Cayenne!

I am sorry this spice of the month post is so late! But this month, thanks to the wonderful folks at MYSPICESAGE.COM, we are featuring cayenne and more cayenne!!

At 4:00 pm on May 31st, we will be picking a winner and myspicesage.com will be sending them a load of cayenne including: Cayenne Pepper, Cayenne Pepper 60,000 Scoville Heat Units and a Black Pepper & Cayenne Pepper Blend!

Read more on cayenne here in my piece featured in the Seattle Times.

Now, to get you in the mood, here is an unusual recipe using cayenne. The recipe is adapted from my book, Modern Spice (Simon & Schuster, 2009).

(Photo of salad by Sala Kannan and photo of pepper from istock)

Make this salad when you feel like something sweet for lunch. It takes a few minutes to pull together, but is very filling and satisfying for the sweet tooth without being unhealthy The chaat masala used here adds the savory flavor.

LYCHEE PINEAPPLE SALAD

Serves: 4

1 cup diced lychee

1 cup diced blood oranges or regular oranges

½ cup diced cucumber

½ cup diced pineapple

1 cup diced mango

½ cup diced pear

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (1 small lime)

½ teaspoon crushed red chili or cayenne

1 tablespoon minced cilantro

Freshly ground pepper to taste

¼ teaspoon store-bought Indian chaat masala (optional)

Place all the ingredients, except the chaat masala, in a large bowl and toss gently to combine.

When ready to serve, sprinkle with the chaat masala or table salt to taste.