Go to New England this fall when the maple's blazingly colorful leaves provide a feast for the eyes. Then taste the sweet expression of the tree. Habanero Peppers Florida expresses its gastronomic self in many ways, but my favorite is the habanero pepper. Popular as a garden ornamental as well as a spice, like much of Florida it is delightful to see, to touch, and to smell. Carefully prepared, though, they are harnessed for use in sauces, condiments, and home cuisine all over the state.
Oranges are nice, but try the spice.
The cookery of the American Southwest is more varied than most people, even Southwesterners, know. But if we can distill the various tributaries to this culinary pool into one essence, it would be chile salsa, a balance of salt, sweet, sour, and hot that enhances the flavor of blander foods such as corn and beans while stimulating the gastric juices and pleasing the senses. You can hardly say one without the other. Chicago's distinctive contribution to American gastronomy mirrors its very soul. This is pizza with big shoulders.