Hot Sauce Nation: America's Burning Obsession

by Denver Nicks

Overview

Hot Sauce Nation is a journey of discovery, delving into history, culture, immigration patterns, and the science of spice and pain. Through the stories of hot sauce makers and lovers, it explores the unique hold the dark prince of condiments has over the American heart. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613731840
Publisher:	Chicago Review Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	10/01/2016
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Denver Nicks is a regular contributor to Time and National Geographic Traveler and a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He is the author of Private: Bradley Manning, WikiLeaks, and the Biggest Exposure of Official Secrets in American History, and his work has also appeared in Money, Newsweek, the Nation, the Daily Beast, and elsewhere. A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, he lives in New Orleans and Washington, DC.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction ix

1 A Brief History of Heat 1

2 Some Like It Hot 23

3 Becoming a Hot Sauce Nation 35

4 Voodoo Chile 49

5 Harissa Explains It All 61

6 Cooking with Chilies in H-Town 83

7 Cashing in on Capsaicin 93

8 Chicken Wings and Southern Things 115

9 Ça Pique 139

10 The Last Dash 161

Selected Bibliography 181

Index 187

Editorial Reviews

"If you've ever wondered how such massive flavors and such paralyzing pain gets decanted into those little bottles, this is the book you've been waiting for. Denver Nicks weaves history, science, culture, and little bit of a lot else into a tidy, fun-to-read bundle. Enjoy this book by the drop or the spoonful." —Wayne Curtis, author of And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in 10 Cocktails


"With verve, wit, and plenty of spice, Denver Nicks has captured the true flavor of the American experience. Hot Sauce Nation reads like gumbo on a page." —Dane Huckelbridge, author of Bourbon and The United State of Beer


"As wonderful a condimental accompaniment to American cuisine as hot sauce itself. It is substantive, detailed, and, best of all, fun to read." —Tom Acitelli, author of The Audacity of Hops and American Wine


“Nicks has managed to sneak a road novel into a hot sauce history class.” —The Currency of Cool


"A very highly recommended celebration of the most popular condiment on earth and a tribute to the people who make it and the people who love it.” —She Treads Softly


“Calvin Trillin meets Hunter S. Thompson, with some John McPhee thrown in for good measure.” —Palm Beach Illustrated

From the Publisher