[dmforcier]

Yeah, I bread all my poppers - lightly. My stuffing is considerably more complex than Nematode's though, with yellow cheeses, herbs, and dried spices. No bacon. Bacon just distracts from the more subtle pepper and stuffing flavors. Then deep fry, or maybe bake.

What most tenderfeet (tendertongues?) don't get is that once you get a good burn going, the burn essentially fades to background noise.* Then you can really taste the pepper. For instance, bhut jolokia has the distinct flavor of berries .. once you get past the oral destruction phase.**

I have had a little luck coaching noobs to take a step beyond the shock and awe. But it is something that you have to discuss ahead of time. None of this, "Here, try these!" --beat-- "You bastid! Are you trying to kill me?"


* Our endorphins at work and play?

** You can get the taste from a fresh pepper in the few seconds before your soft palate melts and runs down over your lower molars.


Btw, love the martial arts analogy. Can I steal it?