Homemade Maccaroni Holiday Party

It's been weeks, but it feels longer, since I ate jalepeno maccaroni with a room full of familiar people at a colleague's home. With one week until Christmas, we were all eager to load on the weight that would give us a reason to make a New Year's Resolution to lose it. Four flustered ladies were packed into the kitchen. The pots were banging; water was splashing; and glasses of wine were being doled out. Meanwhile, only whispers could be heard around the room. Standing just feet away were groups of three or four people silently sipping their wine. Minutes later, laughter broke free. Good wine can always be relied upon to lighten the conversation. All of our heads turned when we heard the heavy ceramic casserole dish touch the tile counter. Smoke rose from the pasta and filled the air with spicy jalepenos and rich cheese. The spoon was pushed into the pasta, and hands immediately began to scoop the gooey noodles onto their own plates. As each person caressed his plate while walking to his seat, he held it out honorably, eyeing what he would soon be lucky enough to taste. I sat down, asked for the wine and dug my fork into the cheesy goodness. While savoring my first bite, my eyes popped open at the surprisingly even flavor of jalepeno pepper in the creamy dish. Of course, when offered, I took some to go.