In just a few days, people near and far will be able to partake in one of the best times of year.  No, I am not talking about Christmas in July.  Then, what do you ask? Well, it’s Hatch Green Chile Fest time of year!  The distinct smell of roasting green chiles will fill the air here in the southwest. Boxes of green chiles will take over the produce section at your local grocery store.  Restaurants will have seasonal menus that include green chiles. There will be so many ways for you to try green chiles.  There will be so many ways to Hatch-tag green chiles in August!

Last year, I gave you my ode to Hatch green chiles,  Don't Miss Out on a Festival of Flavor, giving you some background on green chiles. Well, this year, I want to share some new ideas for enjoying  green chiles.  Hatch green chiles are not just for pork green chile gravy or chile rellenos any more.

Here are three “new” ways to enjoy green chiles:

1.       Get some green chiles on your burger or hot dog.  Right now, both Whataburger and Freddy’s offer special green chile cheeseburgers.  Freddy’s also offers a green chile hot dog, even. YUM!

2.       Try Stubbs Hatch Green Chile Anytime Sauce on your next batch of grilled chicken. Use it as a marinade or as a basting sauce next time you are grilling chicken. It  will give it a nice spicy kick.

3.       Green chiles make a great addition to sweet dishes. Freeze some of your green chiles to add to your cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving or add spice to your next apple pie.  You can even throw some in your cheesecake or chocolate chip cookies.

If you live in Texas, Central Market will be celebrating their 21st Hatch Chile Fest starting with the arrival of the first shipment of Hatch green chiles in early August.  Don’t be scared of these little bundles of green goodness- give them a try. I promise you that you will not be sorry!