Chile Rellenos is a very popular dish in Mexico. It's also a favorite of mine, but for a reason, you may not expect. Today on the show, we talk about the some of the hidden steps a chile poblano goes through to then become a Chile Relleno.

The transformation of this chili pepper is fascinating to me. It starts as a pure chile pepper. It gets called up – sort of - “You're up” It’s your turn. This is its wake up call! It then gets throwing into an oven or over some heat – most likely a skillet or grill. Then, as it as it softens during the cooking process, it releases these flavors. It's going through a transformation process. It’s creating itself into something new, something delicious! But notice here. It has to let go of its original taste. It has to let go of something that doesn’t suite for its upcoming presentation. It has to let go of its original flavor. It goes from a raw, earthy, vegetable taste to a slightly sweet/tangy, soft delight. Then, it gets stuffed with some cheese, and then it gets sealed up so that the cheese can start to melt and start blending with the juices released. It gets sealed, so the melted cheese does not escape during the next step. Melted cheese! And who does not love cheese? From there it is dipped into the batter. Lastly, it goes into some oil to fry! The final product, or should I say delight, is now ready for its intended purpose. And that purpose is to bring out the senses in your mouth! It’s transformed to make you get a big smile as you are enjoying eating it. These steps, I believe, are synonymous with resilience. But before you say, "A Chile Relleno has nothing to do with resilience!" consider the actions an individual takes that lead to resiliency.

Resilience is the capacity to recover from hardships, difficulties, wounds – and those can be it physical or emotional. And to do it rapidly. Resilience is like that chisel that helps you break away from chains that hold on to old wounds! A super chisel!

1. You get that “wake up call” it comes in a messy way. That’s the hardship 2. Take action. "flip that switch" 3. You have to forgive. You have to release the old. Let go of any grievances that lead to the wounds. 4. Create a new you, a new life - ! you need to change. 5. Then you find your “WE” you’ve earned a prize. You’ve gifted yourself a purpose.

The ordeals my family had to endure to make a successful transition to this country is that of a chile poblano. We left our original home and had to change/adjust to a new place. We had to leave everything behind and start a new. We found what we were meant to be and what we were meant to do. Making tacos allowed us to put smiles in people's faces. That was our purpose!