We had pizza tonight. Mine made my eyes water. This is an anecdote that is going nowhere, but from a diary point of view I feel it deserves a mention. People debate whether or not you should have pineapple on pizza (I don’t mind it, and used to include it in the school pizza sessions), but what about chillis? I eat pizza for pleasure, and I’m not sure that I want it to become a test of fortitude. I managed to grow up without chilli and though I enjoy a curry or a touch of heat now and again, I don’t see that eating pizza in front of the TV should be transformed from a pleasure to a penance. This is another place where the 21st century is found wanting. You can suck down as many Scovilles as you want, but please ensure there is a labelling protocol in force to prevent a repeat of tonight. A picture of three chillis isn’t going to do it. You need a label like “JULIA – DO NOT BUY THIS”, as she always forgets and I end up feeling like a victim of the riot police. She buys herself vegetarian pizza but thinks I prefer something a little less bland. That’s true. Spicier than plain vegetarian is fine, but eye-watering is a step too far.
I’m not sure how I feel about the shop at the moment. It’s boring me and annoying me in equal measure, but I’m not sure whether that is the fault of the shop or whether it’s the lure of the retirement that is in front of me, shimmering like an oasis of freedom in my near future.
I’ve been doing a calculation. If I leave next spring my combined pensions will pay me almost as much as my low-paid part-time job. It’s only 30 hours a week, but six hours a day five days a week is just enough to stop you doing anything useful. However, if I carry on for another six months and manage my money properly, I can take six months wages into retirement with me, which will be enough to pay for a good supply of books and boiled sweets and those fleece-lined shoes with Velcro fastenings, which seem to be essential wear for the elderly.
Quiche with foraged green leaves and edible flowers. For more information try this link.
What Rick and I have discovered along our years of growing hot peppers (Rick loves heat!) is that even on peppers from the same plant, some can look ripe but be duds, like firecrackers that won’t explode when lit. Others can take one by surprise at how hot they are. Some varieties are more consistent than others.
I knew that they could vary due to weather and growing conditions – I didn’t realise they varied between fruits on the same plant.
We grow a few each year but mainly give them away.
There is a variety of hot pepper you might like, but I don’t know if you can get seeds or even plants for it where you are. It is called “Czech Black”. It has purple flowers, darker leaves and stems that may have a reddish cast. The fruits start out jet black, turning green and then red when fully ripe. Medium heat by my palate. They are tough plants, high yielders and do well in pots on the porch, too. I’ve even overwintered some in the garage with a space heater and minimal light, though by late spring they are begging to go outside. They will go on to do well again outside. I’ve never tried doing that for more than one overwinter, but I suspect they might be able to go for two or more seasons with care.
I get my seeds from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, but I found this description of it on Fedco Seeds
https://www.fedcoseeds.com/seeds/czech-black-organic-hot-pepper-3816
Yes, we can get them. Will make a note for when we move. Not going to do too much planting before the move. 🙂
Eye-watering is always my choice – it has the added advantage that you don’t have to share it. The need for Velcro fastenings is the main reason I spend the summer in sandals – even this year.
Good point about the sharing. I hadn’t considered sandals. So much to think about . . .
I admit that I like very few toppings on pizza, but I do like a smattering of red pepper flakes or a dab of hot honey
I could probably manage that. I’m in favour of flavour. Not so keen on pain. 🙂
Stick it out and go for the Velcro fastenings. I am with you about excessive heat, a little chilli goes a long way.
It certainly does. 🙂 I will note your comments on Velcro.