The Zoo over Ambuscade Street

So - Erik and I are apparently going to a Ba Gua picnic on Saturday. Assuming it doesn't rain. We're supposed to bring food.

I may be alone in this, but I hate bringing boring things to picnics, etc. No - if I take the time to make it and share it with other people, it's got to be nifty. And, it just so happens that I have this recipe I've been dying to share with as many victims people as possible.

The story goes thus. My uncle (who is otherwise a worthless waste of human flesh) was working in a nursing home out in Tucson, and learned this from a woman named Hope. On our last visit out there, my aunt made it. It is...utterly delightful. If you're warped. And I am. And I actually managed to find most (not, alas, all - there are some substitutions) of the peppers at a local store. YAY!

So:

Hope Suprise Salsa

-Slice one handful jalapenos, one handful cerranos, one handful poblanos, and one handful of green chilis. Dice one or two habaneros (optional).
-THIS MUST BE DONE OUTSIDE! I cannot stress this enough. Saute the peppers in a large sauce pan in olive oil until soft
-Add a bag of dried cherries
-Add (real) maple syrup until the peppers and cherries are completely covered. Simmer uncovered for about fifteen minutes
-Serve with cream cheese on crackers. It can be served warm or cold - it's good both ways

So. Good.

Dear Uncaring Universe:

I don't care if they're going to be selling leaf tea, I will not not not buy Lipton. Evar. No, I'll be sticking with my beloved Adagio, with occasional supplement from Paper Street and others.

Lipton. Long-leaf tea. The mind boggles.

(By the by, I can still send anyone interested a $5 gift certificate to Adagio. They should have their holiday teas up soon, yum!)

[Poll #820084]

Because brain = dead on this fine, fine day. Fine, that is, if you're into grey and miserable. I'm down with grey and miserable.