Home of Tabasco

Such is Nath's love for TABASCO that after 16 years together I am no longer offended when he adds it to EVERYTHING I cook.

Such love could only be satisfied by a visit to the very factory where this nectar of the spicy gods is mashed, fermented, mixed and bottled.

Avery Island, in the heart of Louisiana's Cajun country, was where the McIlhenny family first planted red peppers and began experimenting with different ways to produce a chilli sauce.

The factory still produces every bottle of Tabasco sold throughout the world, though its agricultural fields now extend beyond Avery Island itself to include chilli plantations in Central and South America.

The free factory tour was interesting - it's amazing to see bottling and labeling machines in action (they're so fast)!

But the taste test in the Country Store was everyone's favourite activity .

The boys tried Raspberry Chipotle icecream while Nath and I sampled a smorgasbord of spicy saucy delights.

I fear Nath's obsession has intensified rather than having been satisfied. And maybe I too am now under Tabasco's spell. Doh!