Recipe for a Friday night

It's that kind of night. You're feeling relaxed, at ease, but still want to accomplish something. In that case, accomplish peace of mind and a good night sleep. Could it be that I'm just getting old? Regardless, thank me later.

Before you start drinking (okay, not getting that old), factor picking up these ingredients into your day.

1 bell pepper

Ground beef

Can chopped tomatoes

Red pepper flakes

Shredded cheese

Chocolate chip cookie ingredients -- only half

flour, sugar, brown sugar, egg, crisco, vanilla, baking soda, salt, chocolate chips

Pandora

2 bottles of cheap wine -- only one is necessary, 2nd needed depending on your movie choices

2 red box movies -- one intense drama; the other "romcom" or just comedy. End on a happy note and so will you.  

Start by cracking open that bottle of wine. Can't go wrong with a Cab.

Now, prepare the ground beef, add seasoning to taste; empty grease; add canned tomatoes & red pepper flakes. Cut out top of bell pepper, sprinkle shredded cheese in bottom, layer with ground beef mixture then finish with sprinkled cheese on top. Cover with tinfoil, bake @ 350 for 1 hour. 

Meanwhile, start movie number one -- the intense drama. My pick: In the Land of Blood & Honey

After an hour, and a couple glasses of wine later, enjoy your fancy feast. Depending on the movie, you might not be able to finish eating. War in Bosnia = Loss of appetite. 

Post-movie number one, recover. Finish that third glass of wine. Wipe your eyes, text someone and tell them how fantastic that film by Angelina Jolie was -- who cares if she stole Brad Pitt, damn can she make a movie. 

Put in film number two -- the "romcom," comedy, or anything non-violent that could make you smile. Pick numero dos: Larry Crowne

So far it's moving slow, and now your sweet tooth is forcing you back into the kitchen. 

Begin phase two by turning up Pandora, Eagles station; you won't be disappointed. Start the famous Nestle Toll House recipe, only half the ingredients necessary. Let's face it, one half will actually go in the oven, the other half will be devoured before it can get there. 

Finish glass number five. Woops, must have missed a couple, but not enough to burn dessert.

Eat one, maybe two cookies. You had too much dough. 

Back to the couch, finish that "romcom" satisfied. By the end you'll be ready for a soft pillow. Not only that, you'll wake up tomorrow morning thinking everything was all but a dream. 

By Saturday, you'll be ready to entertain -- with chocolate chip cookies and more wine. Then maybe you'll be ready to hit the town.