Scotch Peppers

As mentioned in a previous blog. I like spice.

A lot.

The same goes for cooking.

I recently discovered Scotch Bonnet Peppers. They were listed on a handy chart in the grocery store as being one down from Ghost Peppers (the hottest pepper known to man). PERFECT!

Suffice it to say, Scotch Peppers began cropping up in a lot of my cooking endeavours. Especially when the recipe needed some extra... kick.

Making rice? Cook them with Scotch Peppers. Need burgers with some flavour? Fry 'em up with Scotch Peppers!

Of course, this is beginning to sound like a horror film. The main character has discovered something that brings them joy. However, soon it will deliver great pain and horror!

That climax of terror happened last Sunday. It was chilli day. Not that I have a chilli day... I was just making chilli that day....

While chopping some red onions (which was like reading a Nicholas Sparks novel) I whipped some tears out of my eyes.

Mistake.

Immediately, I couldn't see. Searing pain covered my eyes. The tears came like a flood (much like watching a Nicolas Sparks movie). I couldn't open my eyes.

Great. There go my retinas. I've ruined myself forever. All that is floating through my mind as I pour litre after litre of water on my swelling eyes.

Eventually, I realized I could in fact open my eyes. I just had to hold them open to convince my brain of that.

Why did that happen? I had been chopping Scotch Bonnet Peppers right before cutting the onion.

Moral - Don't touch your eyes when cooking.

2013 Covenant Awards

I don't think I've been this excited for an awards show in a long time. Yes, the Doves (and Nashville) were awesome. But the Covenants were a bit more personal for me.

Mostly cause I was presenting 6. It was a blast. The thrill of knowing you will make someone's night... but not knowing who! I also got to use a teleprompter. That was cool. I've always wondered how easy it would be to use. I kinda want one now. You don't have to move your eyes to scroll the page, it does it for you!

The other thrill was Anthem for Today. Since first meeting them in January, I've been on an adventure or two with the guys. 

The Covenants definitely proved to be another. Not only were they nominated for 3 awards, they won one! It was Modern Rock Song of the Year for Inside Out. 

It was cool seeing Prosper and GPM (Air Raid Alumni) walk away with two! Dan Bremnes also managed to grab a couple.

All in all, it was a great night in Burlington!

Ghost Pepper Sauce

Eating a ghost pepper is on my bucket list. I really like hot food, so why not tackle the hottest pepper on Earth?
Earlier this week a few friends joined me at a Mexican Restaurant for some lunch. Said restaurant has a promotion on right now involving Ghost Peppers... in sauce form at least.

If you've never heard of the Ghost, it's one below pepper spray on the spice meter.

On the burrito I had Ghost Pepper Sauce, Hot Sauce and Hot Sauce (I said I like it hot)

Here's what happened.

Bite #1 - Mmmmmmmm burrito......

Bite #2 - Mmmmmmmm spicy burrito

Bite #3 - This is sorta disappointing, I've had hotter sausages...

Bite #4 - Lips begin to tingle

Bite #5 - My entire mouth burns with the fire of the sun. I can't feel my tounge

Swig of milk

Bite #6 - My tongue has exploded with flavors all of which burn. My lips feel like they are on fire.

More milk

Bite #7 - I'm in tears. I don't know if they were of joy, pain or the natural response of the body as it gives into the power of so much spice.

Down half the large milk

Bite #8 - What does it feel like to not have your mouth on fire? I can't remember... what is sweet? Salty? Bitter? I know nothing but heat. Heat and the embrace of the ghost pepper mixed with hot sauce and spicy sausage (ya... I guess I asked for it)

Bite # 10? - Make it stop... plese... mak...i...stjdp

Empty milk


Would I do it again? I wish I would say no... but if Bieber taught us one thing.
Never Say Never.
If you like it hot, give some ghost pepper a try. It's good... when you can taste it.