H1: The Hot Sauce Making Commandments: Mastering Homemade Hot Sauces
Introduction
Introduction to the topic and the importance of homemade hot sauces.
Briefly introduce Shawn Evans and Erica Deal as hot sauce enthusiasts.
Getting Into the Hot Sauce Game
Erica's motivation behind making hot sauce.
Difficulty perception around making hot sauce at home.
Dispel myths and encourage home hot sauce making.
Common Mistakes in Hot Sauce Making
Shawn asks Erica about common mistakes people make when making their own hot sauce.
Overusing vinegar and creating watery sauces.
Using excessive salt.
Sauce 1: Grilled Pineapple and Jalapeno Sauce
Introduction to the first sauce being made.
Breakdown of ingredients for the sauce.
The advantage of using pineapple in the sauce.
Grilling the pineapples and its benefits.
Explaining the significance of jalapenos in the sauce.
Sauce 2: Sicilian Scorpion Pepper Sauce
Introduction to the second sauce, which is hotter and more ambitious.
Contrasting mild peppers like jalapenos with super hot peppers like scorpion peppers.
The Italian twist in the Sicilian Scorpion Sauce.
Listing the ingredients for the sauce.
Sauce Preparation and Blending
Shawn and Erica prepare the sauces step by step.
Demonstrating the process of blending the ingredients.
Erica's personal touch and Queen Majesty trademark.
Taste Test and Conclusion
Trying out the grilled pineapple and jalapeno sauce.
Appreciating the flavors and versatility of homemade hot sauces.
Shawn's final thoughts on the sauces made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Unique and commonly asked questions about homemade hot sauces.
Providing informative answers to the FAQs.
Conclusion
Summarize the article and the importance of homemade hot sauces.
Encourage readers to try making their own hot sauces.
Closing remarks from Shawn Evans and Erica Deal.
Article
The Hot Sauce Making Commandments: Mastering Homemade Hot Sauces
Hey, what's going on, everybody? For First Week Feast, I'm Shawn Evans, coming at you from Queen Majesty HQ in scenic Long Island City, New York, where I'm joined by Erica Deal. She's the mastermind behind a pair of Hot Ones classics, including one of my favorite sauces of all time, the Scotch Bonnet and Ginger Sauce. We're here to get the hot sauce making commandments from the Queen herself. We're gonna be doing two sauces today. We have a grilled pineapple and jalapeno sauce, and then, for the more advanced viewers out there (you know who you are), we're gonna do a Sicilian Scorpion Pepper Sauce.
Hot sauce enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors to add to their meals. While there are plenty of store-bought options available, there's something special about making your own hot sauce at home. In this article, we'll dive into the world of homemade hot sauces with Shawn Evans and Erica Deal. They will share their expertise, tips, and recipes for creating delicious and unique hot sauces that will elevate your dining experience.
Getting Into the Hot Sauce Game
Erica Deal, the creator behind Queen Majesty hot sauces, found her passion for making hot sauce by simply wanting to have something hotter and more flavorful than what was available commercially. Like many hot sauce lovers, she enjoyed adding a spicy kick to all her meals and wanted to explore the art of hot sauce making. However, some people may be hesitant to venture into making their own hot sauce, thinking it's a complicated process best left to the professionals. Erica and Shawn are here to dispel that notion and inspire you to embark on your hot sauce-making journey.
Common Mistakes in Hot Sauce Making
To kick off the discussion, Shawn asks Erica about some of the mistakes people commonly make when trying to make their own hot sauce. Erica highlights two key hurdles: using too much vinegar and creating watery sauces, and overusing salt. She emphasizes that finding the right balance of flavors is crucial in creating a well-rounded hot sauce.
Sauce 1: Grilled Pineapple and Jalapeno Sauce
Now it's time to dive into the sauce-making process. Erica introduces the first sauce they'll be making: a grilled pineapple and jalapeno sauce. She breaks down the ingredients, which include fresh pineapple, jalapenos, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, vinegar, and olive oil. The sauce is designed to be served fresh, adding a tangy and sweet flavor to your meals.
The addition of pineapple provides an acid punch and a hint of sweetness to the sauce. Erica explains that grilling the pineapples enhances their natural flavors, tenderizes them, and adds a delicious caramelized touch. The jalapenos, on the other hand, bring a mild heat that can be enjoyed by everyone, making it a great starting point for beginners.
Sauce 2: Sicilian Scorpion Pepper Sauce
Moving on to the second sauce, Shawn and Erica introduce the Sicilian Scorpion Pepper Sauce. This sauce is for those who crave a spicier kick. Erica highlights the difference between working with mild peppers like jalapenos and super hot peppers like the scorpion pepper. She jokingly mentions the need for extra protection, referring to the high heat of the scorpion pepper.
The Sicilian Scorpion Sauce adds an Italian twist to the hot sauce repertoire. The ingredients include apple cider vinegar, sweet vermouth, olive oil, Italian parsley, salt, pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, red bell peppers, sweet onions, garlic, and, of course, scorpion peppers. Erica encourages caution when working with super hot peppers and suggests starting with fewer peppers if you're new to the heat.
Sauce Preparation and Blending
With the ingredients laid out, Shawn and Erica begin the process of creating the sauces. They chop, mix, and blend the ingredients, ensuring that each component is well incorporated. Erica's expertise shines through as she adds her personal touch to the sauces, bringing her unique Queen Majesty flair.
The blending process is oddly satisfying as the ingredients transform into a smooth, flavorful concoction. Shawn admires the trademark Queen Majesty appearance and anticipates the deliciousness that awaits. Erica assures him that the sauces can be used immediately after blending, providing instant gratification for those who can't wait to taste their homemade hot sauce.
Now comes the moment of truth: the taste test. Shawn and Erica sample the grilled pineapple and jalapeno sauce, savoring the flavors that they've created together. The sauce delivers a perfect blend of tanginess, sweetness, and heat, making it an excellent addition to any dish. They discuss the versatility of homemade hot sauces, emphasizing how they can elevate any meal and impress friends and family.
As the tasting concludes, Shawn reflects on the overall experience. He appreciates the luxury and complexity that Erica has brought to the hot sauce game, proving that homemade sauces can rival and even surpass store-bought options. The process of making hot sauce at home allows for customization and experimentation, making it a rewarding and exciting culinary endeavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I adjust the heat level of the sauces?
Yes, you can customize