To All: Thanks for checking in on this thread. I like to see the interest and community here, just like Claire pointed out. The Labor Day weekend is upon us and I think we we will see several results posted real soon, both by regulars and lurkers (welcome, Lurkers)!

If anyone in SF is looking, Tamarinds are available at the OceanView Supermarket, Alameny Blvd, Aisle 3. You'll have to find it yourself because nobody admits to speaking English there.

NEWF: I am totally unqualified to say anything about health benefits of various substances. Because we have no access to those chemicals anyway, it doesn't matter. I have mentioned that whatever the final recipe is will probably be a lot closer to the original formula developed 60 to 100 years ago. If all natural ingredents floats your boat, I'm happy for you. I'm rocking with the idea that we are making the original from decades ago. That and the fact that between us, they CAN'T take it away from us!

Taste test tonight, on last night's batch: My Second recipe is a LOT closer than my first - which was pretty close itself. I noticed that the difference between Woody's and this batch was the initial "bite" of taste, which may be only a lack of a few more drops of heat.   The GF says that - while it's no longer sweeter - it's almost exact - it may need MORE Hickory Smoke flavor to make it precice!

Folks, we are close! Can we nail it this weekend?

JBJ, I couldn't find any aligator poo in any of the stores. If you happen to be in the Louisania area, please check the Piggly-Wiggly stores for it!