Hot peppers, Lazy Susans, a Food Network casting call and more

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‘I guess I’d have to say that I’m not a pure locavore. I’m in a more moderate camp — the one for non-Californians. I think it’s hard to wean ourselves from the practices of generations, so I am more inclined to take the gradual path rather than the steep, cold turkey path, although that’s an interesting exercise, for sure. It really makes you grateful, for one, for whatever variety you do have.’

That’s cookbook author Deborah Madison chatting over at Poor Man’s Feast as she reflects on a career, seed saving, clay pots and what’s for dinner.

-- Who was Susan? And was she truly lazy? Our Home blog has the Back Story.

-- Are you hopeless in the kitchen? Or do you pick up a cheeseburger on your way home each night because your significant other has trouble boiling water? Food Network wants to know: There’s an open casting call tomorrow at the L.A. Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel & Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show? Season 2 of ‘Worst Cooks in America.’ You’ll also need to bring a dish that represents your, um, cooking. (Don’t be surprised if no one partakes.) More details here, plus how to apply if you can’t make the casting call.

-- NPR reports on the world’s hottest pepper -- and whether that makes it the ‘perfect’ weapon. Flagged by Food News Journal. While there, check out ‘Donuts are the new cupcakes.’

-- The Queen Mary is getting a long-overdue makeover. The company that leases the cruise ship turned floating hotel from the city of Long Beach is investing $5 million to upgrade rooms and restaurants.

-- Trying to do something green? Scale back on the paper towels in favor of kitchen towels.

-- Look at the photo above. Is it a gadget? A contraption? Would you use it to keep boiling eggs from cracking?

-- Rene Lynch (Follow me on Twitter @renelynch)