Congratulations, MOLLY! You are the winner of my fun pepper giveaway.
Email me at: cathymcdavid@yahoo.com with your mailing address, and I’ll ship your cute prize!
Cathy McDavid
A Little History of Peppers and a Fun Giveaway
I spent five days last week at a writers’ conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico and had a wonderful time. In addition to learning all kinds of new things and networking with other authors, I got to enjoy some of the local culinary delights. Let me tell you, in New Mexico, that means Hatch chiles in just about every dish. In fact, Hatch, New Mexico is considered the Chile Capital of the World, and they take their hatch chiles very seriously. Spending most of my life in Arizona, I’ve come to love spicy food, so for me this wasn’t a problem. I couldn’t say the same for a few of the conference attendees coming from back east ?
Did you know that peppers made their way to the United States starting from South America around ten thousand years ago? Aztecs and Mayans grew dozens of varieties. The peppers traveled with Indigenous people north as they moved through what in present day Central America and then into Mexico. Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate is credited for bringing the first chile seeds from Mexico to New Mexico. The plants produced from these seeds loved the arid, high-desert climate and thrived, cross-pollinating with other pepper plants to become the different Hatch varieties we know and love today. It’s no surprise that cowboys and chuck wagon cooks used peppers to season their food as dried versions of the plant lasted for months on the trail and flavored staples like beans and stews.
I thought it might be fun to play a little matching game. On top are pictures of seven peppers commonly used in Southwest cooking. On the bottom are the names of the peppers. See if you can match the picture of the pepper to the name for all seven and put your answer in the comments. Everyone who participates will be entered into a random drawing for a “surprise” pepper giveaway. Doesn’t matter if you’re right or wrong, the fun is in the guessing.
Bonus question: What’s the difference between chile and chili? No Googling 🙂
Alaska’s Wild Country Mythological Creatures
My husband and I recently returned from a two-week trip to Alaska and had a truly wonderful time. The many stunning sights didn’t disappoint, as you can imagine. We took several wildlife tours, spotting whales at sea and moose, caribou, dall sheep, and eagles on land. We soaked up as much history and culture as we could, along with plenty of excellent food that had us both returning home a few pounds heavier than when we left.
One thing we got a particular kick out of hearing about from tour guides and even locals was some of the more colorful tall tales and mythological legends particular to the area. I thought it might be fun to share a few with you here today.
Did you know that Alaska has its own version of Bigfoot and Sasquatch? It’s called the Alaskan Hairy Man. Much like their lower forty-eight cousins, these creatures roam the woods and mountain regions– which is literally freezing in the winter – are very elusive, stand considerably taller than a man, and emit odd, unsettling sounds. Stories of this creature are rooted in both Indigenous folklore and modern Alaskan cryptozoology (I had to look up this last word, it means the search for and study of unknown, legendary, or extinct animals whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated by mainstream science). This creature is “supposedly” the reason the Nantiinaq fishing village of Port Chatham on the Kenai Peninsula was abandoned in the 1950s. They are also associated with the Alaskan Triangle, an area much like the Bermuda Triangle where there have been numerous unexplained disappearances and strange events.
There is another notorious creature by the name of Qalupalik that lives in the water and wears a traditional parka or amauti. It’s known for snatching children who wander away from their parents, then tucks them under the parka hood and carries them under the ice, never to be seen again. Yikes! I wonder if this tale wasn’t invented to purposely scare youngsters into behaving, kind of like the old European fairy tales such as Hanzel and Gretel.
One of the lesser known and malevolent mythological animals that also has its origins in Indigenous traditions across northern regions including Canada is called the Keelut. This oily, hairless, black animal resembles a dog and is reputed to travel between physical and spiritual worlds. Like the Alaskan Hairy Man and Qalupalik, the Keelut is solitary and stalks those who wander away from the beaten path. It is also said to be a symbol representing the harshness and perils of the northern wilderness, which sounds a whole lot better than harming people.
Well, if I scared you, I surely didn’t mean to. These mythical creatures and the stories of their unnerving habits are fascinating. I suppose they’re the result of early man or the first white explorers attempting to explain things that made no sense. I can certainly understand that in a place such as Alaska. If ever I visited somewhere filled with beauty and mystery and that defied logic it was there.
How about you? Have you ever visited our northern most state and if yes, what stood out to you the most?
Catch Up With a Little History of Ketchup
I have a good friend who puts ketchup on everything. And when I say everything, I mean it. I’ve watched her pour it all over her tacos and drown her macaroni and cheese in it. I’ve even dined with her in a Chinese restaurant when she’d asked the server for a bottle (sidenote: this created quite a scramble in the kitchen). Look, there’s nothing I like better than dipping my French fries in a pool of ketchup, but Chinese food? No way.
Well, apparently, my friend is more on track than me. Turns out, ketchup was likely invented in ancient China as a fermented fish sauce — though the original sauce, called ge-tchup or keu-chiap, differed vastly from the common table condiment we use today and wasn’t made from tomatoes. As with many Eastern delicacies, ketchup made its way to Europe via traders in the 1600s. There, it was mixed with various ingredients such as mushrooms, nuts, shallots, horse-radish, nutmeg, and even anchovies (yuck). Tomatoes were first incorporated into ketchup in the 18th century, and the modern version we all know and love came into popularity around the 1920s.
Interesting point, tomatoes were considered poisonous because their leaves contain toxic compounds. It wasn’t until the late 1600s when an English physician named John Gerard claimed cooked tomatoes, as opposed to raw ones, were edible. By the mid-1700s, English doctors were claiming tomatoes (or love apples) not only aided in the treatment of digestive and liver-related ailments, they were also an aphrodisiac. Eventually, tomatoes made their way to America where, according to Thomas Jefferson, British doctor John de Sequeyra introduced them to the commonwealth of Virginia. Sequeyra was reputed to say that a person who ate enough of these love apples would never die. Yet one more good reason for my friend to eat ketchup on everything.
Of course, eventually, the medical community came to dispute the tomato’s medical and performance enhancement properties. Tomato pills, which were touted to “cure all your ills”, soon disappeared from grocery store shelves. So where did that leave our ketchup, a.k.a. fish sauce?
Enter Henry John Heinz, who founded the H.J. Heinz Company in 1869. By the late 1800s, glassmakers figured out how to manufacture inexpensive glass flasks. This created a way for food companies to more easily transport their products — products like ketchup. Being a smart entrepreneur, Mr. Heinz saw an opportunity for his thicker, sweeter version, and I don’t think there’s a person in America today who hasn’t at least heard of Heinz ketchup.
So, where does ketchup fit into the old West you ask? Well, like most things, recipes and bottles traveled with pioneers and prospectors and homesteaders, along with tomato seeds and canned tomatoes. As you’d expect, cowboys added their own twist to this favorite table condiment, leaving out the sugar and adding spicy ingredients like peppers and onions. The perfect addition to flavor up a bowl of beans or a T-bone steak.
Sadly, for my friend, ketchup sales have been on the decline with salsa now outselling this former “cure for all your ills”. But don’t tell her. I’m sure she’ll ask for a bottle the next time we go out.
Fun question: are you a ketchup lover and, if yes, what food do you most like to put it on? Like I said earlier, I’m a French fry girl.
My Where’s Felicia Filly Winner!
Happy Saturday, all. Well, you figured it out. Felicia came and visited me!
I’m excited to announce Ellie L. is my randomly drawn winner. Ellie, email at: cathymcdavid@yahoo.com, and I’ll send you the $10 Amazon gift e-card.
Thanks, everyone, for playing along. It was great fun 🙂
Cathy McDavid
A Look at Today’s Western TV Shows
If you’re anything like me, you grew up watching TV westerns. As a family, we’d sit down together every Sunday evening to catch the latest episode of Bonanza. My brother’s favorite shows were F Troop and The Wild, Wild West — which, while not exactly accurate portrayals of life in the old west, were highly entertaining. For me, I loved the afternoon reruns of Big Valley and High Chaparral (which was filmed in my home state of Arizona). And Grandpa, he never missed Gunsmoke if he could help it.
It seemed for a long while, westerns disappeared from television, or at least became few and far between. Yes, there were some notable excellent offerings, like the Lonesome Dove miniseries, Justified, Hell on Wheels, and Longmire. But viewing trends change, and most western TV shows didn’t last long or gain huge fan bases like the classics. Until recently, that is.
Whether you like him and his show or not, Taylor Sheridan has had a tremendous impact on popularizing modern western shows — be they set in historical times or present day. His cornerstone show Yellowstone has launched numerous spinoffs, such as 1883, 1923, Marshals, as well as the upcoming Dutton Ranch, 6666, and 1944. Not to mention his western-ish shows like The Madison and Landman.
It doesn’t stop there. As a romance writer and reader, I really enjoyed the Netflix series Ransom Canyon, which I’m happy to say is returning for season two. If I’m in the mood for something grittier, I watch Dark Winds, which takes place in the 1970s, is also set him my home state of Arizona, and blends Navajo culture, crime fighting, and mild supernatural elements. Along those lines are American Primeval and The Abandons. While well written and boasting incredible casts, these shows can be hard to watch at times because of the level of violence. If you’re looking for something gentler and more family-oriented, there’s always the very long-running and popular Heartland. Full disclosure, this is a Canadian series and not set in the American west. Still, it’s enjoyable to watch.
What about you? Are you a fan of current Western TV shows and which one is your favorite? Is there one you like that I’ve missed? Or do you prefer the classics?
Whichever the case, I’m glad to see Western TV shows making a comeback even if not all of them are my cup of tea.
Iconic Arizona Landmark’s Civil War Connection
A few weekends ago, I was traveling from Phoenix to Tucson – something I do perhaps once a year. There’s a prominent landmark called Picacho Peak that, despite having lived in Arizona most of my life, I pay little attention to other than to note that I’m about two-thirds of the way through my trip. This time, however, perhaps because I was driving alone, I started thinking a little about this historic site and decided to research it a bit when I got home.
Most of us in these parts know that Picacho Peak is where the only battle between the North and the South took place in Arizona during the civil war. Seems the then western territory mostly stayed out of the conflict until February of 1862 when Captain Sherod Hunter and a troupe of rangers rode into Tucson, officially creating the Confederate Territory of Arizona. They effectively wreaked havoc on the Union forces with their hit and run style of attack, destroying the Union Army’s food and hay supplies and capturing their men.
After two months of skirmishes and raids, the warring sides met at Picacho Peak on April 15th for their infamous battle, which lasted all of ninety minutes. Despite being greatly outnumbered, the Confederates triumphed. Their victory didn’t last long, however. The Union eventually took control of the region, ending the Confederates’ hope for a southwestern pathway to the Westcoast.
Now, every year in (usually) March, the battle at Picacho Peak is reenacted in the state park by living history enthusiasts who wear authentically reproduced uniforms and clothing and use replica weapons—no real bullets are used. Tours and informational talks are given, along with camps, and battle demonstrations that are set up to entertain and educate the hundreds of people who arrive and to thrill to the sound of rifles exploding and canons firing (again, not real). I’ve never been, but my son attended some years ago with my mother-in-law and his cousins and had a great time.
If you’re not a history buff, that’s no reason to miss stopping at Picacho Peak. There are great hiking trails for the fit and adventurous and the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch for fun seekers looking for something different. Yes, you can feed the ostriches. No, you can ride them. And, yes, you can purchase ostrich eggs to eat. To be honest, I’d have to think long and hard on that before making a purchase.
Maybe I should convince hubby, and the two of us could check it out next year. Sounds like a great day trip.
Common Scams in the Old West
Recently, a friend of mine was complaining about the number of scams she’s hit with on daily basis. I doubt there’s anyone who can say they don’t regularly receive suspicious phone calls from someone claiming to be with the IRS or emails from foreign “multi-millionaires” wanting to share their fortune with us. All we need to do is provide these people with our personal banking information which will either erase our debt or make us rich.
While these particular scams are relatively recent, deceiving people out of their hard-earned money has been around for centuries, if not since the dawn of civilization. What’s the old saying? If you believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I can sell you.
Scams in the old West were no exception and abounded. Who hasn’t heard of The Lost Dutchman’s Mine—a popular legend here in Arizona where I live? One of the reasons the unproven story of the mine’s existence (to this day at least) gained such traction is because industrious scammers drew up and printed fake maps which they then sold to unsuspecting and gullible fortune hunters. Not only were wannabe prospectors sent on wild goose chases, many, sadly, met their deaths.
The Lost Dutchman’s Mine wasn’t the only scam of its kind during the days of gold fever. The practice of selling fake mining claims thrived. A common scheme called “salting” was used to dupe eager individuals looking strike it rich. Ore from a producing mine was scattered over a barren area. The soft ore would embed into the rock and give the appearance of a valuable claim. If done right, these salted areas often passed inspections by assayers but then, after the sale was complete, the poor buyer discovered no gold other than what the unscrupulous seller had scattered about.
Another old West scam was the origin of what eventually became a popular saying that still endures. I can remember my grandmother referring to a local real estate agent as no better than a snake oil salesman. And while she was using the term to refer to con men in general, a snake oil salesman is actually someone who proports to have a miracle cure. One of the first and most renowned snake oil salesmen was Clark Stanley, nicknamed the Rattlesnake King. While he claimed his tonic contained rattlesnake oil, it did not and was completely worthless. On a side note, Chinese laborers who came to the U.S. to work on the railroads did bring snake oil with them as an ancient medicinal treatment, which is likely where old Clark Stanley got the idea.
A different, popular scam along these same lines was the traveling medicine show which, if you think about it, was an early infomercial combining entertainment with hyped up sales techniques. These tonics, like Stanley’s snake oil, were worthless and made from common household items like castor oil, ginger, and alcohol. I did a bit of research, and there were several movies made featuring traveling medicine shows. Here’s just a few oldies but goodies:
Paradise Canyon with John Wayne
Sante Fe Marshal with William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy
Riders of the Dawn, a musical western (I think I need to see this one)
Prairie Badmen with Buster Crabb
And the scams don’t end there. Really, there are just too many for me to list in detail. Land fraud was abundant with fake deeds being sold to families coming out West and desperate for a fresh start. Even the poor, noble horse, a necessity back then, was often used to separate the naïve and trusting from their money. A young and healthy horse was sold but an old, broken down nag was swapped out. There were crooks who cheated at poker with hidden cards (an Ace up the sleeve) and loaded dice. Gullible people were fleeced by shell games and other slight-of-hand tricks. And lets not forget the psychics who claimed to see the future or speak with deceased loved ones.
Sadly, there will probably always be disreputable individuals who find new and innovative ways to take advantage the easily influenced. The most we can do is be on the lookout. Remember that the next time someone tries to sell you some oceanfront property in Arizona 🙂
Warmest wishes,
Cathy McDavid
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Hear a Little About Early Hearing Aids
I’ve had a big change in my life recently—one that took me a bit by surprise. I got hearing aids. Let me start out by saying I’m WAY TOO YOUNG to need hearing aids. But here we are, right? Truth be told, I had noticed some difficulty hearing things this past year. It became really apparent when I went to a conference and struggled to hear the speakers. So, not long after that off to the ENT doctor I went and got tested. I don’t like the word “profound” but that’s what he used when describing the level of my hearing loss. Sigh.
I decided to be optimistic about this change, and I’m glad I did. I actually love my new hearing aids. I have a good friend who talks very soft, and I used to miss about a third of what she said. No more. I hear every word! And who knew my favorite pair of shoes squeaked when I walk? Or that the neighbor’s dog barks all day (okay, maybe this isn’t a good thing). I told my husband, I can now hear the sun shine and grass grow.
This got me wondering a little about how people throughout history dealt with hearing loss. I mean, these devices I’m currently wearing are so technologically advanced, I think they could transmit a message into outer space while tracking a bald eagle in the Colorado Rockies (only slight exaggeration – ha, ha). So, I did a little research.
The first recorded use of hearing aids, which may date back as far as Egyptian times, were called ear trumpets. They were pretty much what you’d imagine them to be—a horned shaped object, small on one end and large on the other. Most were constructed of wood, hollowed out animal horns, and in later years, brass. During the old west, hollowed out buffalo horns were often used. These ear trumpets didn’t work all that well, amplifying sounds only directly in front of the user and then to a small degree. They functioned best when someone spoke directly into the ear trumpet at close range.
The interesting part, however, was how clever ear trumpets became in their design. No one likes admitting to having a hearing loss, so inventors created some pretty cool ways to make hearing aids less conspicuous and a true fashion statement. They hid the devices in wardrobe accessories like ladies’ fans and headpieces and men’s canes. In the home, hearing aids could be hidden in vases. King John IV of Portugal had a throne designed for him with ornately carved lion heads on the arms. The lions’ open mouths transmitted sound to the back of the throne and into the king’s ear via a speaking tube.
In 1898, the first electric hearing aid, called an Akouphone, was invented. As you can imagine, it was huge and bulky and not very portable. But then in the early 1900s, carbon hearing aids came into being, using similar technology to early microphones and telephones. While they amplified sound, they weren’t all that effective. In the 1920s, vacuum hearing aids came along, an advancement that allowed the size to be greatly reduced. One of the biggest jumps came after WWII with the invention of transistors–which reduced the size of hearing aids even more. For a while, there were even hearing aids built into eyeglasses, though these were awkward to wear and didn’t last long.
In the early 1960s, some smart person came up with the first behind the ear hearing aids – a style still in use today by 70% of people who wear hearing aids. But everything changed around 1995 with fully digital versions hit the market. Rather than simply amplifying sound, the user could now differentiate between low, mid, and high frequencies and adjust the hearing aid to their surrounding.
Interesting, huh? You know what I like best about my new hearing aids, besides the improvement to my hearing? They are connected to my phone, and I can listen to audio books without earbuds or headphones. Now that’s cool 🙂
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
