Smoke before fire

If you can’t take the heat of regular Tabasco sauce (you poor soul), check out the latest addition to the Tabasco line – chipotle pepper sauce. Made from peppers smoked over an open pecan wood fire, it tastes a bit like spicy barbecue sauce. But it still adds a zing to chili, marinades and soups. It costs $2.65 for a 5-ounce bottle and is available at grocery stores now.

On a roll

Traditionalists should stop reading now. After 68 years, Life Savers is about to revamp its five-flavor roll, and the company wants your input. The original package includes cherry, lime, lemon, orange and pineapple. Now, candy lovers can choose from those flavors, or add tangerine, green apple, watermelon, blackberry, raspberry, or mango melon to the mix. To cast your vote, visit www.candystand.com before April 30.

Splendid blended

Looking to spice up your life and win $10,000? Enter McCormick’s Blend to Win Challenge. Last year’s winner, Roberta’s MoRockin’ Mix, was a savory mix of North African flavors such as cumin, coriander, paprika, pepper, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and salt. To enter, create an original spice blend using at least two McCormick spices or herbs, include exact proportions, name your blend and provide an example or tip for its use, and enter online at www.mccormick.com or call (800) 632-5847 for an official entry form. Entries must be postmarked by May 15.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.