Oh Happy Day!

So, you may think that I am cheering "Oh Happy Day!" because it is New Year's Eve, well that's not exactly the reason, but Happy New Years either way!!

Why am I cheering?? We found fresh Jalapeños at a store in Loerrach (about 15 minutes away)!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe my eyes, and I desperately wanted to rip open the package just to take a bite of one (I would have never done that in Texas!!). I mean, sure, we are fortunate to be able to find pickled Jalapeños, but that is just not the same as fresh.

They were in a small section, hiding amongst the Bell Peppers, packaged in little styrofoam containers, 5 per package, and their label was Seranade Paprika. At first, I thought, "oh, these must be really large Serrano peppers, bummer", but then I spotted the actual Serrano peppers sitting just under the package I picked up. They were called Rawit Paprika. Interesting on the names.

So, I eventually found Thad...it was a rather large store...and as soon as I told him (and showed him) what I found, he immediately said "Where?? We have to get more!!". So we bought 4 packages. I know, what will we do with them all??

Well, Thad has already made a batch of Rob's Salsa (that's a good friend of ours who graciously shared with us his secret recipe). Currently, 5 are sitting in the oven being roasted...who knows what we will do with those. I already popped open our Grady Spears A Cowboy in the Kitchen cookbook to see if we can make some Cream of Jalapeño soup. Guess what!?!! We can, with a few minor subsitutions. So, we'll have to make another run to Loerrach, which is also home of the Asian food store where we can find huge bunches of Cilantro (Koriander here). And then, on Wednesday evening (because that is our next 'unplanned' meal), I will sit at our dining table with a great big grin as I pick up my spoon to enjoy some yummy green soup!!

Hee hee...I'm so giddy right now, our apartment smells, yes smells, like Jalapeños! Thank you Lord for this special end of the year treat!!

----- Update from Thad -----
Ok, so two batches are done and they are great! Once again, Thank you, Rob!!! The Jalepeno's roasting in the oven were added to the Chipolte batch. It is a little spicey (for a Texan, the people here may die or lose their tongue). Just wanted to give you a progress update!