Hot Sauce, Tabasco and Chili Peppers

Frank’sRedHot (Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce) debuted in 1920. Besides the original, there’s: Frank’s RedHot Buffalo (Wing) Sauce, XTRA Hot Sauce, Hot Buffalo Sauce, Slammin’ Sriracha, and Sweet Chili Sauce.

Mexico alone grows more than 140 varieties of chili peppers.

Chile peppers are cholesterol-free; low in sodium and calories; rich in vitamins A and C; a good source of folic acid; potassium; and Vitamin E.

In 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered chili peppers in America (or did the Indians/Native Americans first?).

Capsaicin, the chemical that gives peppers their heat, also has many health benefits. Warding off strokes, lowering blood pressure, speeding metabolism, reducing cholesterol, treating colds, preventing cancer and pain management.

Chilies have more vitamin C than oranges!

One out of every four people in the world eat chili peppers daily.

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew chile peppers.

Tabasco sauce was named after the Tabasco River in southern Mexico by creator Edmund McIlhenny; he liked the sound of the word.

Queen Elizabeth uses Tabasco on her lobster cocktail.

Former president George Bush (the first one) is a Tabasco sauce aficionado; he uses it in many dishes.

More than 100 million bottles of Tabasco sauce are sold yearly.

Tabasco’s labeled in fifteen languages and shipped in more than a hundred countries.

Americans use the most Tabasco sauce; the Japanese are second.

Tabasco’s health benefits include: Improving digestion, battling depression (by releasing endorphins, which relieve pain and promoting a sense of well-being), clearing sinuses, warding off some forms of cancer and aiding in weight loss.

Mint

Since ancient times, mint has been valued as a medicinal herb; it’s reported to ease an upset stomach, aid digestion and relieve hiccups and nausea.

It’s available year-round, peaking from June to October. Mint’s a perennial plant and can be found in many varieties, like apple, ginger, lime and pineapple, among others. The most widely available and known are peppermint and spearmint. Did you know that most mints can be used interchangeably (with only a slight difference in flavor)?

Buying? Choose one that has evenly colored leaves that aren’t wilting. Store it in the refrigerator, stems down in a glass of water with a plastic bag over the leaves for up to a week. Change the water every two days. And you can also freeze mint; keep it in a plastic bag.
It’s already well-known as an added ingredient in candies, desserts and drinks, but mint can also be used in entrees and side dishes; a sprig can be added to new carrots, green peas or new potatoes. Or you can toss them with mint and melted butter after cooking; a sprig can be placed on the rim of a cool drink; mint can be sprinkled on a fruit salad-or tomatoes. And it can be a garnish for the fruit salad or meat, such as lamb. All mint varieties will work well as herbal teas, jellies and juleps. Many hybrids can be used for aromatherapy or in a bath.

Did you know that mint contains Vitamins A and C? Mint tea will ease stomach cramps and calm nausea. In cooler-and colder-weather, mint tea will also help relieve colds and flu.

Sources: Hot sauce supplement (late 1970s-early 1980s) and “Recipe uses leaves’ refreshing properties” by Carol J. G. Ward-Knight-Ridder Newspapers and Gourmet magazine-The Vindicator-Sept. 29, 1999

The laundry room is often ignored, relegated to the basement or garage; but it can also be much more than just a spot to wash and dry clothes in.
Here’s a few ideas:

• There are now washers and dryers that are not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing (either blending in well with the surrounding décor or making a décor statement onto itself). And with the newer shapes and sizes, a laundry room can now be located in other rooms of the house (like an upstairs closet, underneath a stairway or even in a breakfast nook).

• A laundry room can be a multipurpose area; if there’s enough space, consider adding some shelves and perhaps even an extra small to medium fridge to create a food-storage pantry. Got a large countertop in this location? It can also be a gift-wrapping spot. Or create a combo laundry/craft room (for sewing projects, etc).

• It’s very important to select appliances that offer the features you need and want. And be sure to find those that will fit into the space you have. Have a very small house or apartment? Consider getting a stackable unit, in which the washer and dryer are literally vertical. Love bright colors? There’s a wide variety to now choose from. Optional: You can always paint the entire laundry room, or just a wall (or two). It’s up to you!

• To make room for dirty clothes, hamper bins can be raised off the floor, suspended from a rod above the washer. Or it can be tucked behind a curtain or tucked into a cabinet to maintain a neat appearance. Or you can buy a sturdy cloth or canvas laundry bag (easily available at any dollar store) for each bedroom, where it can be stored inside a closet, underneath the bed (if there’s enough room) or other designated spot until wash day.

• If there’s not enough cabinets, shelves and/or drawers in the laundry room-or there’s none at all-add a few. And you don’t have to be a master builder to achieve this. Just go to a couple of your local dollar stores and thrift shops; there you will find cabinets, drawers or shelves (and then some-often one-of-a-kind pieces) that will not only provide more storage, but will give the laundry room character. And you’ll save money! How cool is that?

• If you’re really broke right now, start small. Use the top of the washer and dryer (or a small fold-up table) to fold and stack clothes and sort out dirty ones. Keep the laundry liquids, detergents and other cleaning supplies in a neat group on the small table after you’re done or in a neat group on the floor, until your situation’s better.

Source: “How to design a laundry room”-Special to the Vindicator-Valley Homes, April 2013

Tzatziki (pronounced “za-dzee-kee”)-A creamy Greek sauce that blends cucumber and garlic with yogurt. It’s a cool topping for grilled meat and also makes a great vegetable dip; it can also be thinned with water to use as a salad dressing (variations can be made by adding mint or parsley).

 Two Grilling Tips

To avoid cross-contamination, buy two pairs of tongs; label one “raw” and the other, “cooked.” That way you’ll ensure you don’t mix them up in the heat of grilling.-David Guas, Grill Nation

Want a delicious steak, without the high price? Consider the loin (you’ll find the tri-tip, tenderloin, porterhouse steaks, New York strips, T-bones and hanger steak).-Southern Living Ultimate Book of BBQ–The Editors of Southern Living and Chris Prieto

Four Easy Hot Dog Toppings

BLT-Diced tomatoes + crumbled bacon + mayo + chopped romaine
Taco-Chopped tomato + diced onion + diced avocado + shredded pepper jack cheese + crumbled tortilla chips
Reuben Sauerkraut-Swiss cheese + Russian dressing
Cheesesteak-Chopped sautéed peppers and onions + melted American cheese

Waffles for Bread

According to Joy Wilson (www.joythebaker.com), waffles offer a good and fun alternative to bread. Just toast some frozen waffles and top with almost any sandwich filling.

A Butterball Turkey Recipe for Fall (from Sept. 1993)

Harvest Sandwich with Turkey Smoked Sausage, Peppers and Artichoke Hearts
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, cut into lengthwise crescent slivers
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 package (1 pound) Butterball Turkey Smoked Sausage, cut into ½ -inch diagonal slices
1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and thinly sliced
¼ cup shredded fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
1 long loaf French bread (about 16 inches)
1 ½ cups (6 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers; saute, stirring frequently, until quite soft, about 12 to 15 minutes. Add sausage and saute 10 minutes. Mix in the artichokes and heat for several more minutes. Stir in the basil and remove from heat. Heat broiler.
2. Cut the French bread in half lengthwise. Place the halves on a large baking sheet and top with half of the cheese. Spoon the sausage-vegetable mixture over the cheese. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
3. Place the sandwich under broiler, 4 or 5 inches from the heat, and melt cheese. Cut the sandwich into 6 pieces and serve open-faced at once.
Makes 6 servings

Some Spices and Herbs: What Goes Best With What Food

Allspice-Pot roast, fish, eggs, pickles, sweet potatoes, squash and fruit.
Basil-Tomatoes, noodles, rice, beef stew, pork, meat loaf, duck, fish, veal, green or vegetable salad, eggplant, potatoes, carrots, spinach, peas, eggs, cheese and jelly.
Cayenne pepper-Pickles, vegetables, cheese, eggs, fish, chicken, pizza, spaghetti and meat dishes.
Chili powder-Eggplant, corn, bean casseroles, chili (of course!), cheese, marinades for meat, chicken, meat loaf, stews, egg dishes, dips, tomato or BBQ sauces.
Cinnamon-Beverages, bakery products, fruits, pickles, pork, ham, lamb or beef stews, roast lamb and chicken.
Garlic-Tomato dishes, soups, dips, sauces, salads, salad dressings, dill pickles, meat, poultry, fish, stews, marinades and bread.
Ginger-Asian dishes, soups, beverages, fish, poultry, veal, pork, lamb, beef, baked products, vegetables, baked or stewed fruits, conserves and pickles.
Nutmeg-Conserves, pickles, vegetables, eggs, seafood, chicken, fruits, baked products, puddings and hot beverages.
Onion powder-Dips, soups, stews, all meats, fish, poultry, salads, vegetables, stuffing, cheese dishes, egg dishes, breads and rice dishes. Using Onion salt? Reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
Oregano-Tomatoes, pasta sauces, pizza, chili con carne, BBQ sauce, vegetable soup, egg and cheese dishes, onions, stuffings, pork, lamb, chicken and fish.
Paprika-Pickles, vegetables with no color, cheese dishes, egg dishes, poultry, fish, game, sausage, lamb, veal, pork and beef.
Red Pepper-BBQ’d beef and pork, tamale pie, dips, curried dishes, spaghetti sauce, vegetables, poultry, pickles, sauces, cheese dishes, soups and meat.
Rosemary-Lamb, poultry, veal, beef, pork, fish, soups, stews, marinades, potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, turnips, fruits and breads.

Sage-Potatoes, cheese, tomatoes, eggplant, onions, lima beans, marinades, veal, pork, beef, fish, poultry, chowders, soups, sauces, stuffings for poultry, fish and other meats.

Thyme-Vegetables, fish, poultry and meat.

Vanilla-Baked goods, beverages and puddings.

Additional Info

Spices are the parts of plants, like the dried seeds, buds, fruit or flower and plant bark or roots; they’re usually of tropical origin. Herbs are from the leafy parts.

Spices can be sold in whole or ground form. Both spices and herbs should be stored in a cool, dry place in air-tight containers; always tightly close the container after each use. Under favorable conditions, spices will keep for up to 6 months; whole spices will keep almost indefinitely. Herbs will lose flavor more rapidly (than ground pepper, ginger, cloves and cinnamon). But if properly stored, they’ll keep for several months.

Ground spices can be added about 15 minutes before the end of the cooking process; whole spices are best in slow-cooking dishes (like stew), so they can be added at the beginning of the cooking process.

Sources: First Bite section, remixed section,”Solving the Lunchbox Puzzle”, -Relish, Aug. 2015, The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line Presents-“A Butterball Dozen” 12 month Calender 1993, and “United States Department of Agriculture-“Seasoning With Spices And Herbs” Fact Sheet-December 1978.

Using both natural and artificial lighting to complement other decor and interior elements creates a brighter, upbeat mood and atmosphere that makes your home (or apartment) more enjoyable year-round. Here’s a few ideas and suggestions.

Every home or residence needs a little of each of the following four types of lighting: Ambient lighting provides general lighting for everyday activities; accent lighting showcases decorative elements, like art or a unique interior design feature; task lighting is used for a particular area, for tasks that require more illumination; and natural lighting (from above) not only makes a home feel open and inviting, it also offers balanced light for cooking, reading and other every-day activities.

Light colors can also contribute to brightening a room, such as pastels, whites and gray. Decor elements such as accent rugs, window treatments, wall art and upholstery fabric can also be used. And heavy drapes can be replaced with lighter, translucent sheers that admit natural light and give rooms an airy, open flow. Bear in mind the importance of layering light with a mix of sources throughout a room; choose lighting styles that fit the room’s purpose; for example, there’s a lot of work and activity in a kitchen, so overhead and under-counter lights are great choices for cooking and other chores. Don’t forget energy efficiency, replacing any incandescents with CFLs and LEDs.

There are many benefits-decor and energy saving-to natural lighting; adding skylights is relatively low-cost, but provides high-impact home improvement (and they can be installed by a professional in day or two over just one weekend). Skylights can work alongside windows to provide improved ventilation. Manual and electric models are available, but top-of-the-line, solar-powered fresh air brands offer all the features of modern, no-leak skylights plus significant savings on product and installation costs. They feature a solar panel that charges a hidden internal battery, which operates the control system. No wiring’s required. An intergrated rain sensor automatically closes the units in case of bad weather; all Velux skylights have three layers of water protection backed by installation and no-leak warranties.

A variety of light-filtering, light-blocking and light-controlling solar-powered blinds are also available in a mix of designer colors and patterns, while also improving energy efficiency by as much as 45 percent (the skylights, in addition to the blinds, are operated by a programmable remote control and are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as are installation costs. Here’s a few ideas for the types of skylights that are best for several rooms: For the kitchen, overhead skylights can be used (more cabinets and shelves can be added). Overhead lighting will also provide balanced lighting for cooking.

A family room will benefit from solar-powered skylights and blinds operated by programmable remote control to adjust both light and ventilation. Closets, hallways and laundry rooms can use tubular skylights (Sun Tunnel). Daylight’s funneled through a highly reflective tube to spaces below. Low-profile, flat glass models are available. Bathroom skylights provide natural light, fresh air and privacy. The skylight can be opened by remote control to take away moisture and humidity. Got a smaller or half-bathroom? Consider the Velux Sun Tunnel tubular skylights; they provide natural light during the day, and an additional light kit will provide 24/7 lighting. They’re inexpensive and can be installed by a DIYer or professional in a few hours.

For the master bedroom, an additional option are blackout blinds (98 percent of daylight can be blocked out if desired. After dark, the blinds can be opened for a nighttime sky view. For other rooms (home office, playroom, etc.), roof windows are very similar to skylights, but they can be operated by hand. For more ideas on lighting up your home and to view all the available types of skylights, blinds and accessories, visit www.whyskylights.com (Source: “Let natural light enhance your home decor” by Family Features-Vindy Homes-The (Sunday) Vindicator, May 1, 2016).