Matt Bray, Author at PepperScale

Cucumber Jalapeño Martini

Refreshing with a surprising spicy twist…

You could simply create a refreshing cucumber martini, but why on earth stop there if you’re a spicy food fan? Add in a layer of heat by muddling fresh jalapeño pepper with the cucumber. It adds a surprising spice to this refreshing cocktail that you and your guests no doubt will enjoy.

If you’re an “all-in” spice kind of person, you could also opt for serrano pepper here. Serranos have a comparable bright, fresh flavor as the jalapeño, but they’re typically double the heat.

Healthy Cayenne Pepper Smoothie

by Matt Bray

A flavorful energy booster…

Smoothies are an excellent way to gain the benefits of lots of fruits and vegetables in one serving, and we love them, too, with a little kick. Sure you could add cayenne pepper to just any smoothie and it may (or may not) work taste-wise, but here’s our favorite recipe for a hearty and healthy beverage with a kick. We love the pairing of that earthy Kale flavor with the tanginess of orange, the sweetness of honey, and the spiciness of cayenne. The fact that it’s so very good for you, too, is just icing on the cake. Kale and cayenne is a potent energy boosting combo.

Homemade Thai Chili Sauce

by Matt Bray

Big heat – excellent for dipping.

What’s an egg roll, spring roll, or fried wonton to do without a little spicy sauce on the side? The same, of course, could be said about nearly anything in our books, but in this instance a bold Thai chili sauce is well in order. This recipe delivers the big heat of Thai chilies (50,000 to 100,000 Scoville heat units) with a pinch of garlic, sugar, and salt. Want some extra oomph? Leave those seeds in while processing. It brings this sauce to another spicy stratosphere.

Smoky Chipotle Sauce

by Matt Bray

Doubling down on smoke…

Sure chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are smoky enough in their own right, but to really deliver on the promise of this recipe’s name, smoked paprika is added into the mix, too. It’s a doubling down on smoky chili pepper ingredients to bring both that rustic earthiness and a nice dose of heat. Try it on sandwiches or simply as a dipping sauce.

Ancho Aioli

by Matt Bray

Mild smoky tang…

If you’re seeking an aioli recipe that’s light on the heat but delivers on the smoke, opting for ancho peppers is he way to go. As they’re dried poblanos, the heat is very mild, but it’s the smoky, earthy flavor that’s the real star. Paired with tangy mayonnaise and lime juice adds a tropical flair to the spread. It’s terrific with grilled shrimp, crab cakes, or even just as a French fry dip.

Spicy Caesar Cocktail

by Matt Bray

The “extra oomph” Canadian Bloody Mary alternative…

If you’re looking to ramp up your Bloody Mary love, it’s time to meet and greet the Caesar cocktail. It’s the Canadian cousin to the famous brunch drink, and it packs a little extra something. Clamato Picante (see on Amazon) delivers not only the unique clam flavor you expect, but also a punch of jalapeño puree. Top that with a few dashes of Tabasco, and this is one cocktail that’s certain to wake you up.

Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

by Matt Bray

Delicious…from pasta sauce to dipping sauce. Spicy Cajun cream sauce is not only tasty, it’s also very versatile. It’s obviously a good choice for adding a touch of spice to basic pasta. But try it, too, topping some chicken cutlets or as a dipping sauce side for …

Homemade Creole Seasoning

by Matt Bray

Put that spice rack to work…

Just like Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning is relatively easy to make at home. All it takes is a few more ingredients beyond its Cajun cousin. This recipe is overall light on salt compared to commercial options out there, so play with the amount you use to get the flavor you’re looking for in your dish. The heat is provided by cayenne pepper powder with a little coming from the sweet paprika base. If you want to temper down the spice, cut a tablespoon of cayenne and replace it with paprika.

NuMex Twilight Guide: Heat, Flavor, Uses

by Matt Bray

What are NuMex Twilight peppers? The Numex Twilight may be tiny in size, but it packs a surprising amount of heat (30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units.) But that’s not what makes these chilies so very special. It’s how they mature – like a rainbow of …

Homemade Adobo Seasoning

by Matt Bray

From guacamole seasoning to steak rub…

Mexican adobo seasoning may sound exotic, but its ingredients are all common sights on the spice rack. When combined, they make a flavorful mix that’s just as perfect as a guacamole seasoning as it is a barbecue steak rub. Try it, too, as a spice for bean sides, a taco meat seasoning, or as a seasoning for a Mexican inspired salad. It’s very versatile. The chili heat in this recipe is provided by the paprika and chipotle powder.