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EXPERIMENT

What if caramel went south? Replacing cream with tamarind concentrate and adding a whole habanero while the sugar cooks. Is this a dessert sauce or a condiment?

RESULT

Both. Over ice cream it's dangerous in the best way. Over grilled fish it's a revelation. The habanero heat blooms slowly after the caramel sweetness — you don't get it immediately, which makes it worse (better). Gave a jar to my neighbor. She asked for two more.

EXPERIMENT

Testing whether sumac can do what lemon does in a cure — acidity without liquid. Cured for 4 hours with sumac, salt, and a little sugar.

RESULT

It works differently than lemon. More floral, less sharp. The salmon stayed firmer and the color was spectacular — deep coral with a purple blush. The yogurt flatbread was essential, not optional.