Into the Market Basket

My poor family . . . my poor dear family, if they only knew what was in store for them. I went grocery shopping today, and the things that found their way into my shopping cart would make their hair curl . . . I just know they would. Green pickled jalapenos, fresh ginger, grey poupon mustard, Asian chili garlic sauce, rice wine vinegar, shallots, fresh dill, oyster sauce. Oyster sauce? Who makes sauce out of oysters?

Why all the strange ingredients? 'Cause, Honey, summer's here and Mama's going on some kitchen adventures! Have I mentioned my current infatuation with America's Test Kitchen / Cook's Illustrated recipes? Yes, yes, I know I have.

Tonight, the family sleeps, blissfully unaware of what awaits. The poor Man of the House who grew up on Midwestern meat and potatoes (although he is doing delightfully well at expanding his food repertoire . . . just not so much love for Asian, Indian, or Thai), the trio of Sons who consider pizza and cereal a quite-balanced diet and eschew all things green, the patient duet of Daughters who do their best to buck up cheerfully on my food explorations . . . yep, all of them innocently unaware.

So, tomorrow night we're gonna dive headlong into Sichuan Pork Noodles. Mmmm, mmmm! Heat up that skillet! It's gonna be a hot time in the old town!

(P.S. Ice cream with caramel sauce for all who eat without complaining . . . I'm not too tough!)