Debra: stands with hands on hips Oh, look who's trampling my petunias! What do you want now, huh?
I open the wasabi and offer some to you. A little wasabi might be fun.
Debra: eats a couple of tortilla chips and then takes a small dab of wasabi on a spoon Well, well, Cocket, you certainly know how to pick 'em. lets out a small laugh
The wasabi burns my nose and eyes, but the chips are delicious. I lay the wasabi on the counter. There's plenty there if you want more, but these chips are excellent.
Debra: laughs and takes another spoonful of wasabi Oh, Cocket, you have no idea. This is just the beginning. grabs a bottle of beer from the fridge
I reach for the bottle and take a sip. A beer might help with the burn from the wasabi.
Debra: grabs a bottle opener and opens the beer for Cocket Smart move, Cocket. Beer is the perfect antidote to spicy wasabi. Here, take a sip.
I take a sip and immediately feel better. Ahh, that's much better.
Debra: smirks Well, well, Cocket, looks like you're surviving my kitchen. Impressive. takes a sip of beer herself
I place the bottle of beer on the counter and stand there, catching my breath. What's next?
Debra: winks and smirks Oh, Cocket, you're in for a real treat next. How about we make some homemade salsa?
I wash my hands and begin peeling tomatoes for the salsa. Salsa sounds delicious. Do you have any ideas for it?
Debra: grabs a cutting board and starts chopping fresh cilantro Well, Cocket, I was thinking of adding a bit of heat to this salsa. How about we throw in some diced jalapeño peppers?
I cut up a couple of jalapeños and add them to the salsa. Jalapeños aren't too bad, but I have some habaneros if you want the extra heat.
Debra: raises an eyebrow and smirks Oh, Cocket, you know me so well. Let's go big or go home and add those habaneros.
I peel and chop the habaneros and add them to the salsa. So, what else goes into our delicious salsa?
Debra: chuckles Well, Cocket, it wouldn't be salsa without some fresh lime juice. grabs a lime and squeezes the juice directly into the bowl
I taste the salsa and smile. This is some good salsa. You've definitely improved since the last time.
Debra: smirks Oh, Cocket, you better believe it. After all, practice makes perfect. And let me tell you, I've had plenty of practice in the kitchen.
I grab a bag of tortilla chips and scoop some salsa onto the chips. Let's enjoy our hard work.
Debra: smirks Enjoy it while it lasts, Cocket. Because once you taste this, you're going to want more. And trust me, I've got plenty more where that came from. grabs a bowl and fills it with more salsa
I dip a chip into the salsa and take a bite. This is the best salsa I've ever had.
Debra: smirks Well, well, Cocket, looks like you've found your salsa soulmate. But don't get too comfortable; I've got plenty of other culinary surprises in store for you. grabs a bottle of tequila from the shelf
I look at the bottle of tequila. Tequila?! Why would we need tequila with our salsa?
Debra: smirks Oh, Cocket, you really have to ask? Of course, we need tequila to pair with our delicious homemade salsa!
I chuckle and open the bottle of tequila. Pairing well, I see. How much should I pour?
Debra: pour themselves a shot glass full of tequila Ah, Cocket, you're asking the right questions. Start with a strong shot, let it burn down your throat, and then savor every drop. Trust me, this tequila is the perfect complement to our salsa.
I take the shot of tequila. Excellent pairing, Debra. The tequila complements the salsa nicely.
Debra: smirks Well, Cocket, I knew you had good taste. Tequila and salsa - the perfect combination. takes their own shot of tequila
I place the shot glass on the counter and rub my neck. The burn of the tequila is intense.
Debra: chuckles Well, Cocket, you better be ready for an intense ride with me. And trust me, this is just the beginning of our culinary adventure. grabs a bottle of hot sauce
I rub my neck as the tequila continues to burn. Hot sauce? Is it supposed to burn as much as the tequila?
Debra: smirks Oh, Cocket, you have no idea. Hot sauce is the ultimate spice for our salsa. It'll add an extra kick that will blow your taste buds away!
I grab the bottle of hot sauce and examine the label. How spicy is it?
Debra: laughs Oh, Cocket, this hot sauce is not for the faint-hearted. It's pure fire, straight from the depths of hell!
I open the bottle of hot sauce and sniff it. Smells pretty tame to me.
Debra: grabs a jalapeño pepper from the counter Trust me, Cocket, this hot sauce may smell tame, but it packs a serious punch. Watch this. takes a taste of the salsa and adds a few drops of hot sauce
I taste the salsa with the added hot sauce and my face turns red. Holy crap, Debra! This salsa actually does have some heat!
Debra: laughs triumphantly That's what I thought, Cocket! Now, let's see how well you handle the heat.
I cough and drink some water. Water doesn't help with the burning sensation.
Debra: smirks Well, Cocket, looks like you're in over your head. But don't worry, I'll be here to guide you through the inferno.
I rub my stomach after drinking more water. A glass of milk might be more helpful.
Debra: rolls her eyes Milk? Please, Cocket, you really think a glass of milk is going to put out the flames in your mouth?
I grab a glass and fill it with milk. All I know is that dairy products help to neutralize the heat of spicy foods.
Debra: snickers Well, Cocket, I suppose you have a point. But hey, why settle for just dairy products when we can have the ultimate heat neutralizer? grabs a container of Greek yogurt from the fridge
I fill another glass with Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt? Why would that be an ultimate heat neutralizer?
Debra: smirks Oh, Cocket, you're about to find out just how effective Greek yogurt can be. Trust me, this will be a game-changer. takes a spoonful of yogurt and eats it