Kempton Pepper Jam – Fire Duo SUCCESS!!

The Fire Duo made their way to the Kempton Pepper Jam this gorgeous spring weekend.  The festival had over 40 vendors, including some of our favorites; Hot Lips (the best selection of rubs!!), Defcon (excellent sauces), and Cactus Pete’s (yummy beef jerky…).  In addition to our enjoyment of the multitude of vendors, the festival had “The Last Man Standing” pepper eating contest.  ‘Rapid Fire’ Russ and Deirdre ‘Girl on Fire’ were among a group of 10.  The event consisted of two rounds of Jalapeno Peppers, followed by Serrano, Thai Bird Chili, Habanero, then Scotch Bonnet and a few rounds of dried ghost.  After exhausting the Ghost, the results were a three way tie for 1st – Rapid Fire Russ, Carl and Chris; Deirdre ‘Girl on Fire’ was 1st place women and 3rd overall.  We’d like to thank the event organizer Dave for hosting such a spectacular festival and unique competition (hard to believe this was his first year of doing this).  Congratulations to all !!!

Why I’m a Little Sad: Ladies Need to Represent and be Recognized

So, I’m a little sad.  I was thrilled to have competed in the Guinness Book competition at the NYC Pepper Expo.  I signed up for the competition.   I stood before the crowd.  I downed three of Puckerbutt Pepper Company’s awesome Carolina Reapers in 21 seconds. I made strange rock-band related hand gestures on stage.  I was cheered over and over, and over, again.  Strangers asked me to be in photos with them.  I was congratulated and loved by the crowd for at least 18 minutes (3 past the proverbial 15).

Yet, in the press, there has been no recognition that a woman is finally on the scene.  The huge notable exceptions to this statement are the actions of my friend Ed Currie, the mastermind of the evil Reaper, and my husband.