We're going bananas! There are over 300 known wild varieties and more than 20 cultivated varieties that are used commercially.

Do you know which apples are good for cider? Baking? Eating?  How many varieties do you know? How many have you tasted? It's all here to help you select the best on the market. Look at the Apple List.

Take a look at my "Hot Chocolate" favorites; not the drink we all enjoyed as children, topped with marshmallows and whipped cream, but chocolate spiked with Chile peppers.  These innocent looking desserts have a tendency to warm the heart and tickle the tongue, real devil’s food!

The name "basil" is derived from the old Greek word basilikohn, which means "royal," reflecting that ancient culture's attitudes towards an herb that they held to be very noble and sacred. The tradition of reverence of basil has continued in other cultures. In India, basil was cherished as an icon of hospitality, while in Italy, it was a symbol of love.

BASIL

All hot peppers contain capsaicinoids, natural substances that produce a burning sensation in the mouth, causing the eyes to water and the nose to run, and even induce perspiration. Capsaicinoids have no flavor or odor, but act directly on the pain receptors in the mouth and throat. The primary capsaicinoid, capsaicin, is so hot that a single drop diluted in 100,000 drops of water will produce a blistering of the tongue.

From Mild to Wild. Where does your favorite pepper  reside on the Scoville chart?

Make Mom something special this year by serving up one of my recipes found in  Hot Chocolates

Mother’s Day is    May 13th

May 13th