th. I am on the last leg of my 11-week training schedule so I've begun bricking my activities. So like today, I biked and ran, tomorrow, I will run and swim. I'm very excited as we approach the BIG day, I still cannot believe I'm actually doing it! This is the BIGGEST athletic accomplishment I've ever attempted. Come down to Lake Nokomis on Sat. July 12th to watch and participate in the festivities.

I'm still working on the Second Havest food shelf I'm starting at my church. Right now the only thing in our way is temporary space to store the food until our spot at the church is ready. I keep hitting brick walls. I know it'll come when it's suppose to.

I recently made a live appearance on KSTP channel 5's Twin Cities Live show to surprise John Hanson, one of the hosts. I had submitted my Off the Grill Jalapeno Poppers and John wouldn't try them and he got a lot of flack for not tasting even a little nibble. So Rebekah Wood, the other host, had me come with a plate of them and surprise John on Friday, June 20th's show which is with a LIVE audience. Everyone knew except John so that was a hoot. They want to have me back to do a cook off so I'll keep you posted on that. If you want to see the video of Rebekah and John making my recipe go to www.twincitieslive.com and go to the Eat section in the middle of the page and you can scroll down the list of recipes to the Stuffed Jalapenos. I've added the recipe below for you in case you need an appetizer for your 4th of July celebrations.


Off the Grill Jalapeno Poppers (Stuffed Peppers)

Kirsten Shabaz of Lakeville sent in her recipe for Jalapeno Poppers. Try them on the grill!
10 jalapeno peppers
1 8 oz. pkg softened cream cheese
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
5 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
Leave stems on and cut each jalapeno in half lengthwise. Scrape out ribs and seeds from each pepper half. Set aside.
Mix all filling ingredients until well blended and put into a ziploc bag. Cut hole in corner of bag to use as pastry bag. Fill each jalapeno half.
Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes, or place on the grill over medium high heat on a piece of aluminum foil. Grill for 25-30 minutes. Cook until filling is bubbly and browned on top and jalapenos look "steamed."

Until next time,
Kirsten