Pepper
for the brightest, most vivacious taste, buy whole black peppercorns and use them freshly ground: it really does make a difference. Experiment with different kinds of peppercorns. When whole peppercorns are called for be sure to crush them slightly first or they won't release any flavor.
White pepper
has less flavor than black pepper. Its used in light colored sauces because it doesn't show, but do a few black specks really matter very much?
Cayenne pepper
is hot red pepepr, dried and ground. It adds a lot of fire to a dish, so use it sparingly, respecting the palates of family and guests. Be sure its fresh it dies quickly.
Green peppercorns
are the berries of a special species found primarily in Madagascar. They are preserved fresh in water or vinegar, water being prefrable, even though the peppercorns won't last as long
Not as sharp as dried pepper, this relatively new seasoning is an exciting one, and adds zest to meats and poultry
Available in specialty stores
Hot dried red pepper flakes
are very hot and add verve to things like pasta and eggs
Tiny dried hot peppers
both red and green, should be seeded and chopped and used very sparingly in cooking
Be careful to wash hands and not to rub your eyes when handling hot peppers
Hot red pepper sauce
is a liquid which mixes hot red pepper with vinegar, salt, and seasonings. It has its place, and not only in barbecue sauces or chili, a few drops added at the end to certain dishes bring out their flavors
Pimientos
are sweet red peppers that have been preserved in oil
Use them whole or chopped in salads, but always buy them whole, for the chopped pieces absorb too much water
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