Thanks to all of you who sent in names for our newsletter. We received many great suggestions but only one could win. Harwich customer and Town Planner Sue Leven submitted the winning name “The Whole Enchilada.” Henceforth, the Ay! Caramba newsletter shall be known as “The Whole Enchilada!”

We had a fabulous turnout Sunday, Oct. 15 for our 3 rd Annual Tequila Tasting Fundraiser in support of The Harwich High School Friends of the Arts. More than 50 people showed up to sample from eight different tequilas and screen the Emmy nominated film A Touch of Greatness. Thank you to all who participated and helped us raise funds for what we believe is a tremendously important component in a student's education.

For photos from the event click here.

As our Tequila Tasters discovered at our recent Tequila Tasting, not all tequilas are created equal and they are not just for shooters or margaritas either. What our Tasters did discover is that some Tequilas can be as sophisticated as a fine scotch, bourbon or brandy and very pleasurable for sipping.

We asked our Tasters to score their sipping experience. They sampled from eight different tequilas of various aging; Gran Centenario Anejo, Gran Centenario Reposado, Corralejo Silver, Corralejo Anejo, Don Julio Anejo, Don Julio Blanco, Oro Azul Anejo and Tres Generacions Anejo (3-G's). The award winning Gran Centenario Anejo was the crowd pleaser taking first place in the ballot box; Don Julio Anejo placed second and the Tres Generacions Anejo finished third.

Harvested in the highlands of Jalisco , Mexico where the red soil is rich in iron the Gran Centenario Anejo offers the perfect snifter experience. Aged in French limousine oak barrels for 18 months the tequila extracts

much of its flavor and aroma from the loose pores of the barrel's wide grained wood. The wood provides sweet spicy notes, strength and balance. A light amber brown, the Centenario is luxurious tequila possessing nutty and candied fruit aromas. The Gran Centenario Anejo like a fine cognac makes the perfect after-dinner drink.

Glossary

Plata or Blanco – Clear & transparent, fresh from the still and immediately bottled. It is the true flavor of the blue agave.

Reposado – Rested. It is the plata / blanco that has been kept or rested in white oak casks or vats for more than 2 months and up to a year. The oak gives a mellowed taste, pleasing bouquet and pale color.

Anejo – Aged in white oak casks for a minimum of a year. Typically aged 1-3 years. Darker in color it possesses a woody flavor picked up from oak. Smoother than a Reposado.

A kaleidoscope of colors weaves through the landscape. The brilliant yellows and crimsons of turning leaves announce Falls arrival. The largest fruit in the plant kingdom, the pumpkin is ready for picking. They are most commonly used to adorn our doorstoops as jack-o-lanterns or grace our tables in holiday pies. However, over 7000 years ago the pumpkin was a staple in the diet of many pre-Columbian civilizations. Originating in North America , the pumpkin is a versatile member of the gourd family. The fruit, seeds and even the flowers of this autumn splendor were all utilized in their cooking. Extremely nutritious, the pumpkin is low in fat, rich in protein and vitamin A and C.

Today, the pumpkin is still an integral part of the Mexican diet. The flat, dark green seeds, known as pepitas, possess a sweet nutty flavor. They can be eaten raw like nuts or roasted. Toasted and ground the pepitas are used to thicken sauces or make moles. They also make a popular snack. Vendors roast and season the seeds and sell them on street corners. The fruit itself is often used in hearty soups and stews. Another favorite is candied pumpkin, Calabaza en tacha. The fruit is sweetened with pilloncillo (similar to brown sugar & molasses) and cinnamon. It is commonly found left on altars as an offering for Dias de los muertos.

So next year before you toss away the pulp and seeds from your jack-o-lantern take the seeds clean them, season with salt and perhaps a little chile powder and roast them. You will have a delicious heart healthy snack. Meanwhile, Ira is in the kitchen this November cooking up a few pumpkin surprises. Check our Daily Specials for more information.

We are proud to annoucne that our Online Store will be opening the middle of this month just in time for your holiday shopping! You will be able to buy your gift cards, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more all online without ever leaving your house.