By Wini Moranville

Before the days when you could order just about anything on the Internet, Piment d'Espelette was one of those delicacies I packed in my suitcase when coming home from France. Now, however, you can get it at Allspice (400 E. Locust St. in the East Village).

This powdered spice, made from a specific variety of pepper grown in and around the French Basque town of Espelette, is so well-respected that it has received the hallowed AOC (Appellation d'Origine Controlée) status, which means that unless the piments are from this particular region,

A little sprinkle of the spice adds a wow factor to your weekend brunch.

it can't be called Piment d'Espelette.

What makes it so special? In terms of spice level, these piments aren't blazing hotties by any means. Rather, they bring a more gentle spiciness, as well as an intriguing fruity angle. (BonAppétit.com identifies the flavor as somewhat peach-like, with sea-brine qualities and a "nuanced, subtle heat.")

Nuanced? Indeed--no wonder the French like it.

The next time you serve a side dish of buttered or olive-oiled pasta, toss in a little Piment d'Espelette to intensify the flavors. I also like sprinkling it over twice-baked potatoes. The spice is especially tailor-made for eggs: Try adding it to the weekend's scrambled eggs, or sprinkling it on deviled eggs.

If you truly want to enjoy it the way the Basques do, make my Piperade, a dish of onions, tomatoes, and green and red bell peppers that goes beautifully with fish, chicken and above all, eggs (serving it on or in an omelet equals a slice of bright Basque heaven).

Yes, the spice is pricey ($14.25 for a ¼-cup jar), but I've found that it's just as expensive in France. Happily, a little goes a long way.

• The Des Moines Community Playhouse (831 42nd St.) has announced the lineup for its 2015-16 season, and it includes favorites such as "Monty Python's Spamalot" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and, for kids, shows like "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Season tickets go on sale March 17 and can be purchased here, at the ticket office or by phone at 277-6261. For more information, visit dmplayhouse.com.

• Are you looking for something fun to do with the youngsters this weekend? Children & Families of Iowa's (CFI) Kidsfest will be March 6-8 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in the Varied Industries Building (3000 E. Grand Ave.). Activities will include a ventriloquist show, face painting, a photo booth, a circus train and a kids' glamour spa. The first 100 guests to arrive on Friday will receive a ticket to the snow queen and ice princess private party, and the first 100 guests to get there on Sunday will receive a ticket to the superhero private party. Tickets cost $7.50 per person and can be purchased at the door. Times vary; for more information, visit cfiowa.org.