Battle of The Salsa, 2020

Battle of the Salsa, 2020
By Jessica L Hanson
The morning had come.
As I wandered into the kitchen, with sleep in my eyes, I saw them there. They covered my counters as far as I could see.
I tiptoed over to the teapot and flipped the switch. This day needed reinforcements of coffee and tea!
After a sip or two of tea I assessed the situation.
Garlic and jalapeños flanked the right. Onions and vinegar flanked the left side, with salt and various spices in reserves.
And the tomatoes, oh the tomatoes- red ones, yellow ones as far as the eye could see. Large and small. All with their little green berets waiting to advance!
It was a glorious sight in the dim morning light!
I donned my apron and wielded my knife. The fight was on!
The tomatoes advanced row upon row. I plucked and pulled at their little green berets, then set them aside.
The jalapeños advanced and sought victory with their mighty heat, but I prevailed, gasping for air as their deadly fumes rose into the air. I opened a window and took a deep breath. I don’t be defeated! Bring on the rest!
Pulling back in false retreat, I brought out the stockpot and turned on the heat.
Next came my secret weapon, you should have seen their eyes! The food processor emerged from across the way, it was going to be a battle, oh what a day!
Tomato after tomato met their demise as I chopped and plopped them into the machine. Red and yellow innards everywhere, oh what a scene!
Then came the attack, what a horrific surprise, the onions! Their vapors, oh how they stung my eyes!
I ran in retreat to seek relief. The kitchen fell silent and boy did it stink!
The jalapeños, the garlic and onion smell rose, with hints of vinegar to sting the nose.
Back with vengeance I came, chopping and dicing, oh what a scene!
After advancing past the onions, the battle was mine. The spices surrendered and stood in a line.
Soon all was quite with a sweet smell in the air, with just a faint summer coming from the stove, every last veggie was in the pot, ever last garlic clove!
From summer to boil, it bubbles and cooked. When it was ready, out came the jars.
Ladle by by ladle I laid the veggies to rest. Sealing the tops with lids and rings, a baptism in hot water would seal their fate.
All would be forgiven as I heard the canning lids pop.
What a battle it was, Salsa 2020. My eyes are still red and my sinus are clear, the kitchen counters are all mine! It was all worth it. Perhaps I’ll fight again next year:)