Capsicum Chinense

AKA the Habanero Chile Pepper

Yes, this is your secret ingredient. Spicy as hell, but with a nice fruity citrus flavor this chile adapts well to a variety of dishes. Let's see what you can do.



I have a variety of habaneros for you to choose from including: (from top left) Fatali (not reallly a habanero, but close enough and not quite as hot), Chocolate Habaneros, Peach Habaneros; (from bottom left) Orange Habaneros, Red Scotch Bonnets, 10x Hot Orange Habaneros, and Red Habaneros. Habaneros are ready for pick up now, as well as anything else you want from the garden.

And an important announcement, the venue for this years Fall Harvest Smackdown has been changed for two reasons 1) we have outgrown our house and 2) the artist has finally finished his much anticipated new documentary and it would be awkward for all of us to try to cram into our bedroom to watch it on the only TV we have.

So, this years Fall Harvest Smackdown will be at the Capitalist's house because as you might imagine of a capitalist 1) his house is large and has ample space for all of us and 2) his house has a super fancy home theater where we can watch the world premiere of the artist's new film. If you don't know how to get to the Capitalist's house, let me know and i'll get you his address and directions.

Remember, all dishes must be plated and ready for judging (eating) by 6:30. The rest of the rules can be found at this previous post.

Two more days!!

That's right, just two more days till the 3rd annual Fall Harvest Smackdown and only just over 24 hours until the secret ingredient is revealed!! The competition is getting hotter with new teams registering everyday.

So far in contention we have:

Team Fatguyonalittlebike (aka the artist) and the Flogger

Team Vero and Lu

Team Sepy

Team DINK

Team Pneumonia (aka C-Ro and L-Ro)

I've also heard rumors that the suburban cowboy is going to throw his hat in the ring (as long as it doesn't get dusty cuz you know, suburban cowboys really like to keep their ostrich skin boots and beaver fur hats clean), and Dr. A might be participating if she can get over her cold. No word yet from Team Fashionsta. They'll probably be too busy shopping for new clothes. And what about Luke, who will he recruit to help him with cooking, cuz as much as i love him, i'm not sure he can do much better than a grilled cheese sandwich.

It's not too late to register to compete. Just use the comment boards below this post to add your team name and team participants. Details and rules (as well as a good amount of smack talk) can be found at this previous post.

Check in tomorrow at 5:00 for the secret ingredient, which will also be available for pick up at that time (no suburban cowboy, i'm not going to deliver it to your house).

And stay tuned for a possible venue change. It's possible that given the success of this annual event we may have outgrown our small abode.

and the winner is. . .

. . . not these two! (In fact i don't really even have an explanation for this).


I know many of my faithful blog readers (both of you) have been waiting with great anticipation to hear who won the Fall Harvest Smackdown. So, at long last, i am here to announce the winners. And they are:

The bradleys!!

Yes, although there was some stiff competition from Cait "dirty mouth" C-hill and Team Mo-fizzle, the bradley family swept all five categories: best appetizer, best salad, best main course, best beverage, and best dessert (or something like that). It was reported that Team Mo-fizzle was heard uttering threats and waving middle fingers upon their departure, but other reports have suggested they have already begun preparations for the floggers upcoming "Cookie Party." Determined not to walk away without a victory again they have secretly been developing and testing new recipes. In fact they have been so secret about this endeavor they even disinvited their own flesh and blood from the Swenson/Wiles/Romoero annual holiday cookie cooking day, an event she was really looking forward to.

The main course spread.

The appetizer spread.

The dessert spread.

Team Fashionistas "nipple cheese cake."

The "scurvy pirate" preparing her dessert.

Ms. Brenda sampling the goods.

Two of the toughest critics giving the cheese spread and salsa a go.

The capitalist and the small rabbit, whose mashed potatoes overwhelmingly won "best appetizer," which speaks to how good they were since the presentation was, well mashed potatoes in a bowl.

Team Mo-rizzle (i mean mo-fizzle) awaiting the results.

Hudson thought it was a Halloween Party!

The Artist's no. 2 double fisting the drinks!

Team Fashionista casting their ballots!

The Suburban Cowboy delirious with excitement (or he just ate too much).

No. Four trying to steal one of my butternut squashes.