Hey Hey My My, There's More to Cayenne than Meets the Eye

Got some new dried cayenne peppers straight from Big Eds farm. I believe this is the last of the 2010 harvest. I'm trying to come up with unique uses but its also hard not to just make a fresh chili powder mix because it is so darn useful. Also I'm in the immediate need of a dry pork rub because the pork shoulders were priced to move.


So I made a blend but the mixture changed to have more focus on toasted cumin seeds and cayenne flavor then heat. Also I added tons of fresh thyme to the rub to bring it alive and vibrant. The pork got a righteous rub down after being stabbed to insert lots of garlic cloves. Again I'm slow roasting the pork on a low temp to get moist fall-off-the-bone succulent meat.


I was careful to save some for another project. I was doing a little research and Cayenne is apparently amazingly good for you and known to be one of the most useful and valuable herbs! Did not know that? It is also very high in nutrition, a good source of A, C, E,
B-complexes as well as calcium and potassium. It is big-time healing for the digestive system, heart and circulatory systems. It can actually heal a stomach ulcer and regulate high blood pressure. What?! Its full of antioxidants and beta carotene which is good for the immune system. It can lower cholesterol and prevent stroke causing clots from forming. It can make your skin look healthier and actually makes you feel better AND it stimulates your metabolism. Kinda shocked.

All the sudden these peppers have opened up a whole new world to me. I'm psyched to send my dad a nice new chili powder blend this time touting all the benefits. He has high blood pressure, he's had troublesome blood clots, he has arthritis (for which its been known to actually cure) among other ailments.

I also received some hybrid habaneros that Ed calls cherrie habbies. I need to find the best creative use. Lots of the same benefits from this pepper too but I'm hoping to capitalize on the endorphin rush. Who doesn't want a natural high?

Scouring the internet for ideal uses mostly I find the tried and true.

Been done - but a good use:
- You can put these in a good vodka for a great gift idea and added boost.
- Jerk chicken is hard to beat and really highlights the pepper.
- Chili oils are fun to make and have all kinds of use in everyday cooking.
- Chili powder blends (given)
- Big pot of real beef chili (also hard to beat but not creative enough for this project)
- Liquid hot sauce, vinegar based. Thousands on the market but I should make my own just to see if the flavors are that much fuller making it fresh.
- BBQ sauce - also tons on the market but also worth a shot.
Not interested in making but always sounds good:
- hot pepper jams & jelly

Nothing is screaming out at me yet. I'll keep searching. Meanwhile the pork is on it's 12th hour....