Grains of Paradise

Also known as alligator pepper and Malagueta pepper, this lovely little seed adds magic in place of black pepper.   When you grind grains of paradise into your food, you'll taste a mild peppery kick like that of black pepper, but alongside it you'll taste tones of allspice, cardamom, and clove.  It can be substituted for black pepper in almost any preparation, but provides so much more than black pepper does.  Use it in barbeque rubs or sauces for a depth of flavor that will knock your friends' socks off.  For an outstanding burger, mix two parts beef with one part lamb. For each pound of meat, use one teaspoon of salt, 3/4 of a teaspoon of ground pepper, and 1/2 a teaspoon of ground grains of paradise. You can thank me for it later. One caveat: only salt the meat within an hour of eating, so if you're shaping the patties earlier, sprinkle the burgers with the spices just before cooking.Try mixing black pepper, grains of paradise, garlic, and salt for a revelatory steak rub.  Or use it