My most wonderful friend Sandra, who recently bought all available canning jars from our family garage sale at the farm, presented Michael and I with a jar of something called Green Tomato Chow Chow. When it was described to me, in my head, I did a silent vomit and gag. I mean really. And look at it! It looks exactly as I was expecting it to taste. (Sorry Sandra, it’s true. I promised myself this blog would be truthful).

I asked about this Green Tomato Chow Chow, as I’ve never heard of the stuff. Sandra replied sternly, as she does, and said something to the effect of, “C. Walsh, obviously you are not from New Brunswick”. No, indeed I’m not. I wish I was, because everyone I’ve ever met from New Brunswick are so wonderful I want to take them home and hug them, and pet them, and squeeze them, and call them George.

Last night, after receiving a shipment of new wine, and testing the new shipment of wine, and then feeling creative and limitless in the kitchen, cooked up some chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon and oregano. I wasn’t too sure what to accompany it with, and being brave as one is after a glass of wine, thought I’d give the Green Tomato Chow Chow a try. Okay, the truth is, I thought I would have Michael give the Green Tomato Chow Chow a try. He took a big spoonful. Ate it. Then declared a bit too loudly that I would absolutely hate it. People, this means it was delicious. I fought and struggled for a few seconds to unhand the jar of Green Tomato Chow Chow from Michael, and when I was successful, gave it a try.

OMG!

Think mango chutney, but green and seedy. It’s sweet. It’s tart. It’s got exotic spice. It’s delicious. You don’t need wine under your belt to get creative with this stuff. It does it for you. Instantly. I was in the cupboard rummaging around for couscous. Dinner was a success, but the truth is, you don’t need dinner to eat Green Tomato Chow Chow. A jar in the fridge is all you need. And perhaps a spoon.