“We live in an extreme world,” explains Blair Lazar, a hot sauce creator. “And I make extreme foods.’ In his hands is the hottest spice in the world, an ultra-refined version of chilli powder so fiery that customers must sign a waiver absolving him of any liability if they are foolish enough to try it. Read More…

This time it’s international news from the UK.

The powder is so strong, however, that Mr Lazar estimates that it would have to be dissolved in 250,000 gallons of water before it could no longer be tasted.

See, I told you it hot. And one more quote just to be safe:

Internet sites such as the hot sauce weblog and sweatnspice.com have been abuzz with talk about this week’s release, with many collectors planning to buy at least two bottles - one to display and the other to try.

But one chilli head who obtained an early sample dropped a single grain into a pan of tomato soup. After persuading his wife to try a spoonful, he reported that: “She threatened divorce once she could speak again.”

Gotta love that quote, even the wife laughed (yes, she’s still putting up with me). Check the article out, it’s full of interesting heat scale information and it’s a free read for now.
Article Link:
This chilli is so hot, you’d have to drink 250,000 gallons of water just to put out the fire

May is National Salsa Month, along with National BBQ, Egg, Beef, Salad and Hamburger Month and that’s just to name just a few. It’s also that time of year that we Americans, at least those of us in the Southwest, celebrate Mexico’’s independence from France. What’s that all about? Actually Cinco de Mayo is an excuse for us to party with a Latin flare. And celebrate we do. With music, great food, Mexican beer, margaritas, and bowls of hot and spicy salsas. Read More…

I don’t have much experience making salsa although I’ve got a PhD in eating salsa. Okay, not really but you get the point. Last weekend to prepare for Cinco de Mayo I decided to try my hand at salsa making. Since it was my first excursion into the salsa world, I settled on a recipe that was easy to make and that both the wife and I could enjoy.

Basic Salsa Recipe:

• 3 Med Tomatoes, diced. If necessary, drain
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 med red onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp crushed dried oregano
• 2 fresh jalapenos, seeded and diced

Step 1: Dicing Everything
I started dicing the onions first, then moved onto the jalapenos.

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Step 2: Putting it All together
Now it’s time to mix all the ingredients together. It’s best to mix everything but the tomatoes, and add them in last, that way you don’t break down the tomatoes while stirring everything else. Or you could do it like I did and just toss everything, including the dry Oregano in one bowl. It still turned out just fine.

Click to Enlarge

Step 3: Wait
Once you’ve mixed it all up, put it in the fridge and wait a day or two. This allows the flavors to blend and marinate together. ENJOY!