The Great British Burn-Off

I’m at a dinner party. Everyone has contributed a dish, including my friend, who made a Sicilian pasta ragu, using a recipe that I supplied them.

Everyone is digging in when one of the guests starts coughing. Followed by another. Then another.

Friend #1: “Blimey, what’s in the ragu?!”

Friend #2: “Bit spicy!”

I take my first spoonful and, wow, yeah, it’s spicy. My friend who made the ragu is looking confused.

Ragu Friend: *To me.* “But… I followed your recipe, [My Name]!”

Friend #1: “What’s in the recipe?”

Me: “It’s an Italian pepperoncini sauce, used to add some kick to the ragu. I loaned my bottle to [Ragu Friend] to use.” *To [Ragu Friend].* “Did you bring back the rest of it?”

Ragu Friend: “What rest of it?”

That was a new, unopened bottle! Guess that explains the heat!