Turn up the heat

We have ten copies of Tabasco an Illustrated History - the new coffee table, full colour book written by Tabasco's very own historian - plus a chef-size bottle of Tabasco to give away.

There is so much to tell about the history, the family and the sauce itself, and the new book is a fascinating insight into this iconic brand.

The secret behind Tabasco's unique taste is three years of ageing in oak barrels, plus of course the distinctive mixture of natural ingredients - fully aged red peppers, Avery Island salt and distilled vinegar.

It's really versatile - use as an ingredient as well as a condiment, for example a few drops when you are preparing spaghetti bolognese or shepherds pie really brings out the flavours of the dish. It is also perfect for marinades, cocktails and even chocolate desserts!

Chillies are a natural aphrodisiac - they help stimulate the circulation and contain capsaicin, a substance known to induce a temporary high', so Tabasco is the perfect ingredient for a seductive Valentine's Day menu.

To be in with a chance of winning, send your name and address and daytime telephone number on a postcard to: Valentines Tabasco Competition, Newsquest Oxfordshire, Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0EJ, to arrive no later than Friday, February 22, 2008. Normal Newsquest competition rules apply and the editor's decision is final.

For those of you who are not lucky enough to win, here is a cocktail recipe idea to fire up the passion this Valentine's Day!

RED DEVIL Makes two 75ml/3floz orange juice 75ml/3floz cranberry juice Six drops Tabasco Original (or more to taste) Bacardi or vodka (optional) Ice Orange slices for decoration n Pour orange juice into a jug and add cranberry juice. Add Tabasco Original and stir. Add optional Bacardi or vodka to taste. n Half fill a chunky glass with ice cubes, then pour over Red Devil. Serve decorated with orange.