Hi Sorcha! Thank you! You might be right about more tamarind. I can't find it at the local Safeway - despite there being a large Asian food aisle. There is no shortage of Asian supermarkets nearby, so I'll try there. I think that might be the taste that is the first 'bite' when you taste it.

Remember, at one point the ingredent label said something about tamarid - as well as anchovy - both of which were probably substituted with "Flavors" from a laboratory. My label mentions neiher tamarid nor anchovy. They do that a lot nowadays. When we finally "Hit it", it will be more like the original formula from 50 (Claire said she has used it for 50+ years) or more years ago. No artifical ingredients.

With this weekend being Labor Day, I have a feeling several of us will finally crack "The Woody's Code". Or make big progress anyway.

As for the Woody's formula people watching us, I'm absolutely sure they are, and closely. I don't think hey are snickering either. I think they are spittin' nickles, or doing something with bricks.

I think that is the reason someone reported receiving a call from them about the sale to a new producer - to quell the interest generated here. It's not like they can make us stop

Even if it comes back on the market - and I think it might eventually - I think we all still want the recipe for it, so it can never be taken away from Americana again. It's an American Icon that should not be lost because of some corporate decision.

That said, I think when the recipe gets out, it will be good for them. If people in Europe, say, can make a good knock-off at home, it would stimulate interest in the real thing and would increase their market to world-wide. Who knows, our efforts might be part of a vast, global marketing scheme.

Not to sound the least bit political, but it would be nice to have an American export that is seen throughout the world as 100% goodness. Our movies and music aren't to many folks, our foods and soft drinks aren't to many folks, and Oscar Mayer Bacon can offend the world in so many ways, I can't even count.

This recipe? It may not change the world, but it is a step in the right direction. It's an effort that leaves a good taste in my mouth. Literally!