Good morning! On this date in 1955 John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, the English writer, poet and academic published the third and final volume to his The Lord of the Rings story. Tolkien didn't want to use this title as he felt that it revealed too much of the story and preferred The War of the Ring. The adapted films by Peter Jackson led to a huge resurgence in the the books and introduced millions of people to the characters of this legendary literary work. However, it is Tolkien's excellent storytelling istelf that has cemented him as being the "father" of modern fantasy literature. In 2008, The Times ranked him sixth on a list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945". Here is an excerpt from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Then Frodo came forward and took the crown from Faramir and bore it to Gandalf; and Aragorn knelt, and Gandalf set the White Crown upon his head, and said: 'Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the Valar endure!' But when Aragorn arose all that beheld him gazed in silence, for it seemed to them that he was revealed to them now for the first time. Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him. And then Faramir cried: 'Behold the King!'
Alrighty so the powers that be here at Pepper's have been busy over the last week bringing in more new goodies for you! And the first line of new items is from a company that has been making hot sauces, jams and jellies from Belize since 1981 and are now available in Canada: Marie Sharp's Fine Foods! Cuirrently we have hot sauces in varying degrees of heat including Mild Red Habanero Pepper Sauce (Mild-1 out of 6), Green Habanero Pepper Sauce, a unique cactus-based, tangy sauce (Mild-1 out of 6), Hot Habanero Pepper Sauce (Medium-2 out of 6), and Belizean Heat Habanero Pepper Sauce (Hot-4 out of 6). The spicy ratings are from the company so what they deem as mild, you may find hot! The Belizean Heat label states not to play tricks on the weak or the elderly so proceed with caution!
In addition to these amazingly flavourful sauces you'll find Marie Sharp's Green Mango Chutney, Red Habanero Jelly and Green Habanero Jelly. The chutney pairs great with any pork dish, with cured meats and cheeses or with samosas, pakoras, Jamaican patties or cornish pasties. The jellies go great with cream cheese dishes, melted brie, melted as a glaze for meats, chicken wings or salmon with the red being slightly hotter than the green.
For something spicy but made a little closer to home there's Salt Spring Kitchen Co. Peach & Pepper Spicy Pepper Spread. It's a sweet and spicy spread that pairs great with soft cheeses, fish, poultry or on sandwiches. Or try Salt Spring Kitchen Co. Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread, a mostly savoury spread that compliments fresh Chèvre, Brie, Camembert, Gorgonzola, seafood, lamb, and pork. You can also purchase the popular Salt Spring Kitchen Co. Winter Collection Gift Box which includes three smaller jars of Cranberry, Sour Cherry & Port Preserve, Cranberry & Pepper Spicy Pepper Spread and Winter Wonder Jam. By the way, Winter Wonder Jam is also available by itself in the regular sized jar and is comprised of strawberries, oranges, cranberries, bourbon, cinnamon and cloves. Pairs with toast, scones, Brie, fresh Chèvre, and cocktails.
Another spicy spread to swallow is Elman's Kosher Deli Foods Hot Mustard. This refrigerated mustard can be found in our Produce Department and is made in Winnipeg where Elman's was founded over 70 years ago. Bold but not too spicy, this golden condiment will make any sandwich "kick"!
Do you have any idea what a FODMAP is? You probably do if you suffer from IBS. If not, a FODMAP stands for “fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols”. They're short chain carbohydrates that many people are unable to digest, and, as a result, contribute to gas, bloating, cramps, pain and diarrhea or constipation. Individuals with IBS are particularly sensitive to FODMAPs which commonly consist of fructose, lactose, polyols (xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol, etc), fructans and galactans. Canada has one of the highest IBS rates in the world (an estimated 18% versus the global total of 11%). Logically, it makes sense then, that if you are sensitive to these carbs, reducing them from your diet will lead to less discomfort. So we're pleased to now offer Fody Salad Dressings, the low FODMAP, gut-friendly dressings that contain no onions, garlic, gluten or lactose! Choose from Vegan Caesar, French, Maple Dijon and Garden Herb. Why should people with digestive troubles have to sit on the sidelines and watch while everyone else gets to eat the foods they enjoy? Exactly! So if you suffer from digestive issues or food senmsitivities, give these tasty new dressing a go!
Kale is generally considered to be one of the world's healthiest foods. In fact, it contains one of the highest contents of the vitamin, a carotenoid, called lutein which is related to beta-keratine and vitamin A and is excellent for eye health and has other beneficial effects on the body. But sometimes it gets a little boring adding it to frozen to smoothies or just cooking it as a side dish. Why not try snacking on it with Kaley's Kale Chips? This savoury delight is made with kale that is spiced up and air-dried (not fried) to make one of the best new snacks around! Available at Pepper's in Salt & Vinegar, BBQ, Bacon and Dill Pickle flavours, these chips can also be crushed and added to omelettes or used as a breading on chicken! Mix them in with your mac and cheese or sprinkle them on a salad! Oh, and these Canadian-made nibbles are made in Cobourg, Ontario so you can snack easy knowing your dollars are supporting a Canadian business!
Ever get the giggles? Now you can get them anytime when you pick up a bag of YumEarth Giggles Organic Chewy Candy! With flavours such as green apple, lemon, orange, strawberry and grape, these gluten-free goodies are allergy-friendly and contain no high fructose corn syrup or artificial dyes, getting their colours, instead, from real fruit and vegetable juices! And you can also get the same great flavours with YumEarth Organic Sour Giggles Chewy Candies!
Well, that'll just about do it again for this week. Stay tuned for another exciting and informative newsletter next week which will be the last one for October. Ridiculous! Time sure flies when you're in the middle of a pandemic! Please continue to carry on with good COVID etiquette to keep yourself and others safe!
Until next time, take good care!
Pepper's Foods