About using tamarind: I use it in my Indian food recipes. Look at an Indian grocer or the India section of Whole Foods. (those near big cities- hey, Wyoming, I'm from Black Hills orig.) It comes in a jar by the brand name "Tamcon" Tamarind Concentrate. Tamarind also comes in a compressed block to cut a piece off and steep in hot water like a tea. It tones down the heat and tastes sour/bitter.