This staple of French cooking hails from the Basque region that straddles the border of France and Spain.  Like champagne, Piment d'Espelette carries an AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée) designation that protects the product as authentic in origin and process to this region.  One of favorite chiles, it imparts low to medium heat that is less sharp than a steady growing warmth that envelops the senses.  An everyday chile that is found on many French tables, it is wonderful in a variety of dishes from classic Piperade to an amusing surprise in a chocolate pot de crème.