It’s a good day when food comes in the mail.

My friend Robyn, on temporary hiatus in Iowa (fresh off a recent stint in El Salvador via Colombia), is barely keeping up with her chili harvest. And I am the beneficiary! The jalapeños didn’t survive the trip—or at least not in solid form. But these little beauties did. I’ll be freezing some of these gorgeous (and ridiculously large) habañeros for a rainy day while I plan for a spicy, tasty week.

A note on mailing produce: My mother has had excellent success sending tomatoes and other garden delights via the US Postal Service. Wrap each item individually in newspaper, cushion with packing peanuts and whisper bon voyage.  It is best to get fruits or vegetables just before they are fully ripe.